Chapter 22 Nova and Corin Exposed–Kael Panicked!
Grace said something to Corin, then smiled and walked toward Nova.[]
“Ms. Hale…”
Nova pulled herself together, a faint smile on her lips. She was about to speak when Sloane stepped forward first.[]
She pushed Nova aside like she was just a backdrop, blocking her from view.]
With a bright grin, Sloane said, “Ms. Quinn, long time no see! It’s been a month since our last collaboration. I’ve been looking forward to working with you again. Lucky me–I get the chance now!“]]
Her actions left Nova humiliated, making Sloane look like the boss instead.]]
Nova’s gaze darkened. She almost laughed–could anyone be more shameless?
Grace looked Sloane up and down, a half–smile on her face. “Sloane? Sorry, I don’t remember that name. Did our company work with you last month? That’s… quite a surprise.”
The subtext was clear–she looked down on Sloane.[]
Sloane understood perfectly. Her smile faltered, face burning like she’d been slapped. She forced a grin, too scared to lash out. “You must have a lot on your mind, Ms. Quinn…“]]]
Grace let out a laugh, ignoring her completely. She walked to Nova, her tone losing the earlier sarcasm. She smiled warmly. “Ms. Hale.“[]
Nova held back a laugh and exchanged pleasantries with Grace.[]
For some reason, she felt a faint gaze sweeping over her.
Her heart tightened. She looked up–only to see Corin idly twisting the ring on his finger. He was cold and distant, not glancing her way at all.[]
Nova frowned. She must be overthinking, too nervous…]
Sloane, left ignored, had a face like a kaleidoscope–her expressions shifting wildly.[]
After a moment, Grace seemed to remember there was someone else in the living room. She held back a laugh, then led Nova over to Corin.[]
Gesturing to him, she said, “Oh, right. Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Thorne, CEO of Thorne Group in Seattle.“]
Corin nodded politely to Nova. “Ms. Hale.”
His voice was cold, just those two words–formal, no hint of familiarity.[]
“Mr. Thorne.” Nova gave a small smile. She thought–he probably didn’t want anyone to know they’d met before, especially not in front of Grace.[]
“Ms. Hale, he’s always like this. Don’t mind him,” Grace said, pouring a cup of coffee for Nova and handing it over.[]
She teased Conn lightly, her tone soft with affection–clear she was cherished.[]
Nova shook her head. “Not at all“]
Corin’s deep eyes glanced over her face, but he said nothing.]
Sloane noticed the subtle tension. She sneered, the anger she’d held in fading a little.
This was getting more interesting!
If Nova’s secret got out, Kael would hate her, and Grace would see her as a rival. She’d lose both love and her job–two birds with one stone.[]
Sloane sanded.]
Nova and Grace talked about work Grace occasionally asked Corin for his opinion. Even when interrupted, he didn’t look annoyed he gave patient answers []
Before they knew it, it was noon]
Chapter 22 Nova and Corin Exposed–Kael Fanicked!
The housekeeper came over. “Ms. Quinn, lunch is ready.“[]
They’d mostly finished discussing work anyway. Grace smiled at Nova. “The jasmine is in full bloom right now. I asked the kitchen to make jasmine cakes and jasmine panna cotta. You have to try them.“[]
Nova couldn’t refuse such a kind offer and agreed to stay.[]
Sloane stood aside, still just a backdrop. No one paid her any attention.[]
She was used to being the center of attention–this cold treatment made her fume.[]
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Her hands clenched at her sides.]]
Just wait and see!]
At the dining table, once all the dishes were served, Sloane stood up. She picked up the wine decanter and first poured a glass for Grace.[]
Her tone was polite and humble. “Ms. Quinn, I know I acted inappropriately this morning. I’ve reflected on it, and it won’t happen again. I’ll cooperate fully with the upcoming work. Let me toast you.“[]
She tilted her head back and drank her full glass–an act of sincerity.[]
Grace raised an eyebrow. She’d been annoyed by Sloane’s rudeness that morning, but they were tied by client–vendor interests. There was no need to fall out over something small]
She took the glass and smiled. “I look forward to your performance.“[]
Sloane smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Ms. Quinn.“[]
Nova watched, a half–smile on her face. She saw right through Sloane’s little schemes.[]
What is she up to this time?]
Sloane’s smile brightened. She turned to Corin, pouring wine for him eagerly.[]
To be honest, even though she’d been with someone as powerful as Kael, she still felt nervous facing Corin.[]
This man’s natural coldness was intimidating–but it also made people want to get closer. It was a dangerous feeling.[]
Sloane bit her lip, giving him a sweet smile. She picked up the wine glass with her slender fingers and held it out. “Mr. Thorne, I’ve long heard stories about you in the finance world. Seeing you in person is even more impressive. Let me toast you.“[]
Sloane knew how to handle men–soft voice, genuine admiration, cat–like movements.]
Every gesture was an invisible hook. Kael was proof of that.[]
Nova’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t help looking at Corin.[]
He lifted his cold eyelids, expressionless eyes sweeping over Sloane’s sweet smile. His dark gaze was unreadable. The tension between them was palpable.[]
Sloane’s heart fluttered Her eyelashes trembled. “Mr. Thorne?“]
Nove gripped her fork tightly, lowering her eyes to hide the deep darkness in them.]
Corans gaze sharpened. I don’t drink Thank you.“[]
He paused, then added, voire cold and sharp with authority. “Also, Ms. Reed, work isn’t a performance. You’d be better off putting this effort into your job.“[]
As his words fell, Sloane’s face turned ashen–hundliated beyond belief (
Corn was calling her fake, putting on a show. He wasn’t giving her an ounce of face![]
She pressed her lips night, but had to force an agreement. “You’re right, Mr. Thorne I understand…“[]
Nova held back a sale. She had to admit–seeing Sloane like this felt satisfying![]
She looked up, and their eyes met. Her heart jumped, and she quickly looked away []
Sloane noticed their silent exchange–especially Nova’s smile
