Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

Chapter 35

Nicolas frowned slightly and replied in a flat tone, "Is there something you need?"

Emmalie smiled brightly, unfazed. "I know you're close with lari, so I thought I'd visit as well. We share a love for art, so we had a nice chat. Are you having dinner with him tonight? Maybel- Before she could finish, Nicolas cut her off, his voice turning cold. "I'm sorry, but I have plans tonight. You won't be joining

Emmalie's smile faltered for just a second, but she quickly recovered, hiding any sign of disappointment.

Without wasting more time, Nicolas walked past her and added coldly, "Miss Rowland, I hope you know where the line is. We're not close, and I'd prefer if you didn't act otherwise." Emmalie clenched her fists, still managing to keep her polished smile. "Of course. Another time, then."

Nicolas didn't bother responding and quickened his pace into the restaurant.

As she watched him walk away, the warmth in Emmalie's eyes slowly faded. She briefly glanced toward a hidden spot and quickly composed herself.

Inside, lan looked visibly annoyed. Without even glancing up as Nicolas approached, he muttered, "A few

years ago, your father had the gall to reject my sweet granddaughter, claiming he had someone better lined up for you. I was expecting someone remarkable, but instead, he picked some pretentious little thing Nicolas's expression darkened. "Have you met her?"

"Yeah, lan scoffed. "She's got wealth, sure, but her act doesn't fool me. And Stefan? His judgment's slipping if he thinks she's wife material. When I get the chance, I'll set him straight." Nicolas felt a flicker of frustration but said calmly, "She's not what you think. If you got to know her better, you'd see she's different.

lan stared at Nicolas, confused. "What's gotten into you? Are you defending her? Don't tell me you've actually fallen for this type of woman, huh? No way! That's not happening" Nicolas opened his mouth to explain. It wasn't about feelings; this was about protecting Thea's reputation. After all, they were in a marriage of convenience, and lan's impression was off But before he could clarify, lan waved him off dismissively. I've met her, and that's enough. I won't meddle in your marriage. Forget dinner. I've got a painting to finish."

lan had always been like this, and Nicolas didn't argue. He instructed Darwin to arrange for someone to escort lan home.

Just five minutes after lan left, Thea arrived, carrying some items and looking confused as she glanced around the restaurant

Nicolas walked over and explained, "Something came up, so lan had to leave. He said you'll meet another time."

Thea nodded, but her spirits dipped. It was obvious lan wasn't impressed with her, and that stung a bit.

Still, this marriage was temporary. Nicolas would eventually find someone more suited to him. If it weren't for Stefan's insistence, she probably wouldn't have met lart at all. Seeing her expression, Nicolas added, "Don't overthink it. He's easy to get along with. He just didn't have time to get to know you today"

Thea managed a thall smile. I understand, Mr. Hendrix"

"Do you want me to arrange another dinner?" she asked tentatively.

Nicolas shook his head. "No need. Since we're already here, let's just eat."

In the cozy private room, only Thea and Nicolas remained. It was the first time Thea had been alone with him over dinner. Her heart raced a bit, and she couldn't help but glance at him several times.

Nicolas had removed his suit jacket, leaving him in a crisp white shirt, buttoned all the way up. It was still neat and tidy. without a single wrinkle.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

The sight of his slightly bobbing Adam's apple and the visible veins on his strong forearms, revealed by his rolled-up sleeves, gave off an air of restrained allure.

Thea suddenly felt her mouth go dry. She quickly reached for her wine glass and took a few gulps.

lan had another hobby he loved drinking. He preferred the wine to be smooth and mellow, with a subtle flavor-strong but not overpowering. The restaurant had been chosen for its selection of Bangolware's signature wines. Thea wasn't worried. In her earlier years, she had often attended business dinners to help Jake with projects, where drinking was routine Despite some stomach issues, she could handle her liquor well.

Noticing Thea drinking a few glasses without flinching, Nicolas looked at her with mild curiosity. After a moment's pause, he picked up his own glass and took a sip.

Thea blinked and smiled. "Mr. Hendrix, I'm not sure if this wine is to your liking. It's more on the fruity and sweet side, but it's-

Before she could finish her sentence, Nicolas downed the entire glass in one go.

Thea blinked in surprise. She was about to comment on his impressive tolerance when she noticed his normally sharp features had softened. His cheeks flushed slightly, and his usually clear eyes seemed to lose focus. He wavered, gripping the edge of the table to steady himself, letting out a quiet groan.

Thea stared in disbelief. "Mr. Hendrix, are you drunk?"

Nicolas cleared his throat and attempted to look composed, though his voice was unsteady. "I saw you drinking it like water, so I figured it wasn't that strong

Thea couldn't help but smile. She hadn't expected this. The wine was stronger than it tasted but certainly not enough to knock someone out after just one glass. Nicolas's alcohol tolerance was clearly much lower than she'd thought. Despite Nicolas's best efforts to maintain his composure, it was clear that he was struggling. His body swayed slightly, and he seemed unsteady on his feet.

Thea hurried to his side, gently supporting him. "Mr. Hendrix, maybe

I should take you home if you're not feeling well." Nicolas, still somewhat in control, didn't fully lean on her, but the warmth radiating from his body and the cool scent of his cologne made Thea's heart race even faster.

He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his voice soft and slightly husky. "Just give me a minute.