Trouble in Paradise

After Cindy's studio posted her latest update, Ariana was bashed so hard on the Internet that her name became a trending topic on Twitter. It wasn't that popular compared to the other topics, but it still sparked discussions among Twitter users. "Lawyers are willing to take any court cases just for the sake of money!"

"Those who cheat on their partners deserve to die! I hope those who condone cheating are surrounded by cheaters!"

"But she's Cindy Carlson, my childhood crush! If I were him, I'd rather become a sidepiece as well!"

"Go to hell, Cindy! She doesn't deserve to be with my beloved Zachary!"

There were so many comments representing various angles on the Internet. I never browsed the Internet. Frances, whom I hadn't met for a long time, was the one who

told me about this incident.

She seemed to show a lot of concern toward me. Perhaps she thought that Nicholas and I had reconciled, so she wanted to use the opportunity to patch up her relationship with me. She was mean toward me in the past, after all. Frances assigned two bodyguards to me just in case something were to happen.

"Thanks, Frances. Tell them to wait for me outside Jay Caldwell & Co. I'll be there soon."

Once I returned to the firm, I updated Silas on the progress of the case, including the part where Cindy mentioned she was ill. All the updates were logged into the file ast well.

I only left the firm around the evening. That was when a figure dashed out of the bushes with a cold glint réflected off a blade in his hand. Clearly, he was aiming for

1. me.

"Get lost!" An angry male voice rang out, effectively stopping the figure in his tracks.

At the same time, the voice's owner kicked the blade out of the figure's hand. Then, he launched another kick at the figure, sending him toppling to the ground.

I raised my head to see Nicholas, who wore a windbreaker on the outside,

neutralizing the threat in front of my eyes. "Honey, why are you here?"

While I was still trying to reel from my shock two bodyguards got out of the van and grabbed the figure. Then, they pinned him against the hood of the van.

Now that the situation was under control, Nicholas turned around and hugged me. Mom told me to come here. Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

I could feel my hands trembling violently while I clutched the front of Nicholas' windbreaker tightly. I wasn't afraid-it was just that I felt my nose tingling, which was something that I hadn't felt for a very long time. In fact, I felt like crying even more ΠΟΥ

I remembered that more than a month ago, a man had rushed out and slashed my clothes with a blade. Back then, Nicholas had completely ignored me. All he cared about was Claudia.

I ended up spending a few days in the detention center. It was all thanks to my resourcefulness and intellect that I managed to survive. Yet now, he was the one hugging me and asking if I got hurt. Unfortunately, the Ariana who got hurt a lot had succumbed to her injuries a long time ago.

"I'm fine." I recomposed myself before pushing Nicholas away gently.

Nicholas frowned, thinking that I was being cold to him. But now, I didn't want to suck up to him at all. I pretended to not notice his expression as I approached the figure who tried to hurt me. "Are... Are you Ms. Jones?" the man struggled to ask me.

He was a well-kept man who looked like he was in his 30s. His face had gone red because the bodyguards were using their weight to pin him down.

I could recognize the man just by glancing at his silhouette. When I saw his face, I knew that I was right. He was Cindy's husband, Zachary Robinson.

"Mr. Robinson," I said with a frown. "Take your weapon with you. If you want to talk to me, let's do it at the police station."

In the car, Nicholas began unbuttoning a few of his shirt's buttons. "That was too dangerous. You can get any job you want. I'll help you get the job."

I slipped my hand into Nicholas' before curling my index finger slightly to scratch his palm. He let out a small hiss before balling his hand up. His cold expression melted

slightly at my touch.This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"There's no use acting cute in front of me."

I propped my head with my free hand while gazing at Nicholas. A small smile was drawn on my lips.

"It isn't really dangerous. I used to get into situations like that all the time. I'll be more careful next time. Besides, Mom dispatched some bodyguards to protect me." Nicholas tapped a finger on the holster next to him. "Are you saying that Neal used to protect you like this in the past?"