WARMING THE BILLIONAIRE COLD HEART

The chill in the meeting room temperature didn’t affect Kimberly in the slightest. In fact, she felt increasingly warm as time went on. It wasn’t for any particular reason; she just didn’t feel like dealing with clients today, especially those who seemed so intentionally seeking Nicholas and Edward’s attention.

Claudia Rosselinni, beautiful with blue eyes and wavy brown hair, stood tall and slender, making her seem more suited for a modeling career. She was around 28-29 years old and the only child of a conglomerate with interests in gold and oil mining from Singapore. She had recently planned to invest $250 million USD, equivalent to 3 trillion Indonesian rupiahs, in a condotel and resort development project in the Maldives.

Seeing this as a golden opportunity, Nicholas and Edward did their utmost to ensure that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for collaboration would proceed smoothly and quickly. That’s why they had been discussing the project details since morning, aiming to reach an agreement soon.

“I believe this will be a promising mega project in the future. After hearing all the presentations and explanations that Mr. Edward provided, I’m even more convinced to sign the partnership agreement promptly,” Claudia said confidently. Her beautiful face appeared radiant, touched by the sunlight streaming in through the meeting room’s windows.

Edward, sitting across from her, responded with a smile. “We’re truly hoping this project can start as soon as possible, maybe even next week. We’ve prepared our entire team thoroughly for the development and marketing in the future.”

“Yes, I agree with Edward,” Nicholas added. “The sooner, the better,” he continued.

Claudia nodded in agreement.

“In that case, I’ll sign the agreement now,” she said as she reached for the folder that Kimberly had handed her, which contained the agreement between both parties. After she signed it, Nicholas took the document and added his signature.

“Deal, may this partnership go smoothly,” Claudia extended her hand, which Nicholas immediately shook.

Claudia flashed a smile.

“I also hope that, the day after tomorrow, Mr. Nicholas can join me in the Maldives for the groundbreaking ceremony at the new condotel site,” Claudia invited while still shaking Nicholas’s hand.

Nicholas returned Claudia’s smile. “Of course, with pleasure. I can’t wait to visit and personally inspect the project site.”

Nicholas kept smiling warmly in front of Claudia, behaving as if they had known each other for a long time. Kimberly couldn’t help but notice this.

“For the love of Zeus, what is Nicholas doing?” she thought to herself. “How can he be so sweet right now? Do I need to pay $250 million USD upfront just to keep him constantly being this nice and pleasant to me?”

Kimberly sighed in frustration. She even felt like Nicholas was ignoring her growing impatience. He didn’t even look in her direction, not to mention Claudia, who was openly showing her interest in Nicholas, especially at this moment.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave now. It seems we’ve covered everything. I hope this project proceeds smoothly as planned,” Claudia said as she got up from her seat.

Meanwhile, Nicholas nodded in agreement and rose as well. “We hope so too. Until we meet in the Maldives the day after tomorrow, Miss Claudia.” Once again, Nicholas shook Claudia’s hand. But as he was about to release his grip, Claudia held on for a moment.

“Before I return to Singapore tomorrow morning, I intend to invite Mr. Nicholas to a private dinner. It seems there are still many matters we need to discuss together,” Claudia offered. There was a note of hope in her words.

Ugh! How shameless. What else do you want to discuss? Everything is already clear. Just admit you’re trying to seduce Nicholas.

Unconsciously, Kimberly pursed her lips and muttered to herself while observing the two in front of her.

If you weren’t such a big client, I wouldn’t guarantee that your brown hair could escape my grasp!

Kimberly forced a sour smile, hoping that Nicholas would politely decline Claudia’s small talk invitation. But, to her dismay, she was completely wrong.

“Of course,” Nicholas replied confidently. He had no idea how many times he had flashed a smile at Claudia, making Kimberly increasingly disgusted.

“In that case, see you later tonight.”

Claudia and her assistant then left the meeting room, leaving Nicholas, Edward, and Kimberly still sitting in their chairs.

“So, you’re the one heading to the Maldives the day after tomorrow?” Edward asked as he organized the newly reread agreement documents.

Nicholas looked directly at Edward. “Yes, it seems like I’ll have to go alone.”

Edward leaned forward, intentionally resting his large frame against the chair’s backrest. Leading the meeting for three hours had left him a bit tired. “I thought you would bring your secretary,” Edward said while looking in Kimberly’s direction, who seemed busy taking notes during the meeting. She chose to ignore the conversation between the two men.

Nicholas also leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. His eyes joined Edward’s in looking at Kimberly. “Kimberly won’t be going anywhere. She has to stay here and handle all the work I leave behind for a few days. But that doesn’t mean you’re free to bother her while I’m gone, Ed. I won’t allow it.”

****

Nicholas looked incredibly handsome in the slim-fit black shirt he was wearing that evening. His appearance was relaxed, more like someone going on a date than attending a formal dinner with a business colleague.

This only made Kimberly more irritated. Sitting on the sofa, watching a Korean drama on television, she couldn’t help but frown and mutter curses under her breath as she watched Nicholas move about in front of her.

“Do you actually want to go out for dinner, or are you going on a date?” Kimberly inquired, her eyes fixed on Nicholas’s appearance.

“What do you mean?” Nicholas raised an eyebrow, a look of confusion on his face.

“Your appearance, Nick. Oh, forget it,” Kimberly trailed off. Shortly after, she turned off the TV and got up to leave, but to her surprise, Nicholas followed her into the room.

“What else is there?” Kimberly asked, looking puzzled.

Nicholas moved closer to where Kimberly was standing, cupping her face with both hands and giving her a brief kiss on the lips. “I should be asking, what’s wrong? I’ve noticed you’ve had a sour expression all day. Is something bothering you?”

Kimberly sighed softly, a sentiment clearly visible in her eyes. “I just don’t like how that client this morning was openly showing interest in you. Just so you know, if that woman steps out of line, I won’t hesitate to kick her out of the room.”

Nicholas chuckled at Kimberly’s confession. Feeling affectionate, he kissed Kimberly’s lips and cheek lightly. “So, are you jealous, Mrs. Alistair?”

“M-me?” Kimberly pointed at herself. “I’m not jealous, I just can’t stand her behavior,” Kimberly deflected.

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “Really? You’re not jealous?”

Kimberly nodded confidently. “Why should I be jealous? Besides, she’s no match for me,” she said with a hint of pride.

Once again, Nicholas chuckled. He was convinced that the woman in front of him was indeed jealous but too proud to admit it. This made Nicholas even more fond of her, and he playfully pinched Kimberly’s nose.

“Yes, Claudia may not be a match for you, but she’s not unattractive either. Any normal man would acknowledge her beauty and come close to perfection. I feel that way too,” Nicholas admitted candidly.

“Ugh! So, you’re interested in her?”

Nicholas shrugged. “Who knows? I might be able to answer your question after returning from the Maldives.”

Irritated, Kimberly pushed Nicholas’s body away from her. “You better go now. Aren’t you supposed to have dinner with that almost perfect woman?” Kimberly openly teased.

Instead of obeying, Nicholas pulled Kimberly closer and hugged her tightly. “You’re so hot-tempered!” Nicholas teased. While Kimberly tried to break free from Nicholas’s embrace, she found herself held even tighter.

“I’ve been ready for a while, but your dinner partner looks so relaxed, even nonchalant,” Nicholas said.

Kimberly glanced up at Nicholas, her forehead creasing as she listened to his words.

“What do you mean? If Claudia is late, why don’t you just call her?”

Nicholas shook his head. “Claudia isn’t my dinner partner. It’s you, Kimberly Rayder.” He said it casually while lifting Kimberly’s chin with his hand, looking deeply into her eyes, and kissing both her cheeks before continuing.

“Yes, Kimberly Rayder Alistair. I want to take you out for dinner tonight. Will you accompany me?” Nicholas asked sincerely.

“You’re insane!” Kimberly exclaimed.

“Goodness, Kimberly, you actually called me insane. I even made an effort to be romantic in front of you.” Nicholas grumbled. He thought Kimberly would melt or respond with equally sweet words, but here she was, calling him insane.

Kimberly sighed. “Of course, you’re insane. Why didn’t you just say you wanted to take me out earlier instead of teasing me with all those annoying remarks?”

Nicholas smiled. “I’m just happy to see you jealous. I thought I was the only one who didn’t like seeing you approached by other men.”

“You’re silly!” Kimberly scolded once again. “I’m a normal woman. No woman would want her fiancé to be bothered by someone else. It’s just that you’ve been oblivious all this time. But speaking of which, if you go out with me, who will accompany Claudia for dinner?”Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

“Edward, of course. Who else? He’s even thrilled that I asked him to stand in for me tonight. Besides, it’s a waste of time attending those obligatory dinners.” Not wanting to waste any more time, Nicholas pushed Kimberly into the walk-in closet, signaling her to get ready quickly for their dinner.