Chapter 71: A Strange Gift - Selene's Smile

[Nexus Account: 5,000]

[Saver Accont: $10,000,000]

After he turned Sarah into his assistant, he gave her most of his money; however, the night after, his father sent even more to him. This unexpected wealth presented Nikolai with a significant decision to send any money over ten million to Sarah, a decision that would impact her business and investments.

'Well, she was grateful and told me her first two ideas were an investment company and the other was a secret. I don't mind since the investments she chose seem to be about to sign deals with the Scarlet group. Thank god Selene told me afterwards; otherwise, I would be constantly worried about Sarah's choices.

The truth was Sarah was talented, so once Selene mentioned the companies to him while bored earlier, he felt a sudden feeling of relief.

'Imagine how the Faust family feels for losing their partnership with the Imperium brand.'

"Phew..."

His mind returned to normal after leaving the calming blue portal, the smooth surface cleansing his body and healing all his wounds and scars that remained. The Nexus truly was a haven for superhumans and monsters.

"Nik... Kai!" Selene's voice was loud, unlike the usual perfect lady's temperament. She looked at him from beside the betting machines with soft eyes. It felt strange as she rushed to his side and reached out, touching his cheeks and arms where he was wounded in the match.

"Are you really alright? Are there no wounds or broken bones? I'm sorry because I didn't get the right information... you suffered so much."

'Is this the same Selene?'

It was not that Selene never cared, but her tone was always cold and reserved. Not to mention, she rarely asked him about his injuries, so Nikolai was speechless, his eyes moving between her face and chest.

She was wearing a dark, low-cut dress that covered most of her skin, but it was still elegant—the cloak she used was fine, like silk, but no longer hid her beautiful figure and those devastating D-Cup weapons that pressed against Nikolai's chest.

'Soft... and warm!'

Her eyes were clear like pools of water, and her sweet breath touched his face. For the first time, Nikolai noticed a hint of fragrant perfume, a fragrance that made his head feel dizzy.

"Are you really ok?"

"Of course I am, Lena. Did you enjoy the fight?"

"I did. You're amazing and that last attack... it was beautiful, but I was worried that you were hurt."

"It doesn't matter—remember, I can heal in a few minutes."

Selene's concern made Nikolai feel grateful, though he didn't feel the same magnitude of feelings for her as Nikita.

His lustful and passionate feelings for Selene were much stronger, like the difference between a relaxing fireplace in the winter and a blazing summer filled with excitement the two women filled the emptiness inside.

'Though, I wonder if she even realises how she's acting right now?'

Nikolai saw Selene's hand unconsciously move close to his chest. He smiled as his hand moved to hold hers, not giving her a chance to react before he grabbed it with force.

"Are you perhaps drunk?"

"No, I am just claiming my prize," Nikolai responded while grasping her soft, delicate hand and placing his lips gently against it, kissing the back of her fingers.

Selene's cheeks went a bright shade of red, her lips parted slightly as her breath quickened, her breasts rising and falling along with her mouth that opened and closed, seeming to have something to say, yet her face became bright red as she turned away, pulling her hand and stroking it while pouting her lips.

Nikolai loved the way her cheeks flushed red and how coy she acted.

"Next time, I'll ask for the same reward." He gave a smile, before walking towards the Arena's machine to see how his earnings and other things worked.

"Y-You..." Selene's voice was like a mosquito beside a train blowing its horn as she looked at Nikolai's back, her mouth closed tight, the soft, thick lips moving around nervously before her expression became complicated.

'Is there something wrong with me?'

Her heart was beating fast, and the image of Nikolai's fierce face, as he fought with elegance and ferocity, made him realise just how handsome the man was as he held her hand and kissed the back of it, made her chest tremble. The faint touch of his lips on her skin felt like it was engraved on her.

'His lips were cold... but I didn't dislike it.'

The more Selene thought, the more complicated her expression became, and the more she regretted not remembering the promise and avoiding his kiss.

She also felt embarrassed because the dress that clung tightly to her body looked more erotic in her reflection than she imagined, especially when she remembered Nikolai's gaze moving across her body.

'Wait, why am I even concerned with him looking at me? Damn it, Selene, get a grip!'

"Hmm? Who is that?"

A smart male in a suit walked towards Nikolai, holding a neat package with a silver and red ribbon tying the box.

He spoke with Nikolai for several minutes, with him trying to refuse until the man in the suit showed him something, and he stopped resisting, instead taking the box and thanking the male who left with the same emotionless face as he had when approaching Nikolai.

***

Nikolai held the gift from the VIP.

The only reason he accepted the gift was because of Elizabeth's request. He looked at the small emblem on the ribbon and realised it matched the pattern that Eliza said was present inside his eyes when he focused all his Vermillion Essence into them while using only his Celestial Aura to fight.

[I cannot believe that he's here...]

'Is the one who sent the gift really my grandfather? I thought the family hated my mother.'

[No... Her Father was angry for a long time, but the moment you were born... He started sending letters and apologised, but because you were a hybrid, she feared he would find out and never replied. It seems she was stupid—that man, he was just as lonely as your mother.]

'If he tries to mend the bridge, I won't push him away and will at least hear what he has to say.'

[!!!]

[Thank you, I think your mother's heart would be saved to know that!]

He realised that despite being lonely and saying the family would hate them. Nikolai knew his gentle mother probably loved her family and wanted to be closer.

Yet, because of his existence and being a hybrid, she might have become trapped because of that situation. If he was a normal child, either taking his mother's bloodline or father's instead of both... Then, neither of them would have suffered.

This was the thought that ate at Nikolai's feelings.

"Kai? Are you alright?" Selene's gentle voice was filled with concern yet a tone like a princess with great education and elegance. The cold and aloof lady from the first time they met was replaced by a beautiful woman filled with charm and grace.

"I'm fine, Lena. A man just gave me a gift, and I was wondering if I should open it."

"Oh, is that a gift? What a surprise. Can I take a look?"

"Sure, it should be safe, right?"

Selene was someone with a cold disposition, but Nikolai was certain she would not act against him and at least right now maybe she was hiding behind the guise of Lena to be more gentle and warm.

The moment she looked at the package, her eyes widened for a second upon seeing the emblem before she peeked at Nikolai's face.

"Shall we open it?" Her voice seemed tinged with curiosity. S~eaʀᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Alright, let's see."

Nikolai untied the neat bow and opened the box to reveal a set of dark-red armour made from a material that Nikolai couldn't recognise. It was a thick fabric made from several threads that created a strong, elegant and yet simple armour.

"No it's like armour, but looks like a stylish shirt... it's light and smooth. How elegant, this can't have been cheap..."

"Oh my... it's from the Black Widow Boutique!" Selene's voice increased in volume before her eyes began to shine. "Oh my, there is a rare clan that only deals with a certain group of monsters, namely the mainline of royal families within each of the races.

The arachne are a proud race of women skilled at crafting and forming leather, cloth, silk any form of high-class garments that are usually from this brand! I would kill to have something like this made, but the waiting list is months!"

"Ah, I see. You seem to know a lot about this, Lena." Nikolai nodded his head, but he was surprised as Selene's eyes had stars in them as she gazed at the clothes, but after he spoke, she went silent and stood up straight.

Before showing him the label of her cloak, the silky smooth yet elegant cloak had the same tag and emblem! The Black Widdow Boutique!

"Oh, it seems we both got things from the same brand. That's great, we can match!" Selene gasped at Nikolai's words as she felt shocked.

"What else did you buy?"

He wondered because she seemed to be such a fan of the brand, but then she covered herself and gave him a wink. "Secret," Selene teased, her tongue sticking out for a second before she showed the exquisite black dress she was wearing, and the red silk item underneath peeked from the top and made him realise.

'It's likely her entire outfit is Black Widow, from her bra and panties to her dress and stockings... Also, when did she change? Was it when I teleported to the arena?'

The pair stopped for a moment as she began to look around. "Let's find somewhere to rest and have something to eat. Then we should find something to do, okay?"

"Sure, there is a restaurant around here, so let's go, and I'll treat you!"

"Mn, good, you have to treat me." Selene's face was relaxed, and her attitude was happy. It was a different Selene to the one who worked in that stuffy office alone.

Nikolai noticed how close she was, and her body brushed against him a few times, but he didn't mind—it felt rather nice to walk around with her as his hand wrapped around her waist, naturally pulling her close to avoid bumping into others.

"Then let's go, Lena."

He became stunned when Selene turned to him, showing the first genuine smile he might have seen aimed at him alone. Like the sun shining over the horizon, he felt dazed by the beauty of her blonde hair, like golden silk, swaying in the breeze.

"Mm!"

[Fufu~ enjoy your date. I am going to sleep.]