When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 400

Whenever her father had tried to strike a deal with Nicholas, he always wore that same easy smile, his intentions out in the open, his confidence almost overwhelming. Nicholas was realizing now that he’d misjudged Nelly. She wasn’t just a kitten with ambition. She was a tiger, still growing into her power.

“A real apology, huh? So, what do you want?” Nicholas asked.

“What could I even ask for? We’re family, Uncle Nicholas. I don’t want all this tension between us. I just want one favor from you.” Nelly stood, walked around Jonah, and came to stand by Nicholas’ side.

Nicholas felt his whole body tense up. He had no idea what she was really thinking.

The truth was, just like Jonah had said, even if they made a scene and sent Sheila and Tina to the police for a few days, or handled things privately, as long as Nicholas was in their corner, nothing truly bad would happen to them. But it would embarrass Nicholas, both in front of Sheila and in the Watson family. The rumors would follow him for a long time. That, of course, was the real point.

Jonah leaned back, clearly working in sync with Nelly. He’d played the bad guy all this time, not just to stick up for Nelly, but to help her bargain with Nicholas now.

“So, what is it that you want?” Nicholas asked, cutting to the chase. He was ready for her to make some outrageous demand, but honestly, nothing she asked for could really threaten him. Did she actually think Sheila was that important to him? He was curious.

“I don’t want anything big. I just hope we can spend more time together, Uncle Nicholas. My company, Never, is holding an event next month. I’d really like you to come as our special guest.” Nelly’s voice was soft, just for Nicholas to hear.

Sheila and Tina watched them, both looking anxious.

Nicholas was caught off guard. He stared at Nelly, seeing that faint smile on her face. She wasn’t joking.

“That’s all?”

“Ms… Ms. Stewart… I mean, Ms. Watson…” Tina’s voice trembled, and she quickly dropped her gaze.

Nicholas went on, “Ms. Olson, I’m sorry. Nelly’s identity is a bit sensitive right now, so I couldn’t tell you before. Now that you know, I’d appreciate it if you could keep it quiet for the time being.”

Sheila opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She didn’t know what to say.

Nelly, on the other hand, walked over to them with confidence and grace.

“Ms. Olson, I really am sorry about all this confusion. Honestly, I’m partly to blame here. Maybe I was just too low-key around you, and that made you think… well, that I was an easy target.”