Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0396

Remembering what Annie had told me when she met yesterday, I felt like there was a chance she had gotten impatient and wanted to let Nicholas know how she truly felt.

Very quickly, Annie confirmed my suspicions.

Annie’s voice, from inside the room, sounded as she said, “Mr. Hawk, I’ll be honest with you. I don’t think the wedding will be able to continue on as unplanned. Pete has probably run away with Ariana by now.”

Nicholas sneered. His voice was laid back and confident as he said, “I think you’ve gone mad.”

The few of us on the other side of the door exchanged glances. If it weren’t for Yasmine covering Leo’s mouth, Leo would have burst out in laughter.

Pete turned around and met my eyes. There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. But once he met my rational gaze, he instantly calmed down.

Annie’s suggestion was already shocking enough. I didn’t know how much of it Pete knew. There was even a chance that he had been the one to orchestrate it. However, it would not be beneficial for us if we allowed Annie to continue speaking.

Just as I was about to knock, Pete suddenly stopped me and placed his finger on his lips, gesturing for me to be quiet.

Then, he leaned toward my ear and said softly, “Continue to listen in, and you’ll find out about the secret that I wanted to tell you.”

I froze momentarily as my heart beat rapidly. A bad feeling began to creep into my heart as I blinked my drying eyes while staring directly at the door.

Annie’s voice was filled with amusement. “Mr. Hawk, did you not notice that my groom is missing?”

“No matter where he went to hide, he would not be able to escape this marriage. At the end of the day. the two of you will be married. That fact won’t change!”

Annie sounded slightly gleeful as she said, “Pete told me that if Ariana was willing to leave with him, he would be willing to leave everything behind.

“Can you guarantee that Ariana would obediently stay by your side?”

Nicholas abruptly stood up from his chair after hearing Annie’s words. He felt anxious. He had lost control of himself last night and ravaged me repeatedly. He had hurt me and left my body covered with bruises.

If Pete decided to show up at the right time, there was a high chance that I would leave him without a second thought.

That won’t do! That could not happen!

His hands and feet turned cold as he turned to leave without sparing Annie another glance. However, Annie stopped him and said, “Mr. Hawk, there’s a saying in your country about how sacred a marriage bond is.

“You know very well that Pete and Ariana’s feelings for each other are mutual. So, why do you insist on interfering with their relationship?

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Chapter 0396

+25 BONUS

“Not only are your actions immoral, but you’re not being a gentleman about it either. Why don’t we have a go at a relationship and get married instead?

“I’m sure marrying me and allying with my family would be much more beneficial than whatever Ariana can give you. After all, she’s not focused on her business.

“Even though Jones Corporation is in her name, it is useless to her. Why don’t you be with me and hand over Jones Corporation to me instead?”

Nicholas‘ eyes turned cold. “Idiot!”

Ariana’s expression faltered. “I am definitely much more capable than Ariana. She has never managed a business before. How can you trust her to support you and your business in the future?”

“Since when have I ever needed to rely on a woman? Don’t you think you’re too full of yourself? We’ll stop the collaborations between us right now. I will send someone to inform your father about it.”

Annie shrieked. She seemed to have forgotten that she was currently wearing an intricate white wedding gown as she ran toward Nicholas. Unfortunately, her gown was too long, causing her to trip and fall next to Nicholas‘ feet.

She hugged Nicholas‘ leg and wailed, “Mr. Hawk, you can’t do that. My father would kill me if you did! Men should prioritize their business. Between Ariana and me, you should know who is much more beneficial

for you.”

“Who are you to tell me what to do?” Nicholas kicked her away. There wasn’t an ounce of pity in his eyes despite seeing her fall to the other side.

“You’ve been used by Pete, yet you’re still helping him.”

“Mr. Hawk, what do you mean?”

Nicholas sneered. “But that’s fine. After all, you two will spend all of eternity together. I might as well

make things clear now.

*Ariana is my wife. He didn’t even tell you that before letting you act out before me. If that isn’t using you then what is? Remember, your family’s loss in a big business is all because of him.”

His eyes were cold and sharp as he looked at Annie. “Do I need to teach you what you need to do next?”

Cruelty flashed across Nicholas‘ eyes. In truth, it wasn’t Annie’s fault. It was Pete’s fault for setting his

eyes upon me.

“He told me you and Ariana had gotten a divorce a long time ago. They’re the ones who are truly in love. They had become star–crossed lovers because of your interference.”

Nicholas pursed his lips together tightly. He had been angered by her words as hostility flooded his expression.

His tailored leather shoes stepped on Annie’s white wedding dress without any hesitation as he looked up at her and said slowly, “Remember this now. Ariana and I have never gotten a divorce.”