Chapter 35

Nicolas frowned slightly and replied flatly, "Is there something you need?"

Emmalie smiled brightly, unfazed. "I know you're close to Lari, so I thought I'd visit. We share a love of art and had a nice chat. Are you having dinner with him tonight? Maybe—" Before she could finish, Nicolas cut her off, his voice turning cold. "I'm sorry, but I have plans tonight. You won't be joining."

Emmalie's smile faltered momentarily, but she quickly recovered, hiding any disappointment.

Without wasting time, Nicolas walked past her, adding coldly, "Miss Rowland, I hope you know where the line is. We're not close, and I'd prefer you didn't act otherwise." Emmalie clenched her fists, maintaining her polished smile. "Of course. Another time, then."

Nicolas didn't respond and quickened his pace into the restaurant.

As she watched him go, the warmth in Emmalie's eyes faded. She glanced toward a hidden spot and quickly composed herself.

Inside, Ian looked visibly annoyed. Without looking up as Nicolas approached, he muttered, "A few years ago, your father had the gall to reject my granddaughter, claiming he had someone better for you. I expected someone remarkable, but instead, he picked some pretentious little thing." Nicolas's expression darkened. "Have you met her?"

"Yes," Ian scoffed. "She's wealthy, sure, but her act doesn't fool me. And Stefan? His judgment's slipping if he thinks she's wife material. I'll set him straight when I get the chance." Nicolas felt a flicker of frustration but said calmly, "She's not what you think. If you got to know her better, you'd see she's different."

Ian stared at Nicolas, confused. "What's gotten into you? Are you defending her? Don't tell me you've fallen for this type of woman! No way!" Nicolas opened his mouth to explain. It wasn't about feelings; it was about protecting Thea's reputation. They were in a marriage of convenience, and Ian's impression was wrong. But before he could clarify, Ian waved him off dismissively. "I've met her, and that's enough. I won't meddle in your marriage. Forget dinner. I've got a painting to finish."

Ian had always been like this, and Nicolas didn't argue. He instructed Darwin to escort Ian home.

Five minutes after Ian left, Thea arrived, carrying items and looking confused as she glanced around the restaurant.

Nicolas explained, "Something came up, so Ian had to leave. He said you'll meet another time."

Thea nodded, but her spirits dipped. Ian's lack of impression stung. Still, this marriage was temporary. Nicolas would eventually find someone more suited to him. If not for Stefan's insistence, she probably wouldn't have met Ian at all. Seeing her expression, Nicolas added, "Don't overthink it. He's easy to get along with. He just didn't have time to get to know you today."

Thea managed a small smile. "I understand, Mr. Hendrix."

"Do you want me to arrange another dinner?" she asked tentatively.

Nicolas shook his head. "No need. Since we're already here, let's just eat."

In the cozy private room, only Thea and Nicolas remained. It was their first dinner alone together. Her heart raced, and she couldn't help but glance at him several times.

Nicolas had removed his jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt, perfectly buttoned and wrinkle-free. The sight of his slightly bobbing Adam's apple and the visible veins on his strong forearms, revealed by his rolled-up sleeves, held a restrained allure.

Thea suddenly felt her mouth go dry. She quickly reached for her wine glass and took a few gulps.

Ian, incidentally, loved smooth, mellow wine with a subtle, strong but not overpowering flavor. The restaurant was chosen for its Bangolware wines. Thea wasn't worried; she'd handled her liquor well at many business dinners with Jake.

Noticing Thea drinking several glasses without flinching, Nicolas looked at her with mild curiosity. After a moment, he picked up his own glass and took a sip.

Thea blinked and smiled. "Mr. Hendrix, I'm not sure if this wine is to your liking. It's more fruity and sweet, but it's—"

Before she could finish, Nicolas downed the entire glass.

Thea blinked in surprise. She was about to comment on his tolerance when she noticed his features had softened. His cheeks flushed slightly, and his usually clear eyes seemed unfocused. He wavered, gripping the table, letting out a quiet groan.

Thea stared in disbelief. "Mr. Hendrix, are you drunk?"

Nicolas cleared his throat, attempting composure, though his voice was unsteady. "I saw you drinking it like water, so I figured it wasn't that strong."

Thea smiled. She hadn't expected this. The wine was stronger than it tasted, but not enough to affect someone after one glass. Nicolas's alcohol tolerance was clearly lower than she'd thought. His body swayed, and he seemed unsteady.

Thea hurried to his side, gently supporting him. "Mr. Hendrix, maybe I should take you home if you're not feeling well." Nicolas, still somewhat in control, didn't fully lean on her, but the warmth of his body and the scent of his cologne made Thea's heart race.

He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his voice soft and husky. "Just give me a minute."