Chapter: 830

He had always regarded Aimee as somewhat ordinary. When compared to his ex-girlfriends or even brief flings, she seemed to lack physical allure. Yet, witnessing her smile at Nola, especially that subtle dimple on her cheek, he found her sweet.

Her charm was understated, but undeniably present.

“Aimee, I've just realized, you have a touch of—"

Before he could finish with "beauty," Aimee interrupted him. “Can you just stop talking? If you continue like this, I'll leave. I'm only here because of Bethany."

Nikolas found himself at a loss for words.

"Who I chat with is none of your business! I showed you the chat because I wanted you to understand that I'm not interested in you. I wasn't playing hard-to-get. I simply do not see a future with you!"

She aimed to extinguish any lingering hope he might have.

"Do you actually have feelings for that blind date?" Nikolas couldn't accept losing to an ordinary guy.

In Odonset, he felt he only came second to Jonathan in looks, family status, power, and wealth.

“It's my right to like whoever I please. I'm not bothering you. You're the one disrupting my life, understand?"

Aimee's expression was stern and serious.

Nikolas felt his anger surge, but he knew today was not the day to let it show.

The continual blows to his pride were too much to bear.

“Hah, you really think I like you? I might as well be honest. I regret what happened between us last time. My concern is that you might be pregnant. I need to watch over you. What if you sleep with your blind date, end up pregnant, and then expect me to take responsibility? I-"

Before he could complete his thought, Aimee delivered a sharp slap across his face.

Nikolas was struck dumb, frozen mid-sentence by the sting of Aimee's slap.

Rowan, caught in the crossfire, glanced between Nikolas and Aimee with saucer-wide eyes, feeling the air crackle with tension.

Nola, too absorbed in her candy, was oblivious at first. But as silence settled like a heavy fog, she inched closer, curiosity piqued.

"Rowan, what's wrong with Auntie Aimee?"

Quick as a whip, Rowan clamped his hand over her mouth. "Uh... We'll go check on Mommy!"

He whisked Nola away, leaving the adults to their stormy confrontation.

With the children out of the picture, Aimee regained her poise, standing tall. "You all enjoy your meal. I'm heading home."

She had barely taken a step when a warm hand encircled her wrist.

Glaring down at Nikolas, still seated, she spat out, “Don't worry, I won't get pregnant. I took pills."