Ch. 461..470

Chapter 461 Bumped Into Each Other

Norman’s hand that rested on the other twitched slightly. To be honest, he was tempted by Nicole’s offer. But then, he steadied himself as now was not the time to give in.

After finishing her words, Nicole did not say anything more and left.

After leaving the police department, she went to the hospital. Although Betty was recovering, she still couldn’t remember some of her memories. The doctor said that this was because of the long-term side-effect of the medicine, and there was nothing they could do other than to let her slowly recover from it.

Worried that something would happen to Betty as she lived alone, Nicole hired someone to take care of her to prevent anything from happening.

As for Julia, her belly was getting bigger, and she had gotten skinnier because of the morning sickness for the past few days. When Nicole visited her, she noticed that Julia was so skinny that her eyes bulged. It was heartbreaking for her to see Julia in this state, but words couldn’t come out of her mouth when she wanted to tell her everything. As for Julia, her belly was getting bigger, and she had gotten skinnier because of the morning sickness for the past few days. When Nicole visited her, she noticed that Julia was so skinny that her eyes bulged. It was heartbreaking for her to see Julia in this state, but words couldn’t come out of her mouth when she wanted to tell her everything.

bout the Zuniga Family at Durobrivae being a political dynasty…

Thinking about that, Nicole couldn’t get herself to speak up.

“Nicole, I have seen many pregnant women and understand their conditions. But when it was my turn, I realized that being pregnant isn’t an easy job.”

Julia lay on the bed; her pregnant belly was slightly visible now that it had grown bigger, but her poor appetite had caused other parts of her body to slim down except her belly.

“Since you chose to have this baby, you need to stay strong for the baby, Julia,” Nicole comforted her.

Julia nodded and lowered her eyes while touching her belly as she said, “I know. I will take good care of him and watch him grow.”

Julia decided to do a checkup as she recently had a poor appetite, and her baby bump was getting bigger. Although she was a specialist in this field, she couldn’t inspect the baby’s condition clearly, as there was no equipment in the house. So, she wanted a checkup at the research center, but Nicole felt it was inconvenient and that they should go to the hospital.

Seeing the hesitation in Julia’s eyes, Nicole smiled. “I’m not an expert on this. Although you are an expert yourself, it’s hard for you to check your own condition. If you are afraid to bump into Richard, we can go to the Town Central Hospital.”

After hesitating for some time, Julia agreed. After all, this was her child; she could not be careless with it.

With that, Nicole drove Julia to Town Central Hospital at Lumore for a checkup. Although Julia had a poor appetite, the baby was in good condition. The doctor prescribed her some antiemetics, and they went to take them. Just as they were taking the prescription, a man came their way, and Julia hid behind Nicole subconsciously.

When Nicole raised her head, she realized that it was Richard!

The reason they were at Lumore was to avoid him, but who knew that they still bumped into each other? It was as if life was playing tricks on them. Fortunately, Richard didn’t suspect anything and left quickly after glancing at them.

When he left, Julia came out from behind Nicole. A hint of disappointment flashed across her eyes because Richard didn’t greet her even though he saw her. It was like they were strangers.

Noticing her disappointment, Nicole held her hand and whispered, “Don’t be sad, Julia.”

As Nicole comforted her, Julia hid her sadness and managed a smile. “I’m not sad, Nicole. Let’s go.”

The two left after taking the prescription. Luckily, Richard did not appear again.

When they returned to the car, Julia said, “Nicole, I was thinking of going back abroad once the baby’s condition becomes stable.”

Her words stunned Nicole, but she soon realized Julia was avoiding Richard. Now that he was the son-in-law of the Zuniga Family, he wouldn’t go abroad again. So maybe for Julia, going abroad was a good decision.

Chapter 462 He Knows

When Richard saw Julia at the hospital, he was suspicious as he didn’t expect to see her. The hospital director of Lumore Hospital had specially invited him today for a discussion. Who knew they would meet out of coincidence?

Although Julia stood together with Nicole, he could see the exhaustion on her face with just one look. Obviously, one could tell that Julia was ill.

Richard’s heart was in pain at the thought of her being ill. He couldn’t figure out why she had come to the hospital for a checkup all of a sudden as she was very healthy when she was with him.

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became. With that being said, Richard asked for her information at the hospital. Since the hospital director had invited him over, the staff was cooperative and gave him what he wanted.

He found out that Julia was heading to the Gynecology Department.

Richard’s heart pounded as he looked at her medical file on the screen. As soon as the doctor pulled up her file, he was stunned.

Julia had been pregnant for two months.

He lowered his eyes and thought, I was still with Julia two months ago. This has to be my child.

Seeing that Richard was zoning out, the doctor said good-naturedly, “This lady is here to get her baby checked, but she is not in good shape. We gave her some antiemetics since she has a bad case of morning sickness.”

The doctor’s words made Richard’s heart sink with bitterness. Oh, his dear Julia! He could tell that she had deliberately avoided him when they met at the hospital, and it looked like she wanted to keep the baby. Thinking about that, Richard gripped his knuckles; he was beginning to have second thoughts despite having already made up his mind.

“Okay, I got it. Thank you,” he said and put up a bitter smile. After thanking the doctor, he left the building. After coming out of the hospital, Richard looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with confusion. He had already made up his mind to forget about Julia, but when he knew that she was carrying his child and was going to keep the baby, he had second thoughts.

Seeing her like this was disheartening, but he couldn’t do anything to help her since he was not strong enough. If only he was as capable as Colton, perhaps the Zuniga Family wouldn’t force him to be with Christi. All Richard could do was blame himself for not being strong enough and could only accept the Zuniga Family’s forced marriage.

A hint of helplessness flashed across his eyes as his plan was being disrupted once again. After thinking for some time, he decided to approach Colton and ask for his advice since he still couldn’t let go of Julia.

For the past few days, he kept telling himself not to offend the Zuniga Family; not only would the Jenkins Family be in trouble, even the Gardner Family and the Hull Family would also be involved. However, when he thought about Julia getting pregnant all by herself, he couldn’t force himself to leave her alone.

When Colton saw him, he was not surprised at all and even smiled at Richard.

“Colton, do you have any ways to help me get rid of the Zuniga Family?” Richard cut to the chase.

Colton’s smile widened when he heard Richard call him. He lowered his eyes and thought for a moment before looking back at him. “Don’t you like doing things on your own? It’s a surprise that you know how to ask for my help.”

Since it was Colton, Richard did not have to hide anything and said, “Julia is pregnant.” When he said this, he paused for a moment like he had thought of something before continuing, “Even if she is not pregnant, I can’t forget her. I tried, but I just couldn’t.”

Colton crossed his arms, watching the usually open-minded Richard being engulfed in sadness. He thought that he couldn’t just let him be in this state any longer.

“I know,” he said.

Richard looked at him weirdly and asked, “What do you know? I’m being serious now. Think of something, Colton Gardner.”

 

Chapter 463 Trick

Looking at the already agitated man in front of him, Colton couldn’t help but laugh. Richard had always been like this, calling him by his full name whenever he encountered trouble.

Colton tapped the table with his slender fingers and said, “Gardner Corporation is now preparing to collaborate with F&R Enterprise, and the Kohlberg Group is keeping a close eye on us. It might not be in my best interest to help you out, but I have a friend who can.”

Richard squinted at him and couldn’t help but mutter, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier if you already had a plan?”

F*ck, he had been scratching his head and worrying about it for so long.

Colton remained calm even when confronted by Richard’s questioning. He glanced at Richard and responded, “You didn’t ask earlier, and I thought you really liked Christi. If this beautiful marriage actually takes place, it will benefit the Gardner Family as well.”

“Nonsense!” Richard abruptly showed his true colors in front of Colton and lost the previous docility he had.

He was so pissed!

Although Christi didn’t force him, the Zuniga Family did; they insisted that both Christi and Richard got married to each other.

When Richard learned Colton had a solution, he felt relieved. He sat on the couch and looked at the man before asking, “Tell me, what’s the solution you have in mind?”

Colton saw his expression of relief and uttered while stroking his chin, “This method only has a fifty-fifty probability of working, though.”

Confused, Richard frowned a little before asking, “What is the solution?”

“Seduction,” Colton stated nonchalantly.

Richard suddenly felt as though he was being suffocated by air, and he forcefully coughed while covering his mouth with his palms. He inquired again in disbelief, “What did you say?”

“Seduction,” Colton repeated.

Richard was speechless as he didn’t anticipate it to be such a poor solution.

He regretted placing so much hope in Colton. After a moment of silence, he got up and walked away without saying anything.

Then, Colton shouted, “My friend’s name is Joshua Fleming.”

Richard came to an immediate halt. He turned to face Colton with a tense gaze, and he eventually moved his lips to question, “Are you talking about the oldest young master of the Fleming Family that lives in the eastern area?”

Colton nodded.

“Yes, he is planning to return to his home country recently. Since he enjoys challenging various ladies, he might be able to assist you in getting rid of the Zuniga Family.”

Richard had also heard of Joshua. The Fleming Family worked in the oil industry and profited generously from it, but because of this, Joshua grew up with a golden spoon in his mouth.

He was a dissolute man who enjoyed being with ladies and liked women he couldn’t get.

Although Richard didn’t like the Zuniga Family’s coercion, Christi was innocent. He couldn’t do it.

When Colton noticed Richard hesitating, he spread his lips and cracked a little smile.

“If you want to know one thing, Richard, it’s that you can’t always have the best of both worlds. You should understand that in order to achieve something, something must be sacrificed.”

After pausing for a while, Richard came to his senses.

Christi might be innocent, but the Zuniga Family was not one to be trifled with, and Joshua could not benefit from them in any way. If he could interfere with the matter between him and Christi, Richard could finally be together with Julia.

When Richard thought of the kid inside Julia’s womb, he stopped hesitating as much.

He stood still, looked at Colton, and stated with sincerity, “Thank you, Colton.”

He bowed to Colton once he finished speaking. Then, he turned to leave.

Colton hid his smile as he looked at Richard, who had already left. He had to think of an actual solution to trick him.

 

Chapter 464 Preparation of the Wedding

Colton and Queenie not only obtained a marriage certificate, but also had a wedding scheduled for two weeks down the road.

Although nothing was disclosed from the Gardner Family, Queenie had revealed everything.

Lydia didn’t expect things to develop so quickly. She intended to visit Mrs. Gardner to discuss the wedding, but she didn’t imagine being refused outright. Mrs. Gardner told Lydia that this was her child’s concern, and since she was old, she would like to stay out of it.

On the other hand, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event for Lydia’s daughter, so she felt that it couldn’t be too casual. She eventually took the initiative to go to Queenie’s residence and waited for Colton to return so that they could discuss it together.

Colton rarely visited Queenie. He only came back once a week, but would only look around before leaving again.

In Lydia’s eyes, Queenie appeared to be mistreated by Colton, and she secretly hoped for justice on her daughter’s behalf.

“Queenie, you are pregnant with his child now, yet he is so distant from you! He is not a competent husband at all!”

Hearing Lydia’s complaints, Queenie hurriedly interrupted, “Mom, don’t say that about Colton. Colton is the head of the Gardner Family. He has a lot of responsibilities and is extremely busy. I think it’s already good enough that he takes time off to visit me occasionally.”

Lydia looked at her daughter’s innocent look and couldn’t help but sigh. “Queenie, I know you like him, but the Gardner Family doesn’t seem to care about your wedding—even Mrs. Gardner wants to stay out of it. The wedding must be lavish if you marry Colton!”

Queenie was her only daughter, and she didn’t want her to be mistreated.

Although she married William back then, she still had the status of a mistress. She had never before hosted a lavish wedding, but her daughter was different. How could the marriage not be magnificent given that she was going to marry a prominent member of the Gardner Family?

“Mom, as long as I marry Colton, I wouldn’t mind even if there is no wedding.”

According to Queenie, she didn’t mind these issues at all.

Colton eventually returned in the evening while Lydia was chatting with Queenie.

Lydia’s presence did not surprise Colton at all.

Although Lydia was not convinced, she still said politely to Colton, “Mr. Gardner, you promised that the wedding would take place in two weeks, but when I visited Mrs. Gardner, she refused to host the event. Is there anything else that’s more important?”

Hearing her question, Colton frowned slightly as his face darkened at once. He looked over with displeasure, his voice cold. “Are you doubting me now?”

Colton’s strong response was unexpected by Lydia, who hastily shook her head and denied. “N-No, I simply believe it’s best to organize a grand wedding since getting married is a woman’s once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Upon hearing that, Colton paused, refusing to even glance at Lydia. Instead, he placed his attention on Queenie and asked, “Is this your idea?” he asked.

Queenie was startled as she looked into his icy eyes and quickly shook her head. “No, Colton, it is not.”

As she spoke, she tugged on Lydia’s arm in secret.

Colton continued coldly before giving them both a chance to respond, “My mother is busy caring for my grandfather while he recovers from a major illness, so there is obviously no time for this wedding. It can only be executed simply; if there are objections, it won’t take place.”

Queenie was shocked and said quickly, “Grandpa is recovering from a terrible illness, so the wedding shouldn’t be all that lavish. Like you said, we should just keep it simple.”

She did not want to blow this chance; it was the wedding she had been anticipating for five years, after all. Just as she had always wished, she finally got the opportunity to become Mrs. Gardner.

He remained silent as he simply passed Queenie the envelope in his hand and turned to leave.

Lydia wanted to say more, but her daughter stopped her. Queenie shook her head as she looked at Colton’s retreating back.

 

Chapter 465 You Don’t Need To Care

Lydia looked at her daughter anxiously. Even if her daughter married Colton in a public ceremony, Queenie was still aggrieved about the situation. However, given the wealthy lifestyle she would soon enjoy, she would have to bear it for now.

“It’s okay, Mom. If we make him unhappy, there probably won’t be a wedding,” Queenie said, looking at the envelope he had given her. It contained their wedding invitation with both their names printed on the cover.

She couldn’t help but smile as she showed the card to her mother. “Look, he cares about me. He even gave me the card himself!”

Lydia had been wary of the Gardners ever since they refused to make the wedding a grand occasion, but seeing the card before her made her swallow her feelings. She nodded at her daughter. “Yeah, we can print this out and give it to everyone we know back home for them to see you at your best!”

“Sure,” answered Queenie as she nodded with a smile.

When Whitney returned to the Campbell residence, a grave atmosphere greeted her. Her father and stepmother sat front and center with Michael, her half-brother, sitting beside his mother. Meanwhile, Aaron sat behind them. Jonathan looked happy when he saw her, but his expression became serious as he said, “You’re back.”

Aaron looked unhappy at Whitney’s return and stood up at once. “Whitney, you don’t need to care about the whole situation. We just have to deal with the consequences of it.”

Her stepmother became annoyed at his words and stood up, waving him off. “What are you talking about? If she doesn’t help us, we will be in trouble!”

Aaron was more soft-spoken like their mother, and he had never been this brave before. Whitney’s eyes reddened as she knew he was doing this to help her.

“It’s his fault that everything happened, and he should be the one to bear the consequences. Whitney and I didn’t do anything, so why should we be the ones to do so?” Aaron retorted, his face red.

Jonathan had a hard time persuading his daughter to return so that she could meet Douglas and talk about the situation at hand, but now, Aaron was trying to spoil his plans. In anger, he slapped the young man.

Aaron froze, shocked by the man’s action as he felt his face burn from the impact. Whitney quickly approached her brother to look at his cheek. She then bellowed, “Jonathan! We are your biological children. No father will do this to his kids. Are you putting your hopes on this useless piece of trash right here?”

Michael was so enraged by the term she had used for him that he hit the table and growled and said, “Who did you just call a useless piece of trash? I’ll teach you a lesson!”

She pulled her younger brother and backed away with a sneer. “You, of course! Are you going to hit me? If you do, I won’t help you with Douglas’ situation!”

As soon as Jonathan heard her mention Douglas, immediately stopped Michael. “Don’t do it. She’s your younger sister. Lower your hand immediately.”

Michael was angry at her, but since he needed her help, he backed down instead.

“Whitney, you don’t have to do it. I am not scared of going to prison,” said Aaron quietly while tugging her sleeve.

Whitney shut her eyes. She did not want to help these disgusting people, but she couldn’t just leave her only brother alone.

 

Chapter 466 I Am Mrs. Gardner

“I will try to deal with the issues regarding Douglas, but I have a request,” said Whitney seriously as she looked at Jonathan.

He narrowed his eyes. “What is it?”

“I want you to change my brother’s legal representative. Aaron’s registered address should be changed to mine, and from now on, both of us will have nothing to do with you,” she said with determination.

She had changed her registered address from her family’s to her own before, but hadn’t done the same for her brother. Aaron had been too young, and she didn’t want all the family assets to fall into the hands of the mother-son duo before her, but now, Whitney decided that she didn’t care as long as her brother was safe.

“Impossible! He’s my son; why do you want to do that?” Jonathan argued. Without Aaron, he wouldn’t be able to control Whitney, and it would be the end of him if anything occurred. Douglas was no longer the same person he had been; with F&R Enterprise backing him, they would be in danger if he decided to take revenge.

“I’m not negotiating; this is a transaction between us. If you don’t want to do it, deal with this yourself.”

He looked at his daughter whom he hadn’t seen in four years. Indeed, she had changed after all that time. “Whitney, you know that your brother will be imprisoned if you don’t deal with this, right?”

Whitney understood exactly that, but she also knew what would happen if her brother continued living with their family. “If you refuse to accept my request, deal with Douglas yourself. Don’t dangle that over my head!”

Seeing how firm Whitney was, Jonathan had no choice but to comply. She had changed too much, and she might really refuse to help if he didn’t agree to it. “Fine. If you can help us get out of this unscathed, I will agree to your request.”

Whitney knew she had succeeded and didn’t reply. Instead, she dragged Aaron upstairs.

Following the weekend, Nicole returned to her office at Gardner Corporation to find Queenie sitting in her chair. This was strange since the security had always barred her sister from entering. Now, they decided to let her in.

“Why are you here?” Nicole frowned and tossed her bag onto the couch.

Queenie looked arrogant as she crossed her arms and showed off her belly slightly. “Nicole, I am here as Colton’s wife to give you our wedding invitation.”

After saying that, she pulled out an invitation from her purse and placed it on the table. Nicole glanced at it without any change in her expression, then bit her lip and smiled. “Ah, so you remember that I am your sister. I’m grateful.”

Queenie couldn’t read her sister’s emotions. Isn’t Nicole supposed to be angry and skeptical? Why is she so calm about the whole thing? It seems like she doesn’t care about the fact that I’m marrying Colton!

“Colton and I are going to get married!” Queenie repeated her sentence, studying her sister’s face carefully for any signs of emotions.

However, Nicole was still smiling. “Thank you for your graciousness. I will come if I’m available, but it’s working hours now, so I need you to leave.”

As she said that, she walked toward her desk and took the invitation.

“I’m Colton’s wife, and he’s the president of this corporation. I will sit wherever I want, even if it’s in his office! How dare you kick me out?!”

Chapter 467 Design the Wedding Dress

Queenie spoke arrogantly, her gaze scornful as she studied Nicole. Nicole’s expression froze slightly at her words, but she did not get angry. Instead, she smiled and packed up the documents on her table.

Queenie was surprised by her actions. “What are you planning to do?”

Nicole finished packing up the documents and explained kindly, “I’m going to President Gardner’s office to work. You have occupied my seat, so I need somewhere else to do my work.”

Queenie jumped up from her seat, hackles raised as she glared at her sister. “You’re so shameless, aren’t you? He and I are already legally married! Are you planning to come in between us?”

Nicole sneered. “Why are you so condescending, Queenie? Have more tact and get out of my office, or I will go to Colton’s space and work while sitting on his lap!”

Queenie’s face was red with anger. Even though she was Mrs. Gardner and thus on a different level from Nicole, she could never win. Hatred flashed across her eyes as her hands formed fists at her sides. She would show Nicole; she would kick her out of Gardner Corporation as soon as the wedding was held!

“You have no shame, huh?” Queenie snorted coldly.

Nicole only stared at her, smiling as she waved the documents in her hand. “Not budging? Guess I’ll have to go to Colton’s office, then.”

Since Queenie was afraid that she would actually do so, she got up to leave. However, before she left, she mocked her sister by saying, “This is a horrible seat anyway. I don’t care!”

Nicole ignored her as she went over to the seat Queenie had vacated, arranged her files, and started to work. Queenie’s temper flared up again, but she couldn’t do anything about it. Eventually, she turned and slammed her hands onto the desk.

“Hey, I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?”

Nicole looked up at her with slight irritation. “Spit it out. I don’t have time to look for trouble like you do.”

“Me and Colton’s wedding is around the corner. Shouldn’t you, a designer working here, help the boss’ wife design a wedding dress?” Queenie asked, wanting to see Nicole lose her composure.

However, her plan failed as her sister agreed without a word of protest. “Sure.”

Queenie narrowed her eyes. This felt strange; did Nicole just agree to her request?

“Are you willing to help me design my wedding dress?” she asked suspiciously again.

Nicole smiled. “You are President Gardner’s wife, and I’m an employee of his corporation. It’s not an outrageous request.”

Queenie felt her anger dissipate at Nicole’s calm expression. She had come to wound Nicole’s pride, but her sister stood her ground.

“Three days. You have three days before I see the final product!” she said coldly before finally leaving the room.

Nicole didn’t have any reaction to that and resumed working again. However, Colton himself entered shortly after.

She looked up to see his amused smile, feeling confused. “What is it, President Gardner?”

He put his hands in his pockets and strode toward her with his long legs. He stopped in front of her desk and drawled, “I came to see you.”

 

Chapter 468 Keeping a Distance

Colton looked around the office before his eyes slowly fell on Nicole’s face. A faint smile then appeared on the corners of his mouth as he added, “I came in and took a look because I heard that someone wants to do their work while sitting on my lap.”

Nicole looked slightly embarrassed when she heard his words. She didn’t think he would overhear something she had randomly spouted just to make Queenie angry. She could only blame the sound-proofing of the room.

After she awkwardly covered her mouth and forced a cough, she uttered, “I was only trying to provoke her.”

However, he had a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned over.

“But I took it seriously,” he purred. “How about you try and see if sitting on my lap feels any different? My thighs are pretty strong, if I do say so myself.”

He even coquettishly patted his thighs after he said that.

Is he alright in the head? Nicole thought before letting an icy smile show. As she shoved him away from her, she asked, “You seem to have a poor memory, President Gardner. Do your legs not hurt anymore?”

Colton couldn’t help but recall that time when she stomped on his foot in the office as soon as he heard her words.

Her putting all her strength into it that time had resulted in him having his foot throb in pain for three days.

Wiping off the dirty look on his face, Colton straightened his torso and brought up what had happened earlier. “I heard everything Queenie said. You don’t have to mind her.”

Nicole’s eyes fell at that before she slowly replied, “Queenie is Mrs. Gardner, after all. As her subordinate, I can’t possibly reject her orders.”

Her sarcastic words made Colton smile happily. He then walked around the table to stand in front of her as he smilingly teased, “Are you jealous?”

A laugh slipped as Nicole lifted her eyebrows. “Your imagination is as rich as ever, President Gardner.”

Despite her mockery, Colton wasn’t at all angry. He proceeded to approach Nicole and before she could even react, he bent down, bringing his lips close to hers, and mercilessly pressed against her. “Mmh!”

F*cking hell! B*stard! Always kissing me out of nowhere!

As Nicole parted her lips to bite him, Coltonn swiftly took the chance to deepen the kiss.

Her hands were firmly pressed against his chest as she tried to push him away. However, the man’s arms were like an iron chain that caged her in place.

By the time he was done kissing her and had let go, Nicole had already turned into a huffing and puffing tomato. She only pushed him away after she had caught her breath.

She brought a hand up to her lips, her eyes fiercely glaring at him.

“You have a talent for going into heat anytime and anywhere, don’t you, President Gardner?!” she growled.

Possibly traumatized by the last time, Colton especially took a look at the shoes on her feet, and only went in front of her and teased her again after seeing that they were flats.

“Not necessarily. But yes, if it is with you.”

As he spoke, he reached out and savored every inch of her cheek with the tips of his fingers. His dark eyes had a hint of desire in them.

“Tell me what am I supposed to do, Nicky. I think I am falling deeper in love with you.”

Colton’s sudden confession frightened her so bad she had goosebumps all over. She only replied after she took a few steps backward and was a safe distance away from him.

“President Gardner, your wedding is in two weeks. We had better keep some distance. I wouldn’t want people thinking that I am the third party if they happen to catch us.”

Colton knew that Nicole was making fun of him, but it didn’t bother him one bit.

After all, she was right—now wasn’t the right time for him to do such things. The public didn’t know that he and Queenie were just putting on a show. In order to not cause any unnecessary problems, it was indeed best if they didn’t get too close.

Chapter 469 One of the Flemings

Even so… Colton lowered his head to look at Nicole, and he noticed how his kiss earlier had left her lips red and moist. That plump and juicy look was blatantly impelling him to press another hard kiss on them.

A wicked smile soon appeared on his face as he asked hoarsely, “It is fine. We can have our secret rendezvous in the office. Don’t you think it makes it all even more exciting?”

He tried to close in on her again after he said that.

Nicole had never met such a thick-skinned person before. Even Zachary, who told her he liked her, had never been as shameless as Colton was.

“President Gardner, it would be bad if someone were to see us!”

In fact, she felt that something bad was about to happen whenever she and Colton were in the same room.

He didn’t come any closer after that. He knew that he couldn’t get anything out of forcing himself onto her. As a successful businessman, he knew what it meant to advance by retreating.

“Don’t worry, Nicky. I told Tony to keep watch outside before I came in. No one will be allowed to enter,” he reassured her with nonchalance.

Does he even need someone to stand guard as he goes to town on me? How shameless!

Smiling humorlessly, Nicole growled, “I am not joking, President Gardner.”

Hearing that, he finally stopped teasing her as he sported a grim look on his face.

“You don’t have to care about Queenie. I will have her banned from coming to the office from now on so that she doesn’t cause you more trouble. As for the wedding gown, I will leave it to you to handle it.”

Nicole only hummed in reply.

Colton, too, didn’t dig a hole for himself as he left without being told.

When afternoon came, a dashing man in an informal bright yellow suit came to Colton’s office. Not only that, the man’s medium-length hair that was tucked behind his ear was also dyed yellow. It was safe to say that he was as flamboyant as a peacock.

Nicole only threw a glance at the bright figure when he passed by, but the moment he saw her, he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her all the way to Colton. He was ecstatic when he exclaimed, “Colton, I didn’t know you had such a beautiful woman in your office! Just look at how gorgeous her skin is even without makeup. I am in love!”

The man’s awkward-sounding English was laced with a thick foreign accent.

Nicole frowned and had a look of disdain on her face as she tried to break free from the man’s grip. However, the man in front of her unbudgingly held on to her, as though he had found some kind of treasure.

“Joshua, let her go.” Colton’s cold voice sounded slightly upset as he warned the man named Joshua.

Instead of releasing her, Joshua continued to chirp, “You are one petty man, Colton. Why didn’t you tell me there was a beautiful woman at your office? Look! She is so stunning even I want to touch her.”

Colton was about to warn the man again, only for Nicole to beat him to the punch when she grabbed Joshua’s wrist with her other hand. The moment she exerted pressure on a certain spot, the man immediately yelped in pain and let her go.

Still, she continued to pull his arm to the back and locked it there.

“Ah!” Joshua’s eyes were wet with unshed tears. He didn’t even care how much of a pathetic sight he was as he blabbered, “It hurts! Mama mia! Ma’am, l-let go… It is going to break!”

Colton swiftly stopped himself from saying the things he was going to say. Looking at Nicole bravely standing there, he suddenly felt glad that she had never attacked him before, otherwise he would have ended up like Joshua.

“It is okay to let go, Nicky. He is from the Fleming Family,” Colton eventually assured her when he could no longer stand Joshua’s wails.

Upon hearing his words, she let the man go. Her face, devoid of emotion especially when it concerned matters she had no part of, made her look particularly indifferent.

The only Fleming Family that warranted Colton’s attention was probably the Fleming Family that was a top dog in the oil industry.

 

Chapter 470 A Bundle of Nerves

Joshua held his wrist, his expression as pitiful as a puppy. He had tears hanging from the corners of his eyes when he pouted.

“Colton! Why is this woman at your office so cranky?!”

Colton held back the amusement in his eyes upon hearing that. His face when he looked at Joshua after that was already calm.

“I told you to let go. You are the one looking for trouble by not listening. Serves you right.”

Joshua wiggled his butt as he slid backward and away from Nicole. It was only until he was considerably far from her that he pitifully whined, “How was I supposed to know that such a fragile-looking pretty little lady was so strong?! I don’t even know where she held me just now for it to hurt so badly.”

Nicole still didn’t hold herself back even after learning Joshua’s identity. Her eyes were fixated on him as she warned, “Mr. Fleming, please make sure you keep a certain distance with women, especially ones that you have just met. You won’t be let off so easily next time.”

Joshua felt even more aggrieved at her cold words.

“Hey, didn’t you hear Colton say who I am just now?” he muttered.

“I did.” She raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms across her chest, putting on an arrogant look. “So what? I know that your name is Joshua. And?”

Joshua looked at the woman in front of him, and he found his curiosity piqued. Even though the Flemings’ main business was not within the local market, it was well-known globally.

After all, the Flemings had the monopoly in the oil industry, and Joshua was the only heir to the family.

“I am the sole heir of the Fleming Family. Aren’t you a bold one, woman?!” Joshua eventually scolded, only to subconsciously shrink away when Nicole’s frigid eyes landed on him.

The pain on his arm earlier was as clear as day. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to handle it if he had to experience it another time.

Nicole’s lips curled into a smile, and she suddenly became respectful as she told him, “Mr. Fleming, I definitely won’t do anything if you don’t overstep the line. It was just an understanding earlier.”

Seeing her being respectful, he thought that Nicole was afraid of him, so he suddenly jumped up and went rampant.

“It is too late for you to be scared! I’ll have you know—”

He hadn’t even finished his words when Nicole suddenly cut him off.

“I think you have misunderstood something, Mr. Fleming. I am not scared. I only want to tell you that if you do something like this again, your arm might end up being plucked off.”

All of a sudden, the words that Joshua wanted to shout at her earlier were stuck in his throat.

What a vicious woman! he thought.

He then turned to look at Colton while he pointed at Nicole.

“Colton, why would you keep such a dangerous woman on your side? Are you sick and tired of living?”

The corners of Colton’s lips lifted slightly at that. In a raspy voice, he replied, “It is the result of my pampering. No big deal.”

Hearing that, Joshua quietly wondered again, Is this what marital harmony is?

“Alright, alright!” he muttered. “Have fun, you two. I don’t know if my wrist is fine or not. I am going to get a pretty nurse to give me a checkup.”

After Joshua said that, he immediately left the office.

Colton only looked at Nicole after Joshua left.

“What do you think of Joshua?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Nicole had no intention of hiding her thoughts as she directly commented, “He is a bundle of nerves. And he doesn’t seem very bright.”

Her opinion of Joshua made Colton chuckle. Even he had to agree that Joshua did give off such an impression with how the situation ended up earlier.

However, Colton knew all too well that that was just a façade Joshua put on in front of others. The latter was actually a decisive and ruthless person when facing his enemy.