Chapter: 763

Nikolas dialed the number of Ensson Corporation, his impatience palpable.

The voice on the other end was respectful yet curious. "Mr. Bennett, what can I do for you?"

"Check your records for a woman named Aimee Bates. It's urgent,"

Nikolas commanded.

"Certainly, Mr. Bennett. I'll look into it right away."

After hanging up, Nikolas paced, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, and smoked a cigarette on the balcony, trying to calm his nerves.

He was frustrated at the amount of time it was taking the personnel to look her up.

Finally, his phone rang just as soon as he was about to reach for his car keys. He answered it immediately.

“Mr. Bennett, Aimee Bates did work here, but she resigned years ago."

"Is there any contact information?" Nikolas pressed, desperation seeping into his voice.

“I'll send what we have to your phone right now.”

Nikolas chuckled, a triumphant clap accompanying his grin.

Now that he had secured Aimee's old number from Ensson Corporation, he dialed it, half-expecting it to be outdated. Yet the line connected, and he was poised to speak when a familiar voice intercepted.

"Hello?"

The voice halted him; it was unmistakably Bethany's.

"Hello?" Bethany repeated.

Confused, Nikolas asked, "Isn't this Aimee's number? Why do you have it?"

Bethany seemed equally surprised to hear Nikolas on the line. “0h, she gave me this number a long time ago. I've been using it since. But why are you calling her?"

There was a pause, heavy with unspoken words.

“Nikolas, please, keep your distance from my friend. You can continue with your usual antics, but not with Aimee. You've said yourself you won't marry her, so don't waste her time-or yours."

"When Jonathan asked me that, Aimee and I hadn't even started anything serious. There was no question of marriage on the horizon."

The conversation took place at the hospital, back when their relationship was still undefined. But things had changed.

“Now, do you think about marrying her?" Bethany pressed on.

Nikolas raked his fingers through his hair, visibly agitated, struggling to find the right words.