Ch. 1731..1740

Chapter 1731

Nicole shook her head. “No, it’s mine.”

Yvette was stunned and jerked her head up to look at her.

“Why didn’t you spend his money? Aren’t you guys already married? Isn’t his money also yours?”

Nicole pursed her lips and raised her eyebrows. She never thought about that before.

“Does it matter whose money I spend?” Yvette looked at Nicole speechlessly.

“Of course, it matters! Do you know how much money he has? Do you know what he spends his money on? If he doesn’t let you spend his money, he’ll spend it on other women instead. You have to keep an eye on his money. Even if you don’t lack money, you can’t let go of it, understand?”

Nicole was shocked by Yvette’s remarks.

Yvette sighed and wrapped her arms around herself.

“Anyway, I basically never spend my own money now. Lance has money, so I can spend it as I please. The more I spend, the more he earns. I can’t let him think that I’m low-maintenance. Otherwise, he’ll think that women outside are more valuable than me, right?”

Yvette got married a few months earlier than Nicole and had much more insight regarding marriage.

In particular, Yvette met many married women recently, so she had to grasp many preventive measures.

Yvette could not let another woman suddenly pop up beside Lance and slap her.

In this world, only Yvette could bully others.

Nicole frowned as she listened. What kind of logic was that?

“Lance and you have already reached this point? How long have you been married?”

Yvette rolled her eyes.

“You’re overthinking it. I’m just preparing for the worst. Our relationship is still very good!”

However, that did not stop her from squandering his fortune.

This feeling was truly fascinating. Nicole was speechless.

The attendant came over and returned the card to Nicole.

“Ms. Stanton, do you want to take the jadeite stone yourself or shall we send someone to deliver it to you?” Nicole thought about it. “Send it to Stanton Mansion.” “Certainly, Ms. Stanton.”

Nicole was just about to turn around when Yvette pulled her back and asked mysteriously.

“Wait, is Mr. Sloan broke? The wedding he gave you was really grand and opulent. Even the bouquet was encrusted with diamonds, and each guest was also given a million dollars’ worth of gifts! I’ve never seen such an extravagant person...”

Yvette paused. “Did he break the bank for your wedding?”

Nicole sighed speechlessly. “I don’t know. I never asked.”

She also felt like the wedding was very dreamy. It was extremely extravagant.

It was not at all like Clayton’s low-key and introverted character.

It actually seemed a little like how Michael squandered money.

However, Nicole was still happy. At least, it completely met all of her requirements. Even Kai was full of praise for his brother-in-law’s generosity.

Afterward...

Nicole thought about it. “He really spent a lot of money, huh? So, I’d better be frugal. I don’t want to hear the news that he’s going bankrupt right after we get married.”

When Yvette heard this, she immediately thought that Clayton was really broke.

She felt some pity for him.

The two of them left the place in silence. Yvette dragged Nicole to the shopping mall again, and the two swiped their cards with gusto, completely forgetting about their conversation earlier.

No one noticed that shortly after they left, two people came out of the corner.

Roland looked pitifully at Clayton’s somewhat heavy expression.

He was a little speechless.

“Mr. Sloan, Ms. Stanton now thinks that you’re broke because she doesn’t know your true strength! But she’s very considerate...”

Nicole swiped her own card. What a rare sight!

Chapter 1732

Clayton had some mixed feelings. He did not expect that he was so vulnerable in the eyes of others, especially to Nicole and her best friend.

He was going bankrupt?

Clayton’s gaze was cold as he looked at Roland next to him.

“Help me do something...” At night.

Nicole took a shower and was enjoying her skincare

routine. Although she could not use cosmetics that were too stimulating during pregnancy, she deliberately got someone to get some cosmetics for her skin type that were suitable for use during pregnancy.

Thus, her skincare routine had not fallen behind at all.

Clayton was busy in the study, so Nicole did not bother him.

She was in a daze when she heard the sound of the doorbell outside, followed by the sound of the door closing.

A minute later.

Clayton arrived in front of her with a thick bag of documents.

Nicole blinked her eyes in confusion.

It was already so late. Why was he so serious? Clayton pursed his lips. “It’s a gift for you.” Nicole smiled and reached out.

Great! Her favorite thing was receiving gifts.

Clayton handed over the document bag in his hand.

Nicole did not understand what he meant. “What’s this?”

“Open it and take a look.”

Clayton loosened his collar and smiled, looking very handsome.

It was a rare sight.

Nicole opened the document bag and looked at the thick pile of documents in it. Her gaze fell on the top of the first page.

At once, her smile faintly froze in shock. “This is...”

Clayton said, ‘these are all the assets that I asked Roland to sort out for me. All the movable property, real estate, funds, stock, and investment projects are here. I think that, as my wife, you should know about these.”

Nicole’s hands trembled and she almost dropped the things in her hands.

However, Clayton’s hand was firmly underneath hers. He looked at her with a smile in his eyes.

There seemed to be a hint of playfulness and expectation in his eyes.

Nicole‘s heart trembled slightly as she blinked her eyes, seemingly a little guilty.

She had just discussed Clayton’s wealth with Yvette today, and he brought everything over now?

It was as if he overheard their conversation. There was a sudden panic in her heart.

However, after the panic, she was left with surprise.

Clayton was involved in several world-famous big projects and was even the person in charge of those projects.

Just this money alone was enough for her to buy a dozen private islands.

Nicole took a cursory glance at the funds, stocks, real estate, and bank balances. She felt a little dazzled.

A thought suddenly flashed in her mind.

If they got divorced, she would get a good share of the money. She was the one who would get the better end of the deal!

Nicole slowly looked up at him and felt a little nervous. “Why are you showing me this?”

Clayton smiled and said, “Babe, I’m very rich and won’t go bankrupt for a while. So, don’t worry about my fortune and just swipe my card!”

Nicole pursed her lips. “Oh, of course, I trust you. But this is so sudden!”

Clayton cupped her face. His eyes reflected her expression.

‘then from now on, remember to use my card, okay?”

His deep voice was like a cello brushing the tip of her heart, luring her into his world in an instant.

Nicole could not refuse at all. She did not need to refuse either. “Sure...”

Nicole smiled. Her eyes were delighted.

Compared to Yvette deliberately squandering money to keep her marriage going, Nicole liked it when people took the initiative to give her money and beg her to spend it.

It felt completely different!

Nicole held the pile of documents, sighed, and looked a t him excitedly.

“Hurry up and put these in the safe. Don’t lose them!”

After all, these things were confidential to the outside world. If someone found out about it, it would be the same as finding out his weakness, and they could take advantage of it.

Clayton smiled casually. “It’s up to you. They’re all yours, anyway.”

Chapter 1733

Nicole raised her brows. “You’re willing to do that?” “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Clayton smiled. “I don’t mind not getting any money in the future, but you have to give me some allowance because I still have to buy you gifts!”

For some reason, every time Nicole looked at Clayton’s smile, it felt like she ate a mouthful of cotton candy. The sweetness spread all the way to her heart.

Clayton kept his word and handed all his bank cards to Nicole, leaving only one card with a low credit limit for himself.

Nicole nodded calmly, then Clayton went up and kissed her on her lips.

“Happy?”

Nicole nodded again.

Clayton said, "Then you’ll reward me, right?” He spoke in a low voice.

While Nicole was still in a daze, he picked her up and walked to the bedroom. His voice turned husky.

“Okay, my wife?”

Nicole dodged his kiss with some panic. She placed her hands on his shoulders and refused.

“No, did you forget that I’m pregnant? ”

Clayton tightly clasped her waist and peppered kisses on her face.

“I didn’t forget, but we can use other methods...”

He put Nicole down gently, kissed her passionately, and used other ways to please her before reluctantly letting her go for the time being.

After resting for a moment, he put his hand on her belly and sounded slightly aggrieved.

“This little thing really came at a bad time...”

Now, Clayton could not even touch the beauty that he married.

Nicole rolled her eyes. “If not for this baby, we’d still be dating. Then we won’t know when you’ll finally become official.”

Clayton paused and laughed for a moment. His touch became more tender.

“That’s true. In that case, thank you, little baby.”

Nicole was dazed and wanted to sleep when she suddenly remembered something.

“Lil Michael will be on break soon, right? Bring him back here.”

The poor Lil Michael attended their wedding, but before he could talk much with Nicole, Clayton threw the boy to summer camp.

Seeing that summer camp was coming to an end, Nicole felt like no matter what, she should let Michael live with them for a while and get used to it.

Clayton paused. “He failed Spanish, so I plan to enroll him in an intensive course...”

The corners of Nicole’s eyes twitched.

“Do you want him to work as a translator or what? Are you trying to kill him from exhaustion?”

She admitted that Clayton’s teaching style was excellent, but recently, she felt like it was a little too harsh.

If it were any other kid, they would definitely not be able to endure this.

Clayton was enjoying his time alone with Nicole. If Lil Michael came, he would definitely hog Nicole’s time.

What should he do?

Clayton did not want to share Nicole with others at all! “He’s not tired...”

Clayton said weakly.

Nicole did not speak, and Clayton sighed.

“Fine... I’ll ask his opinion tomorrow. If he wants to come back, I can pick him up.”

Nicole hummed. That was more like it.

Lil Michael naturally wanted to come back. He wanted to come back so much that he felt like he was going crazy.

The moment Clayton and Nicole started dating and he had to call Nicole “Aunty”, his young heart was hit pretty hard.

It was such a heavy blow, but no one was there to comfort him except for his nanny Susan, and the bodyguard.

Lil Michael was just waiting for the two of them to break up. He waited for his Pretty Lady to dump his father.

In the end, Lil Michael was suddenly taken to a wedding.

The boy was still immersed in shock and had not come back to his senses.

It was all too sudden!

The wedding lasted for two days, but he attended one of the days before he was thrown back to summer camp because Clayton was afraid that he would spend time with Nicole alone.

Lil Michael really had it hard!

Chapter 1734

Clayton called the bodyguard, and the bodyguard booked the flight overnight and sent Lil Michael back.

Lil Michael had just opened his eyes when the plane landed.

Susan, the nanny, was excited for him. “Mr. Sloan agreed for you to come back!”

Lil Michael was so excited that he was about to jump i n joy. “I’m gonna see Pretty Lady! Oh no, I haven’t prepared a gift yet...”

Susan said, “It’s more important to meet her first. Go on!”

Lil Michael nodded excitedly. He already thought about what gifts to prepare for Nicole on the way back. The car went straight to Stanton Mansion.

The Stanton family knew that Lil Michael was coming back and made sure to prepare a welcome party for him.

Lil Michael had lived in Stanton Mansion for quite some time, so his popularity in the Stanton family was still a cut above that of Clayton’s.

Therefore, the dishes that the butler prepared were all Lil Michael’s favorites.

Clayton saw the Stanton family waiting excitedly for Lil Michael’s arrival and immediately felt a little upset.

Was it necessary to be so enthusiastic about a little boy?

Clayton watched as Nicole fought with Kai in the kitchen, both wanting to make cookies for Lil Michael personally.

He instantly felt a little left out.

Aida was already five months along, and her belly was showing. She could not exercise vigorously now and could only sit on the sofa and watch them mess around.

Floyd came out of the study and came down. Aida stood up with a smile.

“Dad, did Maverick call?”

Floyd nodded. “Yeah. Didn’t Kai contact him before because of my hospitalization? I got better before he could arrive, so there’s no need for him to accompany me. I told him to go back...”

Aida smiled very gently in understanding.

“But don’t you miss him a lot? Maverick is also concerned about you. Why don’t you let him come back to stay for a few days?”

Floyd waved his hand and spoke with a smile.

“He’ll come back later. Once he gets married to Molly, he’ll take several months off. It won’t be too late to get together then.”

Aida nodded. “No wonder I haven’t seen Molly coming over to visit recently. She must be busy too.”

“Those youngsters have their own plans!”

Floyd smiled and looked at Clayton. “Has Michael arrived yet? Should I go out and pick him up?”

Clayton’s smile stiffened on his face. “No, he’ll be here soon.”

He somewhat regretted letting his son come back.

However, Michael arrived a few hours later than planned.

Maybe it was a traffic jam?

Clayton did not care much about it.

As soon as Lil Michael got out of the car, he bounced over happily.

Even after a long time apart, there was not one bit of unfamiliarity with the Stanton family.

“Uncle Floyd! Big brothers! I’m here—”

Floyd happily put down the things in his hands, and Lil Michael jumped into his arms without hesitation.

“My Lil Michael, did you get homesick? How could the food in foreign countries be better than the food at home? Look at how thin you’ve become...”

Clayton came out calmly and pursed his lips when he saw this scene.

“Two chefs followed him and took care of his diet. He has a bodyguard and a nanny too. He only looks thin because he grew taller...”

Floyd looked at Clayton with dissatisfaction.

“Isn’t it possible to be thin even with people taking care of him? How well would outsiders be able to care for him?”

Since Floyd spoke, Clayton did not dare to retort and could only stand in the back obediently. Clayton then shot a warning glance at Michael, who was smiling smugly at him.

Clayton secretly gritted his teeth, smiled coldly, turned around, and went inside.

The meal was very warm and welcoming. Almost everyone paid attention to Lil Michael’s mood, giving him food from time to time and asking him questions. It made Lil Michael’s fear of Clayton fade a lot.

The boy felt emboldened.

Chapter 1735

Nicole asked Lil Michael from time to time with a smile what he was happy about. Michael thought about the interesting things he encountered and told them about it. The whole family laughed together.

Clayton followed with a lukewarm smile and always felt like this boy was holding back something bad.

After eating, Lil Michael went upstairs to play with Tigger. Tigger’s chip had a very favorable impression on Lil Michael, so they soon began to play together.

Nicole noticed Clayton’s lukewarm attitude toward Lil Michael. Although Clayton was usually slightly harsh on Michael, he still loved Michael in his heart.

Lil Michael was now in his rebellious stage, so their relationship might not be smooth sailing. However, Nicole still thought that Lil Michael had a great character.

When Nicole was Michael’s age, she felt like she could tear down the house at the slightest bit of displeasure.

Therefore, when everyone was chatting, Nicole left on the pretext of going to the study to find a book.

Clayton naturally followed her.

Just as he approached, Nicole looked at him and smiled faintly.

“Mr. Sloan, can’t you be happier now that your son is back?”

Clayton pursed his lips. “Do I look unhappy?”

He really was a little upset because he felt like his son was too valued in the Stanton family.

Yes, Clayton loves Michael. After all, he had single- handedly raised this child.

However, Clayton did not want Michael to steal Nicole’s attention.

Unknowingly, Clayton wanted her entire life to be his. Nicole laughed and said clearly, “Of course.”

She turned the corner and went upstairs, glancing back at him.

“Michael only comes back once in a while, so don’t pull a long face. He’s so young, so it’ll only make him feel uncomfortable. He’ll think that you don’t love him anymore. I don’t want our marriage to traumatize a child.”

Clayton was certainly a qualified husband, but she also wanted him to be a qualified father.

It was not just for the child in her womb. More importantly, it was for Lil Michael.

Clayton’s movements stiffened at those words. He spoke only after a long time. “Did I go too far?”

If he did not go too far, Nicole would not have mentioned it so obviously.

Of course, Nicole liked Clayton’s favoritism, but that

only applied for her as a woman, not when compared to his children.

Nicole gave him a look and nodded. Clayton fell silent.

It was not that he did not love Michael. How could he not love the child he raised?

However, Lil Michael really loved to mess things up between him and Nicole. Clayton almost lost the diamond ring during their wedding in Bali. When Clayton checked the surveillance footage, he saw that the only person who came in contact with the ring was Michael.

Clayton could not help but overthink the situation.

Although the diamond ring was found, the excuse given at that time was that it was a little joke made by the best man and the bridesmaids.

Clayton did not mention this at that time nor afterward, but once the wedding was over, he sent Lil Michael away.

Thus, Clayton was quite reluctant to let Michael come back now. He was worried that the little brat would be up to no good again.

However, after hearing what Nicole said, was his reaction too much?

Clayton did not put himself in Michael’s shoes. If it was his misunderstanding, Clayton might really be hurting his son’s feelings.

At once, his silence turned into guilt.

Nicole saw that Clayton had figured it out and pulled him forward.

‘talk to Michael properly later. Children won’t hold grudges.”

Lil Michael and Tigger rolled around on the balcony on the second floor.

Tigger stood on a rocking chair and swayed.

Lil Michael sat opposite it and asked it with great interest.

‘bigger, who is the fairest in the land?”

Tigger did not hesitate to say, "The Great Goddess Nicole!”

Chapter 1736

Tigger’s cute voice deliberately emphasized Nicole’s name, which made Nicole look up involuntarily. Just as she expected of her Tigger.

Clayton also admired Tigger’s talent for kissing *ss.

Lil Michael was not afraid and continued to cause trouble.

“Who’s worthy of Princess Nicole?”

For a moment, something suddenly flashed through Nicole’s mind.

Nicole seemed to have asked Tigger this question before. Back then, Tigger’s settings had been secretly adjusted by Molly, and its choice was Eric.

However, now...

Nicole immediately looked back, afraid to miss Clayton’s expression after hearing that name.

She was a little apprehensive.

Tigger did not hesitate to say, "The handsome Clayton!”

In an instant, Nicole’s eyes lit up. Clayton smiled and looked down at her just in time to see her bright eyes. He exclaimed.

‘bigger is awesome. He’s truly a Stanton!” Nicole also nodded.

Tigger was indeed great.

This answer was quite up to date.

Michael froze for a moment. This AI tiger could actually lie?

There were so many outstanding men in this world. Why was it Clayton of all people?

He pursed his lips. “Tigger, you’ve gone astray...” Tigger kicked its front legs. “No, I didn’t...”

Clayton snorted coldly. He heard what Michael meant and walked over without hesitation.

Nicole could not stop him even if she tried.

“Some children have grown so old but still aren’t as good as Tigger.”

Nicole’s mouth twitched. She knew what she said earlier had been futile.

Michael looked at Clayton, then at Nicole at the back. He pouted and looked at Nicole aggrievedly.

“I was just saying... Pretty Lady, are you upset?”

Nicole said, “How could I be? Your question is very deep, and your answer is also correct!”

Clayton said, “It’d be perfect if you ignore the selfish motives of a certain boy.”

Nicole took a deep breath, looked away, and glared at Clayton.

Clayton pursed his lips. His gaze fell on Michael, neither warm nor cold.

“You addressed her wrongly. What did you call her?”

Lil Michael pursed his lips and averted his gaze. “Pretty Lady?”

“I remember talking to you about this before and reaching a consensus. Should a man go back on his word when he makes a promise?”

Clayton’s tone was gruff with little room for negotiation.

Lil Michael looked up at Nicole and reluctantly changed the term of address.

“Pretty—Aunty!”

Nicole walked over, stroked Michael’s curly hair, and smiled.

“You can call me whatever you want. I feel old if you call me Aunty.”

“My Goddess, I feel the same way!” How brilliant was Lil Michael?

He could not call her Pretty Lady and did not want to call her Aunty, so he called her a goddess instead.

Clayton wanted to bicker with him, but the moment he saw Nicole’s eyes curve into a smile, he suddenly gave...

Forget it.

If Michael’s sweet mouth could make Nicole happy, that was also a good thing.

Nicole walked over and carried Tigger, then glanced at Clayton.

"Your daddy has something to say to you. Lil Michael be a good boy...”

Lil Michael’s eyes widened in an instant. His expression was very reluctant.

Clayton did not expect Nicole to make them talk alone.

However, this was good too. If Nicole was not around, the little brat’s plan to gain pity would not work.

The two of them were left on the balcony.

Clayton sat on the sofa to the side and slumped down. There was a calmness in his lazy posture.

Lil Michael looked at his father. Before Clayton could speak solemnly, Michael suddenly jumped over and hugged Clayton.

“Daddy, I missed you so much...”

Chapter 1737

The words Clayton wanted to stay got stuck in his throat.

Yes, Clayton had no immunity when a child acted pampered, especially Lil Michael, who was born with such a soft, cute, and pretty little face.

Back then, Clayton felt that if Michael were a girl, Clayton would definitely be reluctant to send her to school.

However, now...

Clayton immediately noticed that this was the little brat’s method.

He smacked Michael’s butt and grunted. “Do you really miss me?”

Lil Michael whined and hugged his father’s neck. “I missed you so much. I missed you the most!”

Clayton also missed his son, if he did not cause trouble, that is.

Lil Michael threw caution to the wind and sweet-talked Clayton so much that it felt cheesy. He coaxed Clayton until Clayton’s face softened, and only stopped when Clayton looked at him with affection.

Clayton knew Michael’s little tricks but did not expose them. Instead, he enjoyed them very much.

When Michael got off of Clayton, Clayton spoke faintly.

“It’s not impossible if you really want to stay here, but you have to be obedient, especially during this period. Nicole is pregnant now, so you can’t make her angry.”

Those words stunned Lil Michael. He was shocked to death. “What?!”

Clayton smiled and touched Michael’s little face.

“Aren’t you happy? You’re going to have a little brother or sister soon!”

Lil Michael only reacted after a long time and nodded. His tone was indescribably sad. “I’m happy...”

Clayton smiled. “It’s good that you’re happy. Don’t worry, even if you have a little brother or sister, I won’t be biased. You’re my baby that I single-handedly raised after all!”

Lil Michael looked at Clayton dumbfoundedly. He felt like his treasure was taken away from him. How could he say congratulations with a smile?

He was devastated.

His love rival was also his father.

Pretty Lady was having a baby?!

However, since it was Pretty Lady’s baby, Michael happily accepted that fact.

“I’ll go congratulate my Goddess!” Then, Michael ran out of sight in a flash.

Clayton laughed in exasperation. Michael’s reaction was still considered normal. Children are still immature, so there was nothing to be upset about.

Lil Michael pulled Nicole’s arm and swayed it left and right.

“Pretty Lady, is there really a baby inside?” Nicole smiled and nodded. “Yup...”

Lil Michael rubbed his hands with an expectant look. “ Can I touch it?”

Nicole nodded graciously. “Of course!”

Although Nicole’s belly was not showing yet, she did not refuse.

The man on the side saw this scene and bent over with laughter.

When Nicole and Clayton saw that Lil Michael’s reaction was not at all repulsed or dissatisfied, they felt a little more at ease.

After all, Michael was Clayton’s son. If Michael was upset with Nicole’s baby, Nicole would not feel comfortable in the future.

This was good.

In the afternoon, Grant took Aida out of the mansion and went to the hospital for a checkup.

Kai ran off to find Julie for a date.

Floyd also waved his hand and let Nicole and Clayton leave. He took his fishing gear and prepared to go fishing.

Lil Michael sweetly coaxed Floyd and insisted on staying. Floyd agreed without a second thought.

Clayton nodded and agreed before Nicole could react.

Thus, the two left the Stanton Mansion, leaving Lil Michael behind.

In the car.

Nicole felt uneasy thinking about it. “Michael should stay with us. Let’s have someone pick him up tomorrow...”

Clayton did not think that Michael was someone who would let himself suffer.

Michael wanted to stay in the mansion because he wanted to get close to Floyd so that he did not have to go to school.

Clayton laughed. “There’s no need. We all have to go to the office, so there’s no one to take care of him. It’ll be troublesome if we get his nanny and bodyguard to come over too. Just let him stay there. Didn’t you see how happy your dad was?”

Chapter 1738

Nicole frowned, but after thinking about Clayton’s words, she relaxed again.

That was true.

“Alright then. I’ll spare some time to play with him tomorrow. He studies too hard lately...”

Clayton was speechless.

The next day.

Clayton thought that Nicole was just joking and did not expect Nicole to really mean it.

He went out early in the morning because of work, so Nicole asked the driver to pick Lil Michael up.

Lil Michael carried a striped backpack and looked cute and fair. It made Nicole feel like reaching out to pinch his little face.

“Pretty Lady, is it only us today?”

Nicole raised her brows and got into the car. “Of course. Shall I take you to the amusement park?”

Lil Michael nodded excitedly. “Yeah!”

The driver smiled. “Then let’s go...”

Nicole watched Lil Michael chatter away and remembered that he had always been like this, clever and innocent

The weather today was still considered good.

Lil Michael started running about the moment he set foot into the amusement park, but he did not run far from Nicole’s side. He did not want her to be worried.

He looked at the pirate ship excitedly. “I wanna play that one!”

Nicole looked at it and frowned slightly.

She was not afraid, but she was worried that it was not good for the fetus in her womb.

Nicole hesitated slightly.

Lil Michael pulled her hand and spoke with a smile.

“I’ll go by myself. You can wait for me here, Pretty Lady. I’ll be right back.”

Nicole smiled. “Alright, be careful! I’ll wait for you here.”

Lil Michael nodded happily and ran away in the blink of an eye.

She found a shaded and comfortable place to sit down and looked in the direction of the pirate ship.

There were many people in line, and Lil Michael’s figure merged into the stream of people, then disappeared within seconds.

She knew that Michael was smart and would not get into trouble, so she was not worried.

Nicole did not notice a woman beside her. The woman looked swollen, but her eyes were beautiful and clear. Her belly looked like she was eight or nine months along, and her face was a little round. However, her expression was not that joyful.

“Ms. Stanton?”

The woman stared at Nicole for a long time before mustering the courage to call out to her and confirm that it was Nicole.

It had been a long time since she saw Nicole, who was still as beautiful, eye-catching, and bright as ever.

Nicole had the kind of beauty that people could not take their eyes off of.

The woman still kept the old term of address for Nicole.

It sounded like the respect a subordinate had for their superior.

When Nicole looked to the side, Livia suddenly felt nervous and embarrassed.

Livia could not help but clench her clothes. She regretted calling out to her.

Livia was originally in the same situation as Nicole, but

they had two completely different endings. Livia chose to forgive Keith.

However, Nicole never looked back.

Occasionally, Livia wondered that if she had stuck it out and not turned back to Keith, what would her life be like now?

Nicole looked at the pregnant woman in front of her and did not recognize her for a moment.

It was only when an image overlapped in her mind that she suddenly remembered.

“Ms. Lehman?”

Nicole had spent money for this woman to open a law firm so that she could become independent. She helped Livia to make a name for herself on the show and watched as Livia fell in love with Eric’s nephew, Nathaniel. However, Livia suddenly broke up with Nathaniel and remarried her ex-husband, Keith Ludwig.

This was all Nicole remembered about Livia.

To be honest, Nicole was quite disappointed in Livia. At least, Livia did not meet Nicole’s expectations.

However, they did not have a subordinate and superior relationship, nor were they good friends.

Nicole had no right to say anything about Livia’s choices. Nicole was not a nosy person who insisted on having other people go according to her style.

After all, what did it have to do with Nicole?

Chapter 1739

Livia forced a smile.

“You remember me.”

Nicole smiled. “I’m not senile, but then again, you’ve changed quite a bit.”

Livia lowered her eyes for a moment and smiled awkwardly.

Nicole looked at Livia’s belly and paused. Since Livia was pregnant, Nicole thought that she should be nicer.

“Come and sit down. Are you due soon?”

Livia accepted Nicole’s sincerity. She looked around and saw that this was the only rest area, so it would not be nice if she went somewhere else to rest.

She nodded and sat down, touching her belly. A gentle light flashed in her eyes when she looked down.

“Yes, there’s still ten days until I’m due.” Nicole‘s eyes widened in surprise.

“Why are you still running around outside? Keith actually let you come out alone?”

Livia smiled. “My niece recently came back from abroad, so I brought her out to play for a while. It’s too boring at home, and we’re not too far from home, so it’s fine.”

Nicole nodded. “Still, you should be careful.”

If it were Nicole, she would not have the guts. Livia smiled and looked at her.

“I heard that you’re together with Mr. Sloan? Congratulations...”

Nicole revealed a sincere smile and accepted her congratulations.

“Thank you, and congratulations on becoming a mother.”

Nicole really did not want to congratulate Livia for getting back together with Keith.

In her opinion, that was just asking for trouble.

However, Nicole could congratulate Livia on becoming a mother.

Livia nodded with a gentle smile in her eyes. It was clear that she had a lot of love for this child.

“Ms. Stanton, why are you here?”

Nicole raised her chin and pointed in the direction of the pirate ship.

“I’m here to bring my little friend around.”

Livia squinted her eyes and looked around, but she could not see anything. It was very crowded.

However, Livia soon had a vague answer in her heart. “Is it Mr. Sloan’s son?”

Nicole did not notice the regret and heartache in Livia’s tone and nodded. "Yup!”

Livia sighed.

“Mr. Sloan is a talented man with outstanding ability. He’s truly a perfect match with you. It’s a shame...”

Nicole looked at her in confusion. “What’s a shame?”

“It’s a shame that he has a son. I don’t mean anything else. I just think that it’s not nice being a stepmother. Ms. Stanton, you’re such a good person. You must’ve sacrificed a lot in order to please his son, right?”

Livia looked at Nicole sympathetically. Her eyes were filled with heartache for Nicole.

Her heart clenched for a moment, feeling that Nicole was also not that unattainable. Nicole’s choice had its own anguish.

However, neither outsiders nor herself could see it. At that thought, Livia’s heart felt slightly better.

Nicole looked at Livia in confusion when she heard that tone. She did not expect Livia to think so much.

Her heart was a little uncomfortable at once.

However, Nicole did not want to explain too much to Livia.

After all, they were not that familiar. There was a moment of silence.

Then, Nicole finally spoke. “It’s okay. It’s quite easy to get along with the child.”

Livia did not believe Nicole’s excuse.

She thought that Nicole must not want others to notice that she also had an unpleasant life.

Livia felt even more heartbroken.

She sighed. “Fortunately, Mr. Sloan is very devoted to you. If...”

Nicole’s gaze turned slightly cold as she gave Livia a side-glance. That look made Livia realize that she had spoken out of line.

Livia lowered her head and paused. Her fingers fumbled with the corner of her coat as she blushed.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Stanton. I overstepped my bounds. It's just that I have many things I want to say since we haven’t seen each other in a long time.”

Nicole frowned. She withdrew her gaze from the direction of the pirate ship and looked at Livia.

“Ms. Lehman, is Keith treating you well?”

Chapter 1740

Livia’s face relaxed in an instant at Nicole’s willingness to talk to her.

This meant that Nicole did not hate Livia for her gaffe earlier.

However, Livia did not know if Nicole brought up Keith on purpose. She bit her lower lips and spoke slowly.

“Yes, he’s much better than before. He treats me so well that I’m beginning to feel overwhelmed.”

At those words, Livia was silent for a moment before continuing.

“Speaking of which, I haven’t formally apologized to you for letting you down. I already had the law firm and fame, but I still went back to my old ways. Nothing except Keith’s attitude seemed to have changed.”

When Livia mentioned Keith, she did not look very happy.

It seemed Livia was not that grateful for Keith’s current attentiveness.

Nicole looked at Livia for a few seconds before she lowered her gaze and looked in another direction.

The pirate ship in the distance swayed high up. The crowd screamed and cheered, immersed in the excitement of the moment.

Nicole’s tone was light and flat.

“You don’t have to apologize. Whether or not you opened a law firm, you live for yourself. I just had a failed investment. I never expected your law firm to earn back the revenue anyway.”

Livia looked at Nicole and pursed her lips.

“You got me back on my feet. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what I’d be like today. Keith wouldn’t have bothered that much with me either, I’m sure.

According to the temperaments of Young Masters like him, just a snap of his fingers could make my life worse than death. I’d have to obediently go back and beg him. I know that you’ve helped me a lot.”

The last words were spoken with great certainty. Those words were slightly more solemn.

Nicole knew that the men in the gentry circle had their way with women.

Whether the woman was strong or bowed down, they had their own methods. However, it was too hard to let the Young Masters bow their heads unless the woman was like Nicole, who had a family background so strong that others did not dare to offend her.

People like Livia had to rely on the support of their partner to barely cling to her reputation. She had little authority over her life.

Thus, Nicole knew very clearly what Livia was talking about.

Nicole smiled slightly and looked over with indifferent eyes.

“You’re exaggerating, Ms. Lehman. It was just a slight effort on my part. It’s good that you found your own direction in life now. There‘s no need to remember the past so clearly. It’s all in the past anyway.”

“Direction in life?”

Livia murmured and repeated. Her gaze was somewhat dim.

“What direction does my life have? I can’t see any direction in my life anymore.”

Nicole frowned and looked at Livia.

“How could that be? Doesn’t Mr. Ludwig treat you very well?”

Livia lowered her eyes and smiled with a touch of sarcasm.

“He won’t let me go out to work, probably because he’s afraid that I won’t need him anymore. He makes me stay at home like a rich housewife day in and day out. I feel like I can’t see any hope in this life anymore.”

Nicole fell into deep thought. A life like that seemed to be the envy of many people.

However, from Livia’s tone, it sounded like she was in prison.

“Shouldn’t you have thought about all that a long time ago before you got back together with him? Since you got back together with him, you should be ready to accept it. Why does it sound like you’re unhappy?”

Nicole was a bit puzzled. It was Livia’s choice, right?

If Livia was not willing and it was only for the sake of the child, was remarrying Keith the only option?

“Even if you’re pregnant, with your financial capability a t that time, you were a famous author and considered a public figure. It’s not that hard to maintain your own livelihood and raise a child by yourself, right?”