From Rags to God of War

They Respect Him

It was evening, and Nicholas was a little curious about the continuation of Weber's busines with the Diamond Group. He called Victor.

"Hey, Nic, what's up?"

"I wanted to ask about my wife," Nicholas said. "How is she? Is your cooperation contract going smoothly?"

"Relax, Nic. Everything's going smoothly. I've done as you requested."

Nicholas was about to breathe a sigh of relief, when Victor suddenly added, "But, earlier today I accidentally mentioned asking about the identity of the shareholder supporting her."

Nicholas actually held a 40% stake in the Diamond Group, a company built 7 years ago, whose progress had greatly benefited under Victor's leadership.

"You didn't say anything about me, did you?" Nicholas asked.

Victor chuckled softly. "Relax, I'm still keeping your secret."

"Alright, thanks." Nicholas glanced at the clock. He'd better get dinner ready before Isabella came home.

About half an hour later, the sound of a door opening. Isabella was home.

Nicholas put down his report and walked towards her. "Hey, Bela," he greeted softly. He took Isabella's work bag. "Here, let me put your bag away. And your shoes too." Nicholas helped Isabella take off her shoes, placing them on the shoe rack.

Isabella simply held out her hand to Nicholas, without speaking.

Nicholas frowned, confused. "What's wrong?"

"Come here," Isabella commanded, pulling her hand, motioning for Nicholas to come closer.

Nicholas complied. When he was close enough, Isabella suddenly hugged him tightly. She buried her face in Nicholas's chest. Nicholas was surprised. Isabella's hug felt unfamiliar yet warm. His mind raced.

"Instead of treating me like a servant," Isabella said after releasing the hug, "you should hug me like this more often after a tiring day at work. That's much more useful."

"Yes, well, if you want me to hug you." A faint smile played on Nicholas's lips.

Isabella held her stomach. "I'm starving. You cooked dinner, right?"

"Already," Nicholas smiled at her. "Let's eat. I've prepared dinner. Special."

"You always make me feel better, Nick." She sighed, then gave a faint smile. "It smells delicious."

They walked to the dining table. The dishes Nicholas had prepared looked appetizing. Isabella immediately spooned food onto her plate.

"How was your day?" Nicholas began.

Isabella nodded. "Pretty good. Jessica Vincent took me out for coffee today at a nice place. We talked quite a bit."

"Oh really? Interesting," Nicholas replied, chewing his food. "Did Jessica talk about me?"

Isabella shook her head. "No. Not at all. She mostly talked about her job, and a little about Victor." Isabella paused, looking sharply at Nicholas. "Actually, I'm the one who's curious. Why did she never once mention you? Victor also acted mysterious."

Nicholas merely gave a faint smile, not commenting.

"And one more thing, Nick," Isabella continued, her tone turning serious. "About the Diamond Group shareholder. Victor said one of the largest shareholders specifically requested that I lead the project. And he said I should ask you directly." Isabella put down her spoon. "What's going on, Nick? Who is that person? How close are you to him?"

Nicholas sighed. He looked at Isabella. "Bela, I do know him quite well."

"Who?!" Isabella demanded.

Nicholas slowly shook his head. "I'll tell you later, Bela. Once your family stops bothering us. I have my own reasons for keeping this a secret for now."

Isabella looked at Nicholas suspiciously. "How many secrets are you hiding from me, Nicholas Krause?"

Nicholas just shrugged, then refocused on his food. "Eat, Bela. Don't let it get cold." He deliberately changed the subject, making Isabella even more annoyed and curious.

Isabella scoffed. She knew Nicholas wouldn't tell her now. She had to be patient.

...

The next morning, Nicholas was already dressed. "Bella," Nicholas called from the dining room. "Come on. We're leaving this morning."

Isabella, who was sipping her tea, frowned. "Going where? I need to get ready for the Diamond Group office."

"It's fine," Nicholas replied casually. "There's something important we need to do first. Won't take long. I'll explain later."

Isabella knew that when Nicholas said 'later', it meant she wouldn't get an answer now. Isabella could only obey. After getting ready, she drove her car out of the garage.

A few minutes later, they stopped at a magnificent luxury car showroom. Spotlights illuminated dozens of luxury cars of various brands neatly lined up.

"Why are we here, Nick?" Isabella asked, confused.

Nicholas turned to Isabella. "Your car isn't comfortable enough, Bella. I want you to get a safer and more comfortable car. Especially if you're going to be commuting to the office often."

Isabella was shocked. She looked around. "Nick, this is a luxury car showroom. We won't be able to afford it. Especially since the payment from the big project with Diamond Group hasn't come through yet." Isabella felt uneasy. She didn't want Nicholas to go into debt to fulfill her wishes.

Nicholas smiled faintly. "Just go in, Bella. I can afford it. Don't worry about the payment."

Isabella was still hesitant. She was afraid they'd be embarrassed. "What if we just look around, Nick? I don't want to be humiliated."

"You won't be," Nicholas stated firmly. "Trust me."

Isabella sighed, finally agreeing. She walked ahead towards the showroom entrance. Nicholas followed her. As Isabella took just a few steps inside, Nicholas quickly reached out to one of the staff on duty, showing a solid black card. A special member card. The staff saw the card, his eyes immediately widened, then he swiftly bowed respectfully. He knew very well that the visitor was no ordinary customer.

Isabella turned, confused by the staff's reaction, but Nicholas quickly slipped his card back into his pocket.

"Why are you walking behind me?" Isabella asked, noticing the oddity.