Chapter 268
Ethan’s voice turned unexpectedly gentle as he spoke to HR, even reaching out to pat her shoulder.
It was a light gesture.
But HR stiffened so much she nearly forgot how to breathe.
Of all days, of all people—why did this fall under her responsibility?
She forced a nervous smile. “Mr. Morrison… I-I didn’t mean anything by it. I just think this might be a misunderstanding. Since you’ve already apologized, maybe it can be considered resolved internally?”
Ethan didn’t let her finish.
“Handle it according to procedure,” he said softly.
His tone was calm.
Almost courteous.
But the faint smile on his face made HR’s scalp tingle.
She nodded quickly and retreated, feeling like she had narrowly escaped something she couldn’t name.
That evening, Khloe left Morrison Group earlier than usual.
She drove Nick to the airport.
His flight was scheduled for a week-long business trip abroad. He could have taken a private jet alone without her escort—but Khloe insisted on coming.
A week apart felt longer than it should have.
Nick didn’t seem entirely pleased about it.
They had a quick meal at the airport restaurant before Khloe checked the time and reminded him that it was almost boarding time.
Nick didn’t move immediately.
He just looked at her.
Quietly.
For a long moment.
Then he lifted her hand, eyes settling on the diamond ring there, turning it slightly under the light.
“I really have to go now?” he asked.
“Mhm,” Khloe said, already gathering her thoughts for his itinerary. “If you don’t leave now, you’ll hit traffic.”
She was practical, focused, efficient.
And completely missed the shift in his mood.
Nick watched her for another second, then let out a faint breath.
Khloe, meanwhile, opened her bag and double-checked everything she had packed for him.
Medicines.
Supplements.
Travel essentials.
Lenny had likely already arranged everything perfectly—but she still did it herself.
It mattered differently when she did it.
Last time, he had worked himself into illness. His throat had been especially sensitive since then, so she had packed additional herbal remedies and soothing drinks, just in case.
Nick observed her quietly as she checked through everything.
“How are things at your company?” he asked.
Khloe looked up, a strand of airport light reflecting across her face.
“With your support, it was nothing serious,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe how bad Ethan looked today. I doubt he’ll try anything again so soon.”
She paused, then added casually, “And Fox Group’s core data is already compromised. The regulatory side is investigating them. There’s no way they’ll go public now. Anyone invested there is going to take a loss.”
She spoke lightly, almost like recounting routine work.
Nick didn’t interrupt.
He rarely did.
But he always listened when it was her.
And more than that—he liked hearing her talk.
The way she explained things. The way she thought out loud. The way her voice changed when she was satisfied with the result.
It made him look at her longer than necessary.
Khloe, noticing his gaze, suddenly became aware she had said too much.
A faint self-consciousness crept in.
“Nick,” she asked after a pause, “do you think I hold grudges too much?”
He didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he took her hand.
Interlaced their fingers.
Pulled her closer without effort.
Then lowered his head and pressed a brief kiss to her forehead.
“No,” he said quietly.
His thumb traced lightly over her knuckles as he spoke.
“If I did things my way,” he added, voice calm but unmistakably firm, “they wouldn’t even get the chance to regret anything.”
A pause.
“So do what you want.”
His gaze held hers.
“If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up.”
Something in Khloe’s chest loosened.
Warmth spread through her in a way she couldn’t immediately name.
She was about to respond when Nick checked his watch.
A faint exhale.
“Really have to go now.”
Reluctance flickered across his face—but he released her hand anyway and stood.
Khloe rose with him.
She adjusted his collar even though it was already perfect.
Nick caught her wrist gently.
And this time, he kissed her—brief, firm, unmistakable.
Then he stepped back.
“Three video calls a day,” he said.
A small squeeze of her hand.
“Don’t make me worry.”