Chapter 623 - Thirsty And Hungry

Matthew watched Zoey drag her feet back to the couch where Nikolai was perched earlier. Her complexion turned pale and her expression was akin to a person after being splashed with cold water.

Truth hurts. But lack of information was as dangerous as knowing more.

Even Matthew was surprised by this revelation. He didn't think that Nikolai would still help Zoey as he didn't seem to truly care. But with facts laid on the table, Matthew could only swallow down the truth.

Still… with Zoey's pride, this would surely sting. After all, Zoey wouldn't even ask for his help if she had a choice. She's that kind of woman; one of the thousand reasons he loved her.

"Zoey," Matthew called out softly, but Zoey remained silent.

With a sigh, Matthew strode towards her and sat beside her. His eyes filled with worry as if he didn't have an intention to kill just moments ago. "Are you alright?"

"Of course," Zoey raised her gaze and forced a meek smile on her lips. "It's just that, I've overestimated myself. It stings, knowing I reached success because he helped me."

Zoey expressed, inhaling through her gritted teeth. Some people would probably think she was being overly dramatic. However, Zoey had been proud that her company could stand up to those big companies in the industry because she had put her heart and soul into establishing it.

Then, it turns out, she only had the chance because someone helped her. To make it worse, it was from the last person she wanted to owe anything.

This wasn't just pride anymore. Getting help in this world was natural. But this help from Nikolai, it was akin to an insult that she failed to notice.

Matthew sighed seeing her emotionally hurt. He understood where her emotions were coming from as he was not just a businessman, but a person with integrity to uphold.

"Hehe, let's not think about it." After taking a long inhale, the corner of her lips stretched into a smile. 

"I know you barely have time to spare and it was wasted because of that guy's stubbornness. What do you want to eat?" 

Zoey asked, showing him that she was fine with it and he shouldn't worry. She had burdened him enough and this simple thing should be kept to her.

"Hmmm?" Zoey hummed as she briefly raised her brows because her darling remained silent.

Matthew was just looking at her without any change in his flat expression. Zoey sort of started to dislike this expression as it was hard to read him especially with her emotions tangled.

The next second, Matthew caught her off guard as he pulled her in his embrace. His hands on her back, gently patting it as he guided her head to rest on his shoulder.

"You're remarkable with or without his help. I don't think Professor Meng is the type of person who would invest in Z Image Group knowing you don't have potential."

Matthew whispered as he rubbed her back gently. In his perspective, even if Nikolai asked Professor Meng a favor, the latter still had the option of whether or not to sign a contract with Zoey.

That's just impossible in a businessman's perspective. After all, Matthew was well-aware that Professor Meng didn't know what kind of person Nikolai was. Also, after a thorough background check, Professor Meng was a decent businessman who wouldn't get bribed or do favors just to please anyone.

"Darling, I know you mean well, but I'm okay. I…" 

"That guy just showed you the door. How you unlocked it and got in was because of your capabilities. You know Professor Meng more than I do." Matthew added, causing Zoey to bite her lower lips as she held onto him.

The corner of her eyes welled up. She knew Matthew was just trying to comfort her, but that's all she needed.

Someone who believed in her. Someone who would be there especially the time Zoey, herself, doubted herself.

"Mhm," Holding her tears back, Zoey hummed as she nodded.

"I would even propose business with you even without Professor Meng. Unfortunately, a marriage proposal was my first thought the moment I laid my eyes on you." 

"Come on…" Zoey chuckled upon hearing his humor.

"I'm serious, though." Matthew shrugged as his lips curled into a smile.

Zoey rolled her eyes, still smiling as she pushed him lightly. "Marriage proposal? You? Doubt it."

Zoey humored back, feeling a little better with Matthew's odd way of comforting her. But it worked.

She still had him. Although she knew Matthew was just trying to comfort her, she wanted to believe how she knew Professor Meng.

"Why so?" Matthew furrowed his brows. He was telling the truth, though.

Matthew never felt attracted to anyone but Zoey. Even without the memories of their previous life, the second he laid his eyes on her at that bar, Matthew knew he wanted her.

"Because…" Zoey rubbed her chin lightly, gravitating if speaking her thoughts aloud was a good idea.

Zoey studied Matthew's puzzled visage. Earlier, she lied to him about Nikolai even though she didn't mean to. Hence, she wanted to make up with it with her honesty.

"Because?" Matthew asked, raising his right brow as he was truly intrigued.

"You were once… confused." Zoey paused, pursing her lips in a thin line.

Meanwhile, Matthew narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Confused?"

"Uh, yes. With you know -- that's why Kevin almost drugged you." Zoey awkwardly blurted out.

As soon as Matthew heard her, his eyes glinted as his lips straightened into a thin line. Zoey's guts were correct, it was not a good idea.

"I'm pretty sure I have proven that to you. Alas…" Matthew sensually traced the side of neck, sending shivers down her spine.

"...It seems it wasn't enough." Matthew continued as he checked his wristwatch.

Upon seeing that he had used one and half hours of his two hours break, Matthew didn't care as he raised his gaze back to her.

"Hehe. Darling, I'm just kidding, you know. It's my stupid's mouth's fault that I…" Before Zoey could salvage the situation, Matthew placed his forefinger before her lips.

"All this talking made me thirsty and hungry, my love. Are you not?"