"What did the manager say? Did he tell you about her?" Nicolas asked, his gaze fixed on Robin's face.
"Yes, boss. Her name is Cindy White. She is from a poor home, and her mother is mentally ill, while her father does not care about her," Robin explained what the manager told him to his boss.
"It's fine. Let's go home. I don't want to keep Grandpa waiting," Nicolas said, his voice calming, and Robin hopped into the car, seated in the second front seat, as the driver started the car and drove off to the Sullivan mansion.
Nicolas' heart was still troubled, but he tried not to think too deeply about Cindy; besides, she was a desperate woman, and she might have ulterior motives for kissing him like that.
'But her lips...' Nicolas thought about those soft, cherry lips claiming his firm ones. He shut his eyes, trying to recall how heavenly her lips tasted. He reclined on the car's rest, placing his right arm on the armrest of the plush Maybach.
His body tensed, a primal desire to sleep with her flooding through his veins. But he knew that wasn't going to happen. He was getting married, and his wife should be enough for him.
For years, Nicolas has prevented scandals about himself, as he believes it is a man's shortcut to downfall.
The sunny wind blew in his face as he let down the car window. Soon, the Sullivan mansion came into view as the driver drove into the black gate, guarded by muscular bodyguards.
The security men welcomed them on arrival, while the car drove in and parked in the magnificent residential grounds.
The back door swung open, and Nicolas got out of the car, standing tall and exuding a masculine charm.
Though Nicolas has money, he grew up with his grandfather and still lives in this old mansion. Adjusting his suit, as he was just returning from his company, before he decided to have lunch with Aaron.
With a purposeful stride, Nicolas headed to the mansion in front of him. When he entered, the maids welcomed him, but he spared no one a glance.
Grandpa Daniel perched on the living room couch, his features radiating authority despite his old age.
"Good evening, Grandpa," Nicolas greeted with a smile. His lips curved up as he strode up to meet his grandfather. He still acted like a child, even as he was 30.
"Nicolas, I thought you did not want to return home again," Grandpa Daniel remarked, closing the magazine he was reading. His lips curled up in a smile as he peered at his grandson's face. Though he had other grandchildren, they were his two daughters' children and weren't bearing his surname. So he prioritized caring for Nicolas, who controlled the Sullivan Group.
Taking his seat next to his grandfather, Nicolas raked his head, trying to wade off any feelings of that unknown woman from his heart.
"Grandpa, why won't I return home? I have been busy trying to seal some international deals to expand our company abroad and to other African countries," Nicolas replied, his voice cool but holding a sincere gravity.
"That's fine," Grandpa Daniel replied with a smile. "You just arrived right in time. The Paulson family has accepted to marry me. So I want you to be the one to go and welcome your bride and have your marriage with her registered."
With a thoughtful look, Grandpa Daniel said, "This house has been silent for too long without the presence of children. All your cousins are growing up, and I need an heir to take over after you. With your aversion for women, I am sure that you will want to remain single for the rest of your life."
"Hahaha," Nicolas laughed, his sound catching the attention of the young maids who admired him, but they knew that they would only lose their jobs if they tried to seduce him. The Sullivan heir isn't like other wealthy rich heirs and CEOs in Sullivan City, who lust after different women and lack self-control.
Nicolas was the definition of a controlled, refined, and honorable man. He had no scandalous records, making the women wish he could look their way. But he was business-oriented and focused on his personal goals with no time to spare for pleasure.
"What's so funny in what I said?" Grandpa Daniel asked, his voice gentle and laced with years of maturity.
"Grandpa," Nicolas smiled and asked, "Who told you that I don't like women? That's just the gossip and rumors about me. And I am okay with it, so long as it keeps women from targeting me. It becomes a problem when I am the center of all women."
Nicolas licked his lips, trying to savor the remaining orange taste of the young woman who had dared to kiss him. He wished he had met her before Grandpa Daniel arranged his bride for him.
"Then why haven't you brought a bride home? Why would you put your old man through the hassle to find a wife for you?" Grandpa queried, feigning annoyance.
Rising to his feet as Nicolas loved to keep himself clean, he chuckled and said, "Grandpa, it's easier finding a wife through your scope. At least, not every woman would want to marry an old man like you."
"What do you mean? I can still perform in bed?" Grandpa Daniel growled at his stubborn grandson furiously. He sensed that Nicolas was in a good mood, which he connected to the new company's launch in other foreign countries. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched Nicolas climb the stairs.
"Grandpa, I know you're handsome and agile. But if I were to be the one broadcasting in search of a wife, several women would have lined up here wanting to marry me," Nicolas said, his voice calm but sincere.
"You're right. Go and bathe; I will wait for you to join me for dinner before calling the Paulson family to inform them that you're the one to marry their daughter and not me," he replied, glancing away from his son.
Despite his old age, Grandpa Daniel was smart, capable, and calculating. He was once the CEO of the Sullivan Group in Brooklyn City, before his late son, Ares Sullivan, took the reins.
Thinking about his grandpa's offer, Nicolas strode back to meet his grandpa and sat beside him.
"What's it? Have you changed your mind now?" Grandpa Daniel asked, his gaze sharp and steady, peering at Nicolas' face.
"No," Nicolas chuckled and replied, "I just want to see what the bride looks like. You know that I will not reject anyone that you choose for me. But what if she is an ugly woman?"
Nicolas' gaze darkened, and Grandpa Daniel appeared thoughtful.
"You're right. I will request that they send her photos now. Let me call them so that we can make things clear." Grandpa Daniel beckoned for his assistant, who was standing guard, to bring his phone.
Once the phone landed in his hand, Grandpa Daniel placed a call to the Paulson's mansion, calling Rex on the phone.
Silently and hopefully, Nicolas wished the bride was ugly so that he could chase after Cindy, as he could not pry her out of his mind. Her sorrowful face troubled him, and he wanted an excuse to search for her, feeling guilty that he didn't offer her help when she was in danger.
Of what use was his wealth if he couldn't help a woman or anyone in desperate need at their time of need? What if those men were kidnappers? What if they were traffickers? What if he would never get to see her again?
Cold sweat broke out on Nicolas's forehead as he waited for Grandpa Daniel's call to connect.