Rift in the perfect picture

Was it appropriate for her to sit on a man’s lap like that? Was Nicholas clueless about the boundaries between siblings, or was there something indescribable going on between them?

I thought of how Nicholas said I could be Mrs. Hawk as long. as I stayed in line. How sarcastic he was. Was this the kind of treatment that Mrs. Hawk deserved?

“Don’t mind her. In less than three days, she’ll come and apologize to me.” He sounded confident.

I couldn’t listen anymore. The office door creaked noisily as I pushed it open with force. I stood at the door and shook with anger at their intimate position.

“Nicholas, did you get someone to stir up trouble for my mother’s company?” I questioned while fuming.

Claudia frowned and hugged Nicholas protectively. With her arms around his neck, she replied, “What are you talking about? Nick has been with me the whole time. He did nothing!”

She then shook Nicholas‘ shoulders pleadingly. “Nick, you should clear the air. You guys shouldn’t keep fighting.”

Upon seeing their intimate interaction, my eyes welled up with tears. “I won’t ever apologize to you!”

1 stormed out before my tears could fall.

Nicholas called my name from behind. “Ariana! Stop right there!”

Only a fool would stay. I walked away quickly. Claudia came out to chase me on Nicholas‘ behalf. Yet, she tripped over her skirt after two steps and started crying loudly.

Beth hurried out from a corner and followed me. “Mrs. Hawk, I’ll see you out.”

I refused her and said, “No, get a first aid kit for him. If he can’t find you, he’ll deduct your pay.”

“I’d rather get my pay deducted than get scolded,” Beth said under her breath.

From the corner of my eye, I saw how devastated she looked. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to care for her feelings right

then.

I entered the elevator and started calling my mom, but she didn’t answer. In my desperation, I called her secretary and learned why she hadn’t been answering my calls.

“Please think of a way to resolve this. Those bastards won’t speak up unless they can benefit from this somehow. Ms. Thompson couldn’t get any concrete answers. She’s already had two drinking sessions today. If this continues, she won’t be able to hold on.”

I made up my mind and reassured him. “Wait for me. I’ll bring

someone over soon!”

After I left the Hawk Corporation office building, I drove to an address I vaguely remembered. I prayed hard that the person I was visiting would help me.

My mom’s secretary gave me her location. Soon, I found her being forced to down copious amounts of alcohol in a private. room. She was nearly 50, but she took care of herself and

didn’t look old at all. The men in the room looked at her with lustful eyes.

I pushed the door open with a smile. Those bastards stiffened and respectfully addressed the person in front of me. “Mr. Fisher.”

When I was in high school, my dad took me to the Fisher residence. He had intended for Nelson Fisher to become my godfather. Everything was going well until my mom called and interrupted.

In retrospect, my dad’s health had probably started to decline at that time, That was why he wanted someone to look after us. But after that call, my parents argued, and the plan fell through.

Nelson didn’t believe in marriage. He had never married and had no offspring. As he aged, he gradually withdrew from the limelight. He only retained a few important companies under his management.

He was one of the first businessmen to gain significant wealth in Radiant City. Even today, he was still highly respected in the business world.

I remembered that my dad had once said Nelson was buddies with a man who was a high–ranking official. So, he was often the first to hear of important news that no one else knew.

Those who befriended Nelson could reap this benefit.

Many people wanted to cozy up to him, like the ones in front of me. Right away, a man showed Nelson to the main seat

respectfully,

With just a few words, Nelson took care of everything. “The problem with Brenda’s goods lies in taxation. You can find fault with her, alright. But you’re upsetting my goddaughter!”