Chapter 174

While the Perkins relatives were busy chattering away, Nicholas's face stayed calm on the surface, but his eyes as he looked at Samantha grew colder by the second. Samantha, though, didn't flinch. Her gaze was steady and clear—like she couldn't care less. After she said, "No," she didn't bother adding a single word. She knew damn well that in this room, anything she said would be twisted anyway. If someone wanted to believe her, they would. If they didn't, even a thousand explanations wouldn't help—it'd all just sound like excuses. The noisy group seemed to finally pick up on Nicholas's intimidating vibe and started quieting down. Everyone suddenly felt a little uneasy—the way Nicholas was staring at her was downright chilling. People might see Nicholas as this polished, handsome, well-educated man—a perfect gentleman. But those who really knew him? They knew he had this terrifying, king-like authority about him. Always in control. Ruthless when needed. His word was law. Back when he w