Trouble in Paradise



Claudia's words sent a chill down my spine. Nelson's strange preferences were a poorly kept secret, but as for his interest in me... How could Claudia know anything about those past events?

Instantly, I sensed danger. Taking a deep breath, I spoke slowly.

"Claudia, it's one thing for you to get involved with that old man, but why drag others into your mess? Just because I'm divorced from Nicholas doesn't mean I'd lose my mind and seek out a man old enough to be my father!"

The words left me breathless. I dug my nails into my palm, but my head grew heavier and heavier, pulling me into a haze.

Right now, I didn't even need a bed. Just resting my head on the table would be enough to make me fall asleep...

Christopher raised an eyebrow at my words, clearly skeptical of Claudia's claims. He turned to her, not buying what she was saying.

"Mr. Newton, I'm practically limping. Nelson has lost interest in me already. And truthfully, he was only ever interested in me because of Ariana."

"That's ridiculous!" I couldn't help but retort.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Christopher's expression brightened, much like a gossiping neighbor hearing juicy news. "Go on!"

"Nelson said that living with Ariana means I carry her scent. Even when we were having sex, he called out her name!

I felt a wave of nausea surge through me. If Claudia was telling the truth, I wasn't sure which was worse- Nelson's twisted fantasies or the thought of him touching me at all.

Christopher scrutinized Claudia closely. "If that's the case, why doesn't he just go after Ariana instead of you?"

"That's because of his quirks! He prefers my figure!"

Christopher's eyes glinted with amusement, shifting between the two of us. "With what you just said, I suddenly don't know who to believe!"

Claudia seized the opportunity. "Mr. Newton, just follow the plan. Send Ariana to Nelson's bed, and you'll see who's been telling the truth. I wouldn't lie to you!"

"Claudia, shut up! Christopher, if you dare, I'll make sure you regret it!"

I gritted my teeth, furious. Who would have thought just a sip of water could leave me completely powerless, stuck in this mess?

I never should've lowered my guard, even in a room full of people tonight. But now, I could barely stand. No words could change my situation. I needed to find a way to escape!

Suddenly, Christopher burst into laughter and kicked Claudia hard.

"Are you still trying to use me as a pawn? Our original plan was to get Nelson's favor by having Ariana's presence -not throwing her in his bed!"

Claudia winced, gritting her teeth in pain. "Mr. Newton, Ariana is right here. You have a more direct path. Why complicate things? If you're worried about Nicholas's revenge, you don't need to be.

"He has already divorced Ariana. If news gets out that she is involved with Nelson, do you think he would still want her? The Hawk family wouldn't stand for it."

After Claudia finished speaking, she let out a sigh of relief upon noticing the flicker of indecision in Christopher's eyes.