Chapter 26
Thanks to Nicolas’s indulgence, Noelle had gone on an unchecked shopping spree, filling bags with both essentials and frivolities alike.
Every time Kimberly watched her daughter shop like she was stocking up for the apocalypse, her heart clenched with worry. Sure, Nicolas had offered to foot the bill, but Noelle wasn’t showing even a shred of restraint. Kimberly couldn’t help but fret. What if Nicolas sees how greedy she is and gets scared of?
But when she glanced at Nicolas, her concerns dissolved into disbelief.
Nicolas stood there, his perfectly sculpted lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes glowing with indulgence.
His gaze never wavered from Noelle, as if the world outside of her ceased to exist. Whenever she picked out yet another pile of items, he remained utterly unfazed, calmly instructing his assistant to pay.
If anything, he seemed to encourage her. He almost looked like he wanted Noelle to buy more. The sheer amount of spoiling and enabling was Maggering.
“Mr. Sawyer, Kimberly began tentatively, unable to keep her unease hidden. “Don’t you think we’ve shopped enough for today?”
She couldn’t even recall how many stores they’d been to, but a rough calculation placed the total damage somewhere around 20 million dollars. Sure, the Sawyer family was far wealthier than the Andersons, but Nicolas was just one heir among many. Surely, this level of extravagance would raise eyebrows back home
Nicolas turned to Kimberly with his trademark polite smile. “Noelle hasn’t finished shopping yet. If you or Miss Anderson are tired, I’ve arranged for refreshments on the fifteenth floor. You’re welcome to rest there
You’re very considerate,” Kimberly said.
“It’s only natural,” Nicolas replied, his voice smooth and steady. “We’ll all be family soon, after all”
Kimberly was taken aback. His words and actions left no room for criticism
Her mind reeled. This isn’t the Nicolas we’d imagined”
The Nicolas she’d heard about was a notorious playboy–arrogant, wild, and utterly unrestrained. He was a walking red flag, the kind of man any mother would hesitate to entrust her daughter to.
But today, he was the epitome of class and gentleness, a perfect gentleman who radiated nobility and charm.
If he’d always been like this, Kimberly thought regretfully, we wouldn’t have delayed the engagement for so long. What a pity.
If Nicolas had shown this side of himself earlier, he might have been a good match for L
Leia instead.
After a while, even Noelle began to feel tired.
She turned and scampered toward Nicolas, her soft frame practically collapsing against him. “Nick, I’v
I’m hungry…” she murmured pitifully
“Shall we grab something to eat and then continue shopping!” Nicolas asked, his voice filled with gentle amusement. He supported her sagging figure, making an effort to keep her upright.
“No, I don’t want to shop anymore. I’m exhausted.”
“Then let’s lead straight to the dining area,” he suggested.
“Okay. I want
“Anything you want
Kimberly and Leia trailed behind ther
them, reduced to spectators.
Kimberly didn’t mind–sering her daughter happy with her fiance was a relief. But Leia was another story entirely.
Leia fumed silently, her thoughts a bitter whirlwind. “Am I Noelle’s maid? Why do I love to follow her around while she shops? She doesn’t deserve
this treatment. And now we’re supposed to have dinner together? Do I really have to sit there and watch her flaunt her sugar daddyr
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Chapter 26
The thought made her stomach churn.
Les suddenly coughed, breaking the awkward silence.
“Leia, are you alright?” Kimberly asked, her voice filled with concern
Leia pressed her lips together, her expression pale and fragile. “Mom, I’m feeling a bit weak. I think I need to go home and rest”
Kimberly hesitated but ultimately nodded. “Alright, Ill take you home. Noelle and Nicolas can stay here”
But before she could act, Leia furrowed her brows in apparent worry. “Hut Mom. Eli doesn’t like Noelle spending time with Mr. Sawyer, does he? If we leave and Noelle doesn’t come home with us, he’ll be upset.
Lea turned to Noelle with a seemingly sincere look. “Noelle, why don’t you come home with us now?
There’s no way I’m letting her bask in this attention any longer.
“What?” Noelle pouted. “But I’m hungry. I want to eat first.
“There’s plenty of food at home,” Leia countered, her tone dripping with reason. “Do you think the Anderson family can’t feed you? And imagine how upset Eli will be if he finds out you stayed with Mr. Sawyer instead of coming home.”
Noelle hesitated, her gaze shifting between Leia and Nicolas. She didn’t want to upset Eli, but leaving now would mean abandoning dinner with
Nick
Nicolas’s eyes flicked to Leia, his expression cool. His smile returned, sharp and calculated. “Miss Anderson, that’s easily resolved. Just tell Eli that Elly ran into an old friend and is having dinner with them. Problem solved, isn’t it?”
Leia froze her retort dying on her lips as Nicolas’s piercing gaze met hers. For a moment, she felt as though he’d seen straight through her. Why does he look so hostile? Noelle, oblivious to the tension, clapped her hands in agreement. “That’s a great idea! Nick, you’re so smart!” Nicolas chuckled at her enthusiasm. His voice was low and lazy, teasing. “What did you expect? Do you t think Im as scatterbrained as you!” “Yes, yes. Elly is the smartest, Nicolas replied, his tone indulgent as he ruffled her hair.
Turning to Kimberly, he added with a polite smile, “Kimberly, Elly’s hungry. Let me take her for dinner. Could I trouble you to handle Eli for us?” Kimberly hesitated but eventually agreed. “Alright. Young people need time together. Just don’t spoil her too much.”
“Thank you, Kimberly. Would you like me to arrange a car to take y
you
home?”
“No need. Our driver is waiting in the garage:
“Very well. Safe travels. I’ll visit soon to formally pay
pay my respects”
After seeing Kimberly and Leia off. Nicolas turned back to Noelle, who was already tugging him toward the d
Leia, meanwhile, remained silent during the car ride home, her expression dark.
“Leia, are you okay? Kimberly asked.
Leia forced a smile. Tinfine, Mom. Don’t worry about me:
dining area with renewed energy.
Kimberly studied her carefully. Something about Leia’s behavior today felt off. After a moment of hesitation, she asked, “Leia… are you regrening something?
