Chapter 70

A sudden knock shattered the intimacy of the moment. Thea quickly pulled away from Nicolas. He paused, narrowing his eyes toward the door, a dangerous look in them.

Jake's voice came from outside. "Uncle Nicolas, are you there? I need to talk to you urgently."

He knocked again, receiving no response. Confusion washed over him. Before arriving, he'd confirmed Nicolas's presence in the office with Darwin. Tentatively, Jake turned the doorknob; the door was unlocked. He fell silent, a bold thought forming.

He called out loudly several times. "Uncle Nicolas? Uncle Nicolas? If you're not here, I'm coming in!"

He opened the door. Nicolas sat in his chair, coldly glaring. "I wondered if you'd dare enter if I weren't here. My timid nephew shows surprising courage." Jake broke into a cold sweat, forcing a laugh. "I was worried you hadn't heard me. Plus, your office has cameras; you can see everything I do." Nicolas scoffed.

Using the outside light, Jake saw a woman in Nicolas's arms. Her back was to him, but he saw long hair and slender ankles peeking from beneath her dress. Their intimate posture indicated a close relationship.

"Uncle Nicolas, have you been drinking?" Jake's curiosity piqued; he pretended nonchalance as he walked further in, eager to see the woman.

Thea tightened her grip on Nicolas's shirt as she heard Jake approach, her nerves frayed. Just as she could bear it no longer, Nicolas spoke. "You seem to have free time. Have you resolved those troublesome matters?"

Jake stopped, unable to meet Nicolas's gaze. "Almost, Uncle Nicolas. I know I didn't plan well this time; it won't happen again. Please give me another chance." Nicolas smiled silently, his eyes mocking.

Jake's face shifted between gloom and pallor; he clenched his fists in humiliation. Thea felt a slight relief, but Nicolas continued, "Today seems significant… related to you."

Jake's expression turned peculiar. When did Uncle Nicolas become so concerned about me? he thought.

Nicolas's clear, cold voice rang out. "Is today the anniversary of your eight-year relationship with your ex-girlfriend? Your grandfather thinks breaking up with her for Madelyn was unwise and wants you to win her back. Today's a good opportunity."

Jake was taken aback. Uncle Nicolas is helping me strategize? he thought.

Thea, nestled in Nicolas's arms, was equally shocked. She looked up, incredulous. What does he mean? she wondered. In her surprise, she bumped her forehead against Nicolas's chin. He groaned.

Seeing this, Jake left. "Uncle Nicolas, I won't disturb you."

Thea shrank back, feeling his chilling gaze. Countless doubts and questions choked her. As Jake left, she quickly pulled away from Nicolas. Now, she was genuinely angry.

Chapter 70 (Continued) (There is no Chapter 701 provided in the original text)