Chapter 272

Noelle froze. What kind of question was that?

“Nicolas, what are you talking about?” she said, stunned.

“There’s no way I’d ever kill you,” she said firmly, without hesitation. “You’re the most important person in the world to me. I couldn’t do that.”

She wouldn’t even hurt him–how could she ever kill him?

Nicolas stared at her, unreadable. Then, softly, he asked, “But what if the person asking you to do it… is someone you can’t say no to?”

At that, Noelle’s body stiffened.

A name surfaced in her mind immediately: Brandon.

What if Brandon did order her to kill Nicolas?

At first, her feelings for Nicolas had been shallow–just a crush on a face too handsome to be real. He was nice to her, too, so naturally, she liked him. But back then, if the labs had ordered her to kill him, she would’ve obeyed without blinking.

But now… now everything had changed.

These days, she liked Nicolas so much it scared her. He always put her first, always paved the way for her, always treated her like she was precious. Since meeting him, she’d felt like she was living in a dream.

She’d never known someone like him. Never known this kind of gentle love.

Everyone else in her life had mocked her, used her, or treated her like a tool.

But not Nicolas.

From the moment they met, he had treated her with kindness–without expecting anything in return. Even her own blood relatives hadn’t done that.

How could she kill the one person who had loved her so unconditionally?

Noelle didn’t even want to imagine hurting Nicolas. The thought alone made her chest ache so badly she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

She shook her head fiercely, then looked up at him with eyes filled with unshakable conviction.

“No,” she said. “Nicolas, no matter who it is, no matter what they say, I will never hurt you. I swear it. I won’t. Ever.”

Nicolas stared at her, taking in the determination etched across her face, and in that moment, it was like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He smiled softly, then pulled her tightly into his arms.

“I believe you, Noelle,” he whispered. “That’s all I need.”

And with that, the storm in his heart finally settled.

The next morning, Noelle was already bouncing back to her cheerful self. After a full night’s rest, her energy had somewhat returned.

Nicolas cupped her face and said, “Finish up your test early today. I’ll cook something for you myself.”

Noelle’s eyes widened. “Wait–you can cook?”

In their house, she’d only ever seen the housekeeper or chef do the cooking. Nicolas had never touched a pan.

“A little,” he said, chuckling, “But nothing compared to Chef Noelle.”

Noelle laughed. “Won’t that be unfair to your taste buds?”

“If it’s from you, it’s never unfair.”

After their little morning cuddle session, Nicolas insisted on personally driving her to the lab.

But as they stepped outside the villa, they saw a sleek black car parked nearby.

And leaning against it, like something out of a movie, was Brandon–stunningly beautiful, aloof, and ice-cold. When alone, he radiated a chilling distance that made people afraid to get too close.

But the moment his emerald green eyes landed on Noelle, something shifted.

Then he waved and called out. “Noelle.”

Noelle blinked, surprised. “Brandon?”

He straightened up, walking toward her with a smile. “I came to pick you up.”

Gone was the icy veneer. Now, Brandon seemed more… human.

More alive.

But Noelle didn’t notice the change. All she saw was the end of her peaceful morning with Nicolas. She had hoped to spend a bit more time with him on the drive, just the two of them.

She looked over at Nicolas, conflicted.

She didn’t want to disappoint him.

But Nicolas, ever gentle, smiled and said, “It’s fine. If Brandon came to pick you up, go with him.”

“Nicolas…” she murmured, guilt welling in her throat.

“I’m okay.”

Noelle wanted to say something–but what could she say? This wasn’t her choice.

So she gave in, climbing into Brandon’s car.

Brandon shut the door, then looked back toward Nicolas with a smile.

His emerald eyes glinted with malice–mocking, taunting.

He gave a little nod… and drove away.

Nicolas watched the car disappear with a dry chuckle.

‘How childish,’ he thought. ‘Was that supposed to be some kind of declaration? A show of power!’

“Alright then, Brandon,” he murmured. “Let’s see who laughs last.”

As Nicolas turned to head back inside, his phone buzzed.

A call from an unknown number.

But the location? Kory’s estate.

Nicolas eyes narrowed.

They had only met last night. And Kory already knew?

‘Everything I do is under this man’s surveillance,’ Nicolas thought grimly. ‘I’ll have to be more careful going forward.’

Still, he played dumb. “The meeting? Oh, not hard. He seemed pretty polite.”

Kory scoffed. “Polite! Are you blind or just pretending! The way he was practically overflowing… He’s not just interested in a lab purification facility; he’s got designs on you.”

“Maybe,” Nicolas replied coolly.

Chapter 272

But Kory wasn’t calling to banter.

He got straight to the point. “So! I gave you a day to decide. What’s your answer?”

“Will you marry Angeline and protect Noelle? Or walk away, and leave yourself at the mercy of the very girl you love?” In Kory’s mind, the answer should’ve been obvious. Any smart man would know which path to choose.

But all he heard on the other end… was Nicolas chuckling.