Chapter 201
“I’m not that hungry. Let’s just get this over with,” Sharon said, her suspicion lingering. She reviewed her actions. There were no slip ups, it was better to face it than drag it out.
Nicholas hesitated.
Richard immediately interjected, “No. Eat first. Health comes before anything else.”
Patrick added pointedly, “Nicholas, didn’t you just say you had time to spare? What’s a little more waiting?”
Nicholas nodded. “Sure, I don’t mind.”
With everyone insisting and Richard’s determination, Sharon headed to the dining room to eat.
The living room fell into silence.
Then Richard casually asked, “Nicholas, about Shari’s acting debut on Twitter, you’ve seen it, right?”
“Ah, yes. I’ve heard,” Nicholas replied, his gaze unreadable but clearly anticipating the next move.
Patrick said, “Shari is quite interested in acting. She might pursue it professionally. Will your family mind that?”
He thought, ‘Ideally, they’d reject an actress as the future hostess, leading to a peaceful annulment. What a good ending!
Under their expectant stares, Nicholas remained calm and smiled, “My mother is already her fan.” That single reply spoke volumes. The Baxter family’s stance was clear.
Richard and Patrick exchanged glances. “What a coincidence,” Richard said flatly.
Richard thought, ‘Weren’t wealthy families supposed to despise actress brides? Why is the Baxter family breaking the mold? We miscalculated.
Nicholas caught their disappointed looks, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He had already expected this.
His family didn’t care what job the future hostess had. What was more, his grandpa and mother both adored Sharon.
Nicholas thought proudly, ‘My fiancée is this popular. She charms everyone she meets.
Then, he remembered the forum comments, and his mood soured. His rivals multiplied by the day.
After finishing her meal, Sharon returned to the living room and sat beside Richard. “Let’s begin.”
Nicholas pulled out a document and asked standard questions, mostly assessing family dynamics and rapport. If there was any pretense, it would show.
Ten minutes later, Nicholas closed the document. “That’s all.”
“It’s over?” Sharon blinked. Nicholas had only asked some basic questions.
She thought, ‘What’s House of Obsidian even trying to uncover? They think they can dig up dirt with these simple questions?‘
Nicholas nodded calmly. “Yes. That’s all.”
Richard remained skeptical. He couldn’t help thinking, ‘Is House of Obsidian really this idle, or did Nicholas just fabricate an excuse to see Shari?‘
He was leaning more toward the second option.
1/3
Mon 10
Chapter 201
Patrick seized the moment. “Since the visit is over, we won’t keep you. Enzo, see our guest out.” He couldn’t wait to drive Nicholas out.
Nicholas wasn’t offended. If Sharon’s brothers ever treated him warmly, that would be cause for alarm.
“Wait.” Sharon stood abruptly. “I’ll walk you out.”
The brothers froze, exchanging glances. They had the same thought, ‘So it begins. Shari is already taking his side.
Nicholas slowed his pace, letting her catch up. They strolled side by side into the courtyard.
The sunlight was bright, almost harsh. Noticing Sharon squinting, Nicholas subtly repositioned himself, blocking most of the glare.
Sharon noticed this subtle gesture and appreciated it.
Bathed in golden light, the pair cut a striking figure against the lawn.
The staff discreetly scattered, giving them space.
Sharon smiled, “Don’t take my brothers‘ words to heart.”
Their silhouettes perfectly matched.
“I won’t.” Nicholas deliberately slowed his steps. “Are you feeling better?” He meant her period.
A faint blush tinted Sharon’s cheeks. “Yeah.” Her cycle had ended. Back home, her brothers had even hired a nutritionist to regulate her diet. Her future periods wouldn’t be as rough.
The awkward memory resurfaced. Those bags of pads in her dorm could last a year.
As they neared the gate, Sharon cut to the chase. “Why do the sudden home visits?” This was the real reason she had volunteered to see him out. She wanted to figure out if there was anything else going on behind the scenes.
“Routine matters.” Nicholas‘ gaze flickered. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Just curious. The questions seemed pointless.”
“The academy likes wasting time on these pointless events.”
Pausing at the gate, he looked down at Sharon. “I saw your film stills. Do you enjoy acting?”
“Yeah, it’s something new. Interesting.” Sharon looked up at him, surprised by the question.
“That uniform suits you. You look handsome.” Nicholas rarely doled out compliments, but for Sharon’s passions, he supported her.
“Thanks.” Sharon let out a quiet breath of relief. For a second there, she thought Nicholas might react like Richard and disapprove.
Nicholas said, “I’ll head out now. See you at school.”
“Sure.” Sharon watched him leave, uneasy. She thought this visit wasn’t just formalities.
The moment Nicholas‘ car door closed, his gentle demeanor vanished. “Next house.”
The assistant suddenly asked, “Nick, do you think there’s something off about the Vance family?”
Nicholas‘ eyes sharpened. “You think there is?”
17:41 Mon 16 Jun
