âYou did ask the children to take my nude photos. I canât imagine what else you could come up with?â
The nude photos were a misunderstanding! But I canât argue about that, and I wonât.
If Evan thinks Iâm a nasty and unscrupulous woman, then be it.
âBelieve or not, I didnât use the children to send myself into your arms.â
Realizing that she was actually in Evanâs arms, Nicole paused briefly before finishing her sentence with the last word.
âYou realize youâre actually in my arms, right?â
Good god!
This is really awkward.
Nicole then quickly straightened up and deliberately stepped back to keep her distance from Evan.
Well, that was embarrassing.
Before she even had the time to recollect herself, Nicole was hit by Evanâs cold words, âYou can get out now.â
Get out?
I should seize this opportunity to convince Evan instead.
Grabbing the corners of her shirt nervously, Nicole raised her head to look at Evan, âI need to talk to you, Mr. Seet.â
âGo on,â commanded Evan before turning his back to Nicole.
He could still feel the warmth that was in his embrace a moment ago.
Staring at Evanâs back, Nicole sighed secretly as she wondered if he was really that disgusted with her.
Anyhow, Nicole decided that she had to speak her mind about her stand against Evanâs help to Lane Corporation.
âGive me a reason. Tell me why you want Lane Corporation.â
Because my mother and grandfather built Lane Corporation! Because Sylvia got my mother killed and I want to avenge her!
But Nicole dared not tell Evan the truth because of his relationship with Sylphiette and the fact that Sylvia would be his mother-in-law if he married Sylphiette.
I canât just tell Evan that I want Lane Corporation because I want to exact my vengeance on his mother-in-law and that family of three.
After all, he is on their side.
After some thought, Nicole looked at Evan with a big smile on her face, âBecause Iâm part of the Lane family, so itâs my right. I believe I can do better with Lane Corporation, and Iâm ready to⦠â
As Nicole was continuing with her nonsense, Evan, who was sure that she was giving him anything but the truth, turned around to look her in the eye, âYouâd better start telling me the truth if you donât want me to help Lane.â
Realizing that Evan was not going to be fooled that easily, Nicole was stunned by his serious tone.
âMr. Seet, if I tell you the truth, will you then decide not to help Sylphiette and leave Lane Corporation alone?â
âIâll consider it,â responded Evan with utmost seriousness.
I guess thatâs better than a ânoâ.
At least it means I have a chance, so I have to try.
After lifting her head, Nicole looked sincerely into Evanâs eyes, âYou should know that it was you who ruined Lane Corporation. Zane doesnât have what it takes to run the company, so you shouldnât help him. I want Lane Corporation because my mother and grandfather built it. I want revenge for my mother and myself!â
Even though Evan knew in advance that Nicoleâs motive was complicated, it was still quite a revelation to him nonetheless.
âRevenge on who?â
Evanâs question made Nicole wondered if he were afraid that it would be Sylphiette.
âThe person whoâs responsible for killing my mother and me!â
âKilling your mother and you?â
Noticing the way Evan looked at her, Nicole could understand why he would be confused, âI know Iâm not dead yet, but they were trying to kill me too when they killed my mother. Heck, they even erected a tombstone for me. Youâve seen it! Whoâd erect a tombstone for someone whoâs not dead yet or someone whose body they havenât found yet?â