Chapter 119 - Twisted stories

''Why are you panting? '' Nicklaus asked once they were inside the car.

''I had to use the back exit, before I could stand up, the reporters had already blocked the front exit, and I had to run, I didn't want you to worry about me. ''

She explained with a smile;

Nicklaus heaved a sigh after hearing her explanation.

''I told you to sit with me, now see what happened, ''

Nicklaus scolded with a little frown;

''Ah, you know I'm very shy. I'll just faint from embarrassment.''

She laughed and Nicklaus smiled. Remembering something, she asked;

''Oh, why didn't we go to the family home? Is Grandpa not home? ''

''Yeah, his pa sent me a text that he wouldn't be home. It was rescheduled for tomorrow. ''

Nicklaus explained, and Tiana nodded.

She was glad that he could finally rest after a long day.

Nicklaus closed his eyes and after a short moment, he leaned closer to her and rested his head on her shoulders.

Tiana turned to look at him and when she saw his eyes were closed, she sighed.

She didn't even want to think about the backlash his statements during the interview would bring; just when she thought about it, a voice from the car radio interrupted her thought;

''… the CEO of Howells Corporation has allegedly blamed a foreign cause for the injury caused by the Tee beverage during an interview held earlier today. His statement had caused a big fuss, and the internet has exploded with hate comments. The stocks are not on the bright side either, as prices are declining rapidly… ''

''Can you turn that off, please? ''

Tiana asked the driver calmly, and he turned it off immediately.

Her gaze turned to Nicklaus instantly and when she saw his eyes were still closed, she heaved a sigh of relief.

Although she knew the news was inevitable, she didn't want him listening to them. He had blamed no one, he just said that he would look deeper into the matter, but the press had twisted the story to what could best appeal to the audience.

She knew it was normal for the media to twist stories, but this was the first time she had experienced firsthand what it felt like; and it didn't feel good at all.

Nicklaus swallowed; he heard everything, but he had pretended to be asleep. He had noticed she had been worrying herself a little too much, and he didn't want to add another worry to her. He heard when she told the driver to turn off the radio and he knew she was worried that he would be affected by it.

And truthfully, the news wasn't good. He didn't even have a single clue to what he would do and there was no time on his hands. After a few days, if he didn't find a credible solution, the investors would be alerted again and this time, he might not be able to do anything about it.

He needed to act fast.

If he didn't, grandpa would be forced to search for an alternative, and Douglas was ready to dive in once the opportunity comes.

Nicklaus clenched his jaws as he forced his eyes to remain closed, his chest pressing so hard that it was very uncomfortable to breathe.

This was the company Grandpa took years to build, he wouldn't let it go down the drain, and as long as he could save the company, he was going to any lengths, even if it means giving it to Douglas.

''Baby, we're home. ''

Tiana's voice kicked him out of the agonizing thoughts he was having, and his eyes fluttered open. He smiled at her and came out of the car, holding out his hand for her.

Tiana stepped out and her eyes watched him keenly;

Nicklaus kept a neutral expression. He knew she was checking if there was any change in his expression, but he would not let her worry again.

Tiana snuck a peek at him for the umpteenth time as they reached upstairs. Not able to ignore it any longer, he turned to her.

''Beautiful, I know I'm irresistible, if you want to kiss me, all you need to do is ask ''

He teased her with a smirk on his lips and she pulled her eyes away instantly, a blush tainting her cheeks.

''I'm going to take a shower! ''

She spluttered and quickly turned to her room. Nicklaus forced the smirk to remain on his cheeks until she entered her room and shut the door, before his face turned gloomy.

His head hung low for a second before he turned to his room and entered.

…

After Tiana finished taking her bath, she sat down to blow dry her hair when her phone started ringing;

She picked it up and when she saw who was on the line, she swiped her screen.

''Tiana! Oh my god, I saw the news! What's happening? ''

Gwen asked, sounding surprised;

Tiana heaved a sigh; ''I don't really know Gwen, he's really going through a lot right now, I hope it'll be fine soon ''

''Oh, I'm so sorry. The news was so harsh, I wanted to be sure you are okay. ''

''Yeah, I'm fine. Hope you are good? ''

''I am; just take care of yourself okay, and don't worry too much. ''

''Yeah, I will. ''

'' Alright, goodnight. ''

''Goodnight, sleep tight ''

Gwen tossed her phone across the bed and she rolled her eyes;

She was not very glad about the situation because it would delay her plan, but she couldn't help but feel a tinge of happiness, knowing that Tiana would not be smiling day and night and getting treated like a queen for a few days at least!

After wearing her pajamas, Tiana left her room for Nicklaus'. She pushed open the door without knocking and her feet froze at a spot. 

Nicklaus was sitting in the parlor, a bottle of wine in front of him, and a glass cup in his hands. His gaze was very dark and it made her remember the first night she had walked into his room.