ormed Nicole into someone daring enough to defy him openly? Rage sur

was deceptively calm. "Think again. Are

see how you like it when I knock some sense into that h

rieked desperately, rus

rody's hand wavered un

ed in a voice rushing out in panic

something different in Nicole-th

into it instead. She couldn't bear the thought of marrying that sickly, mo

ibly, Brody finally lowered his hand, spitting words a

eg with ease. Though her posture stayed relaxed, it carried a

n stab of fear. What on earth had happened to transfor

after the company went public, I signed your shares over to your sister. You've had plenty of time to reflect on

er voice heavy with sarcasm. "And what

s she snapped, "She's y

don't you marry her off to th

ou

sharp as ice. "I'll ask only once more

Cathy off guard, leaving h

siness world, Brody was also caught off

her parents. "Nicole, they're your mom and dad. I'm

ly, stepping forward and towering above her sister with an intimid

. Five years ago, Nicole wou

just tr

t out, delivering a stinging slap

a clutched her face in disbe

gaze, Nicole's mouth curled i

arissa burst

round Marissa, whispering comfort. Today, it was painf

Yet Nicole stood undaunted. She said coldly, "Return my shares immediately, and I'll disappear quietl

's sake, swallowed his pride, forcing

I'll return your shares. But you're headi

one, accessed the company accounts, and began

ling Brody's confirmation that her shares would ful

red at Nicole's lips. "

aze toward Marissa, dark eyes glittering mysteriously as she a

alking about?"

Five years ago-remember clearly. How exa

y accusing her, yet had no evidence. Clenching her jaw fiercel

sively, "Wasn't it your own reckless lifestyle that

y raised eyebrow, she replied evenly, "No hurry. I'l

ering gaze. Those five years must have dragged Nicole through

ce at Brody and Cathy, Nicole t

in at the confirmation message. Rather than satisfa

nything. Back then, if anyone had cared for her the way t

hrill ringing. Checking the caller ID quickly, Nicole answer

surfaced. A little

d and direct. "Cut the ch

l is perfectly under control. Those five years were fr

tructed, "Go straight to the bank and retrie

by the mysterious man five years ago. It was her solitary l

the call and shut her

a stop, jolting her forward despite t