Chapter 1001

The following day arrived.

Around midday,Daniela sat in the living room, quietly focused on a stack of research notes.

Just then, the housekeeper approached Carol and said,"Miss Blake, there's someone at the door asking to see you."

Still absorbed in her game, Carol glanced up and spotted Nikolasstanding outside.

Without meaning to, she paused the screen and turned to Daniela.

Daniela, calm as always, said gently, "Since he's already come, you might as well hear what he wants to say. It's better to have clarity than let things stay muddled. That's not like you."

Carol gave a nod, placed her phone down without a word, and rose to her feet.

Nikolas remained at the entrance, looking far less certain than usual. His confidence seemed to have taken a hit. "Carol," he said in a quiet tone.

Carol stood still, her expression blank. The usual indifference in her eyes had deepened into distance. "Didn't Daniela already speak to you yesterday?"she asked. "What she said sums up everything I think."

Nikolas gave a small shake of his head. "I know,but I've been thinking things over."

Carol responded with a slight smirk, "And what exactly do you need to think about? If it's whether or not to turn your back on your own family for my sake, then don't bother. Once you start weighing pros and cons,your decision's already made. You don't have to reach out again. Let's leave it here."

Carol turned away and stepped back inside, her steps firm.

Nikolas stayed frozen on the doorstep. Brad, having witnessed what happened, hurried out of the villa and closed the door.

From the narrow gap, Brad's voice came through.

"Nikolas, have you lost your mind? What on earth are you doing here? You're really throwing away Miss Rowe for Carol? Are you trying to give your father a heart attack? Get in the car. NJow."

Without another word,Brad shoved Nikolas into the vehicle. As the engine came to life, he took out his phone and dialed Hamilton's number. "Hamilton. I've got something big. Nikolas just came to see Carol.He still won't give up."

After Hamilton said something, Brad answered, "Carol didn't even give him a chance to speak. He's the one chasing her like a fool. Wasn't he supposed to meet Miss Rowe today? Keep an eye on him to avoid any mishaps."

The line went dead.

Brad chuckled to himself. As far as he was concerned,Hamilton wouldn't be interfering anytime soon.

In his mind, Daniela was going to die soon.

Earlier, Brad had even asked Hamilton about Nikolas 'meeting time with Miss Rowe.

He took a look at Carol's blank expression and narrowed his eyes with a grin that didn't reach them.

Then, turning to Daniela, he walked over with a familiar smugness. "You've been so kind to me. l haven't done much to show my thanks. How about dinner tonight? There's a new upscale place I know. I'd love to take you all."

Daniela didn't even glance up from her reading.′′NOinterested."

"Oh, don't turn me down so fast. This place just opened and it's getting great reviews. I had to pull some strings to get us in. It's located in Oiscoll's Landmark building. The chefs there are supposed to be good-looking. Carol's been in a mood lately. Maybe seeing a few charming faces will lift her spirits."

Daniela flipped to the next page and let out a quiet snort. "No, thank you."

Brad froze. His grin slipped. "What do you mean by that?"

Daniela said, "That fancy restaurant you picked-Red Maple? It's owned by Cedric."

Brad froze on the spot.

She went on, "You see where I'm going with this?We've eaten there plenty of times. Those dishes you talked up? We already know they're good. Carol's the one who picked the chefs."

Brad didn't know how to respond. How rich were these people? They even ran a restaurant in a place that upscale. Not even the McCoys splurged like that when they were still riding high.

Feeling annoyed, Brad turned and wandered off.

Later that night, Carol stopped by the same restaurant to check on things. She spotted Nikolas dining with Miss Rowe.

She didn't even glance their way

Nikolas, on the other hand, caught sight of her and panicked so badly he tipped his wine glass.

The spill landed straight on his trousers. Across the room,Hamilton saw it happen and frowned. Hamilton followed Nikolas' nervous gaze. While Nikolas looked guilty, Carol remained calm.

She even told a waiter to bring over napkins and had a nice bottle of wine delivered to Nlikolas' table.

Right after, she turned to the kitchen. Nikolas sprang to his feet and started after her.

Hamilton let out a long breath and turned to Egan."Please excuse me." He got up and hurried toward Nikolas.

"Have you lost your mind? Do you even understand what's going on right now? Why are you headed to the kitchen? Miss Rowe is right there watching you.Turn around!"

Nikolas stammered, "Carol saw us."

Hamilton shut his eyes tight, fighting the urge to scream.Unbelievable. What kind of mess was this? He wasn't even the romantic type. How had he ended up with a bunch of kids who couldn't think straight?Totally lovesick fools.

"Who cares if she saw you? What are you even afraid of? You're not even dating her. What's there to be afraid of? Stop acting like she's already your wife!"

Nikolas ignored him and pressed forward, but Hamilton grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back. "If you

I don't care what you're feeling. Sit down and eat."

Nikolas gave the kitchen one last look, but then sank back into his seat.