Chapter 0264 "What kind of company is it?" I asked Pete "Oh, it's a tech company." I sell didn't quite get it, and I couldn't think of anything else to ask, so I resorted to a very simple question. "Tough job?" He grinned. It's alright." 1 locked at Pete, and for a moment, tseemed to stand still. For a bef moment, he was all I could see, but I couldn't find the words to respond.
I could only imagine the lengths Pete had gone to persuade his father. After all, to turn around a company that had been in the red for three years was a rear impossible feat, but he'd undertaken such a grueling challenge for me.
He painted a rosy picture, never once mentioning what would happen if he failed. I couldn't help but wonder what would be waiting for him if things didnt go as he planned.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtPets had sacrificed so much for me, and I had no idea how I could ever repay him. The thought made my heart ache unbearably.
My relationship with Nick was spiraling beyond my control. I wasn't in the right frof mind for a new relationship-at least not now, when I had so much emotional baggage.
I looked him in the eyes and said, "I hope you can see this as a chance to grow. Since you've chosen to take on this challenge, I hope you'll gain something from it. I hope you're not just doing it for me." If I followed him, I would only distract him. I genuinely wanted him to get the recognition he deserved from his family and forge his own path.
Nicholas had mentioned that the Shelman family always had high hopes for Pete. He even hinted that, if it hadn't been for me, he might have already reached greater heights.
Pete's smile faltered, and his eyes misted over. "I know why I'm doing this, 175 so you don't need to tellthat.
"If you don't want to cwith me, you can stay here and wait forfor three months. I promise the next tyou see me, I'll be holding a huge bouquet of roses just for you!" "I know you can do it," I said solemnly, looking at him. "And I'll be here waiting for you." I offered to take him somewhere else for dinner as a send-off, but as soon as we rose to our feet, two men walked straight toward us, stoppin 5 in our tracks. It was Nicholas and Marcus Shelman, Pete's older brother.
With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, Nicholas asked, "What are you waiting for? Mind lettingin on the good news?" Pete's expression changed slightly. "Marcus, what are you two doing here?" Marcus ignored him, his calm gaze resting on me. "It's been a while, Ari." He reached out, and I gave his hand a brief, soft shake before letting go. "It has been a while, Marcus." Even when I was a kid, I always found him a bit intimidating.
UT Perhaps it was because he was the eldest child in his family, but he carried himself with a maturity beyond his years that gave him a natural air of authority.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe nodded and smiled at me. "I need to talk to Pete. Let's catch up another. day."
Pete's expression hardened. "Lettake Ariana hfirst, Marcus." He then took my wrist and started ton leadoutside, but a pair of large hands clamped down on his shoulders. "Since you're in such a hurry, you can go with Marc." Nicholas stood in front of Pete, refusing to budge.
Marcus, wearing a disapproving expression, demanded, "Chwith me, Pete. Dad didn't say you could... He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes landing on Pete's grip around my wrist. His voice was laced with disappointment as he said, "Let go already. I trust Nick will take Ari hsafely." I patted Pete's hand softly and mouthed the words, "I'll wait for you". Only then did he let go of my hand and snorted at Nicholas before storming out of the cafe.
After saying goodbye to Marcus, Nicholas took my hand and draggedover to his car. He grasped my chin, forcingto meet his gaze.
"What was that look you gave Pete?"
Fear gripped him as he realized the emotions stirring in her gaze were no would be longer for him, and never again. The sudden realization hit him like a bolt, causing his eyes to widen in disbelief. "Have you fallen for him, Ariana Jones?" X