Chapter 17

My father-in-law's protection of me went far beyond my expectations. While secretly startled, I couldn't help but feel puzzled. Was it simply because I'd uncovered the poisoning attempt and preserved the Carter family's reputation? Surely there had to be more to it. Breakfast ended on a sour note. Lily practically slammed her fork down before storming off. Although Benjamin and the others didn't voice strong objections, their eyes said it all. Especially Nicholas—his gaze burned into me with such intensity. Logically I knew he couldn't be that mysterious man, yet I kept associating them in my mind. Would that stranger's eyes also hold the same terrifying danger as Nicholas's? What would he do if he discovered I now held 5% of Carter Corporation's shares? Damn it! Why was I even thinking about that devil? Could it be... just as he'd said, that I'd somehow developed feelings after being with him? I wanted to slap myself back to my senses. After breakfast, my father-in-law summoned me to