Nick's hand brushed lightly against her thigh.Then, without warning, something warm and viscous clung to his fingers."Celia! You're bleeding!"Celia shot upright, her face flushing a deep crimson. She snatched the blanket from beside her and yanked it over her body, mortification written across every feature."You! Get out of here and let me clean up!""I can help.""It's my period!"Nick didn't know whether to laugh or groan. Of all the timing in the world. They'd been apart for so long, and the moment they finally had a chance to be close again, her body decided to stage an intervention."Alright. If you need anything, just call me."He pulled his clothes back on and went to the bathroom to rinse the blood from his hand. By the time he returned, Celia had already tidied everything up, though the look on her face was one of pure vexation.Why did it have to pick now, of all times?Her cycle had never been regular. She could n

By the time Nick came downstairs to the living room to wait for Celia, the sounds of activity were already drifting from the kitchen. Lydia and Phoebe had started preparing dinner.He'd suggested before that they hire a housekeeper or a live-in helper, someone to share the load of daily chores. More than that, he simply didn't want the three of them wearing themselves out. But the moment he'd floated the idea, all three had shot it down without hesitation. Their reasoning was simple: this kind of easy, unhurried routine was exactly what made a place feel like home. Celia had told him plainly that cooking for him made her happy, that the warmth and bustle of a real kitchen was something she genuinely enjoyed. The simple rhythms of everyday life, the scent of dinner in the air, the presence of people she cared about, all of it gave her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in years. Since none of them objected, Nick let it go.He'd barely been sitting in the living room for a few

Charles Prescott's office was already packed with people.Cameron Prescott stood supporting Old Mrs. Prescott, while Susan Lawson and Gloria Gordon sat nearby.Gloria's face glowed with delight as she spoke. "You see? If you'd gone to ask your daughter sooner, our family wouldn't have had to make things difficult for you.""Such a huge project, did you really think you could keep it all to yourself?"Charles's face was wreathed in smiles as well."That's right. We're all family here. With such a good project available, does it really matter who handles it? Are we family members really going to fight over this?"The moment Celia entered the Prescott Group building and reached the entrance to Charles's office, she heard the commotion inside and realized quite a few members of the Prescott family were present.Her expression remained unchanged as she walked slowly to the doorway."I'd like to see exactly who dares try to steal a project from the

Cameron Prescott signed his name with a few swift strokes of the pen.Shane Dalton smiled, something meaningful lurking behind the expression. "Mr. Prescott, here's to a fruitful partnership between our two families.""Yes, yes, wonderful!" Cameron shook Dalton's hand eagerly."And if any future projects come along, please think of us at the Prescott Group. Well, the Crane Group, I should say." Dalton's correction was smooth, almost teasing."Don't worry, our Mr. Prescott is a generous man."They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Dalton took his leave.Cameron was practically vibrating with excitement. He grabbed the contract and strode into the office, holding it aloft like a trophy. "Look at this. Signed, sealed, and done!"Susan Lawson snatched the document from his hands and scanned the pages, a crease forming between her brows. "The Crane Group wants us to transfer three billion within two days." She looked up with narrowed eyes. "Isn't

After the situation with the Prescott family was resolved, Charles Prescott made a point of arranging a meeting with Celia. He wanted to express his gratitude that Nick Crane had been willing to spare the family.Though the Prescott matter was settled, the household at home was anything but peaceful.Over the past few days, Phoebe Whitaker had already recovered completely. After all, her relationship with Nick was nothing like Lydia's. They weren't siblings, and what had happened was just an awkward little incident she'd long since put behind her.Lydia Crane, on the other hand, still couldn't adjust. She had no idea how to face Nick. Every meal, she would eat as quickly as possible and retreat to her room immediately afterward. She refused to spend even a single extra second in his presence. Sometimes, even when Nick called out to her, she would give a rushed, perfunctory answer and bolt. Nick was practically afraid of her at this point.Seeing how she kept avoi