Trouble in Paradise

I smiled at Nicholas, but my heart wasn't as light as his seemed to be.

Before I could finish my meal, trouble came knocking-literally.

The door to the hospital room was kicked open, and there stood Leo, his peach-blossom eyes always exuding a certain charm no matter who he looked at.

But now, with a bandage on his head, his expression made it clear he was here to settle a score. Who would have thought fate would land both of us in the same hospital?

"Mr. Hawk seems to be in good spirits, having a date with a lady in the hospital." Leo sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm as if he wanted the whole world to know he was here to pick a fight. Was it because Douglas didn't give him enough money? Clearly, his brain had been damaged beyond repair, snapping at anyone he saw.

I frowned, about to speak, but Nicholas's glance stopped me. He looked at me with a gentle expression, patting my shoulder.

"Eat."

I glanced at him but stayed quiet.

"If your brain's not working, you should get it checked out. Maybe you're in the wrong place," Nicholas said coldly. Being interrupted during his time with me clearly soured his mood. "Heh..." Leo chuckled bitterly. "Mr. Hawk doesn't even care how I got this injury before telling me to leave?"

"You've done enough things. Facing some consequences is only fitting," Nicholas replied.

Because of my involvement in The Secret's incident, Nicholas had investigated it further. He'd long known about Nelson's extensive network but initially thought it was just because of old friends in high places. Now it seemed more complicated than that. People were willing to grant Nelson favors not just because of his influence but also because he held leverage over them.

Money and power, at their core, were just numbers. Hidden desires-those deeply buried impulses were a person's true weak point. Skillfully exploiting them could achieve far more.

Leo's expression shifted. "Oh, consequences indeed. Otherwise, how would Ariana end up in a hospital?"

Nicholas slammed his spoon onto the table before standing up abruptly. "Leo, go back and tell Nelson that shutting down The Secret is just the beginning."

He didn't expect Leo to be so tactless. A man resorting to attacking a woman with his words? Did he think Nicholas would let that slide?

Leo froze. "I trust Mr. Hawk's capabilities, but the Fisher family won't be destroyed just because you say so. I'm only here today to give Ariana a piece of advice!" He paused and turned his gaze toward me.

Nicholas immediately stepped in

front of me protectively. "My woman doesn't need advice from you. Go home and take care of your head before embarrassing yourself further."

Nicholas' domineering aura was overwhelming, and Leo couldn't help but feel intimidated. Some people were naturally born with an

oppressive presence, and Nicholas embodied it perfectly.

I tugged on Nicholas's sleeve, peeking out from behind him. "Let me hear what he has to say."

Nicholas shot Leo a frosty glare, his tone brooking no argument. "You don't have to listen to a single word he said."noveldrama

I raised my eyebrows innocently. "After all, I'm the one who injured his head..."

Nicholas stiffened, clearly caught off guard. In just one afternoon, it seemed I'd done far more than he was aware of.

"What's done is done. What's the big deal?" he said, though inwardly, he was already planning to scold me once Leo left. It was too dangerous-a complete mess!

Leo's frown deepened, his face darkening. He hadn't come here to serve as entertainment for our little back-and-forth.

"The front desk computers at The

Secret are practically a guest

registry. Now that the place has been shut down, everyone

associated with it will be

investigated to some degree Leo said, his gaze sharp with warning.

"Ariana, you'd better lay low these days, or someone will come after you for revenge."

After delivering his warning, he turned to leave. However, I called out to him, "Leo, I have something to ask you!"