Chapter 37
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as Noelle launched herself into Nicolas’s arms without a hint of hesitation.
The crowd thought, What the hell! Who is this fearless little girl who dared to throw herself at the boss?”
While Nicolas might have a notorious reputation as a playboy, the inner circle of Star Club knew the truth: Nicolas’s flirtatious image was a smokescreen for the public. In reality, he was meticulously self–controlled–so much so that rumors swirled about his… pristine state.
But what happened next left everyone even more floored
Rather than pushing Noelle away. Nicolas smoothly wrapped his arms around her, his face softening with a smile so tender it practically dripped
with affection
“Kan through fifteen floors, huh? Did you wear yourself out!” he asked, his tone warm and low.
“Nope!” Noelle tilted her face up, her voice as sweet and light as a bell. Her crescent–moon eyes sparkled as she beamed at him. “Fifteen floors were
breeze for me”
1 thought so Nicolas chuckled softly.
“Uh… Boss, who’s this…”
Someone in the group finally dared to ask, unable to suppress their curiosity any longer.
Nicolas seemed to suddenly remember they weren’t alone. Glancing at the onlookers, he introduced her casually. “This is Noelle, the daughter of the Anderson family. She was switched at birth in the hospital and only recently returned to her family”
As if to underline his words, Nicolas loosened his embrace just enough to ruffle Noelle’s soft hair, his actions so intimate they might as well have been in their own little world. “Elly, these are the key staff members of the club–trusted insiders.”
Noelle’s face lit up with a bright smile, and she greeted the group enthusiastically, “Hi, everyone! I’m Noelle.”
The introductions began: “Miss Anderson, nice to meet you. I’m Jude Russell
“Hello, Miss Anderson. Cody Griffiths here
“Archer Francis–pleasure to meet you
you?”
Finally, the lone woman in the group stepped forward, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Hi, Miss Anderson. I’m Miriam. We’ve met before–do
you remember mer
Noelle blinked at Miriam before her eyes sparkled with recognition. “Oh! You’re the lady who came out of Nick’s room that day!”
Miriam’s uile deepened. I’m flattered you remember me.”
“Of course!” Noelle nodded vigorously. Then, with innocent excitement, she added, “You said next time we’d hang out together–you, me, and Nick. When are we doing that?”
The room froze.
“What did the just say? the crowd thought
All eyes darted to Nicolas, Miriam, and Noelle. Together? All three of them! the others thought.
For a moment, Nicolas’s squeaky–clean reputation in their inner circle teetered dangerously. Was this the real Nicolas? Had his gentlemanly façade been a front all along!
Even Miriam wasn’t expecting Noelle to bring that up. She blinked, startled, before quickly recovering with a sultry smile. Tossing a playful look at Nicolas, she purred, “Well, I’m always available. It’s just up to the boys.”
“Nick“” Noelle’s eager gaze swung to Nicolas.
Her face practically radiated hopefulness, as if one word from him could set the plan into motion.
Nicolas sighed inwardly, pressing his fingers to his temple. This girl.
With a soft flick, he tapped Noelle lightly on the forehead. “What are you thinking? Didn’t I already tell you! You’re too young for thines
9:29 AM c
Chapter 37
Kily doublact like kid”
kid? Noelle pouted, putting out her cheeks indignantly. “Nick, I’m an adult now!”
Maybe legally, Nicolas teased, his voice soft but firm, “lait mentally, you’re still a child. So, no?
Hearing yet another rejection. Noelle’s cheeks puffed out even more, resembling an adorable, grumpy pufferfish.
Π
Nicolas wasn’t fared. If there was one thing he excelled at, it was coaxing Noelle. Stirling his arm around her shoulders, he leaned in close and said, You must be starving after all that running around. Thad Bryan prepare a feast–lots of meat. Let’s go eat?”
“Meat” Noelle’s sulk evaporated instantly. Her eyes lit up, and she followed his lead, asking eagerly. I want wagyu steak–5A grade!”
Nicolas sand, “Done”
“And roast chicken! The kind with crispy skin and juicy meat inside!”
And lamh skewers! They need to be sizzling and covered in cumin and chili powder.”
“All of it. Whatever you want
Nicolas asked. “Still mad?
Satisfied. Noelle nodded. “Okay I’m not mad anymore.
Nicolas smirked, guiding her toward the dining area while she happily babbled about food.
The staff left behind stared in stunned silence.
Tve never seen the boss dote on anyone like that, one of them murmured.
“Right? Is Miriam the one he used to rely on to scare women away? What happened?”
Miriam, who had been silently watching, let out a dry laugh. Her gaze lingered on Nicolas’s retreating figure, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. “Gurs Miss Anderson is special; she said lightly, masking her feelings
es with a shrug.
“Didn’t the boss swear he wasn’t interested in marrying into the Anderson family? Looks like he’s changed his mind.”
“I don’t know, but it looks like the boss really likes Miss Anderson, the group murmured as they left.
One person stayed behind, standing next to Miriam. In a calm voice, they asked, “Miriam, are you Okay!
Although Miriam was technically just a pawn in Nicolas’s game for show, Archer knew deep down she genuinely cared for the boss
Tintine” Mariam smiled and shrugged. “Since she’s the one the boss picked, there must be something special about her. As long as the boss likes ber, of course, I wish them well”
bering Miriam unile so carefree, the man couldn’t help but secretly relax. He asked, “Miss Anderson’s here now, so the boss probably won’t anymtatate. How about we go grab a drink?”
“How? Aar pus treating?” Miriam raised an eyebrow
“Till treat” said the man.
Tm in,” Mirjam sand
need us
Meanwhile, back at the Anderson family estate, Leia was licking her wounds after Hark
Harley’s rejection.
“Lela, your back early, Kinderly noted with surprise “What about Noeller Didn’t she come back with you?”
“Mom: Leia’s eyes reddened as she prepared to spilt her tale.
9:20 AM
Chapter 37
At that moment. El descended the stairs, catching the tail end of their conversation.
Leia feigned a helpless sigh. “Noelle left to meet Nicolas. She walked out right in the middle of the gathering, and Harley.. Well, he probably thought it was disrespectful and left too. The whole thing was a disaster. It’s my fault–I should’ve stopped her.”
Eli’s face darkened, his voice rising. Leia, are you telling me Noelle went off to find Nicolas again?”
“Ah! Eli! What are you doing here!”
Feigning surprise, Leia widened her eyes. “Oh, Eli, I didn’t realize you were there. I’m sorry–I really tried to stop her, but she just wouldn’t listen. She’s so wrapped up in Nicolas that she ignores everyone else. It’s all my fault. Please, just blame me”
