Trouble in Paradise



I felt dizzy under Claudia's piercing gaze, and I quickly turned to Christopher.

"What's going on? Mr. Newton, aren't you going to explain this to me?'Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Why was someone else in our private space? And of all people, it had to be Claudia!

However, Christopher simply gave me a cold chuckle.

"Of course, I'll explain. This bitch claimed Nelson was really fond of you. She wanted me to risk Mr. Hawk's wrath and target you.

"If you hadn't exposed her relationship with Nelson, I would have ended up being used as a pawn!"

My heart sank. It turned out someone had been plotting against me without my knowledge. If I hadn't secured my deal with Christopher, I would be the one lying on the ground now, in agony and tears.

He burst into laughter, clearly furious with Claudia. He kicked her head hard and added, "I've been around long enough to know better. If word got out that I was tricked by some kid, I would be the laughingstock!

"But don't worry, Ariana. We have an agreement, and I won't go back on my word. Now that it's time to deal with her, feel free to stay and watch."

Claudia writhed on the ground, screaming.

"Mr. Newton! Mr. Newton! You've misunderstood me! Please give me a chance to explain!" Claudia cried.

As she squirmed pitifully, it struck me that I was the one feeling helpless now. Each of Christopher's kicks felt like they were landing on me. I couldn't imagine Nicholas's reaction if he learned about any of this.

How could Christopher treat Claudia this way? She was Nicholas's cherished sister, the official heiress of the Hawk family.

I wasn't surprised he targeted me. After all, I was already divorced from Nicholas. But Claudia was Nicholas's acknowledged sister, even if they didn't share the same parents.

Every time I crossed paths with Claudia, I had never once held the upper hand in front of Nicholas.

Thinking back to those painful moments made my heart chill. What if Nicholas found out about all this? Would his revenge fall on me?

I was still afraid of him, although I couldn't say if it was his money and power or his evident favoritism that scared me more.

Feeling a wave of coldness and bitterness, I said, "Mr. Newton, I don't think I should be here for this. I'm going to leave."

But when I tried to stand, my legs gave out. My head spun as though I had lost all strength.

I leaned on the table and tried to steady myself, but all I managed to do was break out in a sweat. My whole body felt like it was made of jelly as if my bones had been pulled out. I was unable to do anything but sit.

My lips trembled. "Christopher, what did you give me?"

My mind felt hazy. I hadn't eaten anything when I came here at noon.

"Ariana, don't worry. You just had a little water. You've been drinking too little, so the effects of the medicine are slow. Once you fall asleep, I'll make sure to get you home safely!" Christopher said, patting his chest for assurance.

"In the meantime, just sit back and enjoy the show. Consider it a treat from me!"

I didn't trust a word he said. I couldn't afford to lose consciousness in front of him. Yet, my eyelids felt incredibly heavy, urging me to succumb to sleep.

I bit my tongue, trying to stay awake as much as I could.

Claudia shouted, "Mr. Newton! You've misunderstood me! When I said Nelson liked her, it's not the simple liking of a godfather for his goddaughter. It's that irresistible desire between a man and a woman!"