Chapter 123 Chapter 123
He had changed out of his robe and into casual but elegant clothes, which made him even more intimidating. He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking at her with an indecipherable and dangerous expression.
Because of his proximity... he had heard.
He heard that she was going to her ex-fiancé's house.
Caroline's heart skipped a beat.
She knew how possessive Nicholas was. He had already made it clear that he wanted her all to himself. The idea of her returning to “enemy territory,” to the home of the family that wanted her as their daughter-in-law, certainly did not please him.
But she had no bad intentions! It was just to formalize the end! Edward had betrayed her, but his parents were innocent. She needed to do this the right way.
“You...” Caroline swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady. “Did you hear what I said?”
Nicholas stared at her for several long seconds, the silence stretching to the breaking point.
“I heard you,” he replied, his voice too calm. “You're going to his house.”
It wasn't a question. It was a statement laden with accusation.
“It's to see his parents, Nicholas,” she explained quickly, taking a step toward him. “Mrs. Cassano is very upset. I need to formally end the engagement. It's the proper thing to do.”
Nicholas narrowed his eyes. “End the engagement?”
“Yes. To make it clear that it's over. Definitely.”
Nicholas was silent again, assessing her. He knew she was being sincere. But the idea of his wife walking into another man's house—a man who had had her for years and betrayed her—made his blood boil.
What if they tried to convince her to come back? What if Edward tried something?
“I'm going with you.”
The sentence came out short and definitive.
Caroline blinked, surprised. “What? No, Nicholas, you don't have to! That would be... awkward. They don't know about us yet. If I show up there with my new husband, Mrs. Cassano might have a heart attack.”
“Do you think I'm going to let my wife walk into the lion's den alone?” Nicholas raised an eyebrow, ironic.
“Especially when the ‘wolf’ is your pathetic ex-fiancé?”
“I can take care of myself!” she insisted. “And it's just a conversation with some old people.”
“I don't care.” Nicholas took a step forward, invading her personal space and lowering his voice so Sara wouldn't hear the more intense details. “You're mine, Caroline. If you're going there to cut ties, fine. But I'm taking you. I'll wait in the car if you prefer. But I'm going.”
He held her chin, his eyes shining with possessiveness.
“I won't give you the chance to be persuaded to go back to him. Not for a second.”
Lunch continued, but the lighthearted atmosphere had disappeared.
Nicholas, true to his domineering nature, said nothing more on the subject, but his actions spoke volumes. He filled Caroline's bowl with the best pieces of meat and vegetables, watching her to make sure she ate everything.
It was a silent way of saying, You're going to need energy for the battle.
When they finished, José already had the car ready at the entrance.
(...)
In the car.
The drive to the Cassano family mansion was silent.
Sara, sitting in the front seat, stared out the window with a serious expression, clenching her fists from time to time, as if mentally rehearsing the punches she would throw at Edward if he dared to open his mouth.
In the back seat, the tension was different.
Nicholas didn't let go of Caroline's hand for a second. He intertwined his long fingers with hers, squeezing tightly, as if he feared she would evaporate if he relaxed his grip.
Caroline felt the warmth of his hand, and strangely, it calmed her. She was nervous. Facing Mrs. Cassano, who had always been kind to her, would be painful. Facing Edward... would be annoying.
But knowing that the “Big Wolf” was right behind her, ready to devour anyone who hurt her, gave her a courage she had never had before.
Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce slowed down.
The Cassano mansion came into view. It was a large, luxurious house in an upscale neighborhood, but compared to Nicholas's “castle” in the mountains, it suddenly seemed ordinary.
The iron gate was open.
José stopped the car in front of the main entrance.
Through the tinted glass, Caroline saw a red sports car parked in the driveway.
She recognized the license plate immediately. It was Edward's car.
And next to the car was another vehicle that made Caroline's stomach churn. A white convertible she knew very well.
It was Claire's car.
Caroline took a deep breath, feeling anger rising.
“She's here,” Caroline murmured, her eyes narrowing.
Nicholas followed her gaze and saw the car. His expression, which was already cold, became icy.
“Your ‘dear’ sister?” he asked, his tone laced with scorn.
“Yes. Claire is inside.”
Sara, in the front seat, turned with fire in her eyes. “That snake!”
She doesn't waste any time, does she? I bet she went there to play the victim to Edward's parents and make sure they take her side. Sister, let me out. I'm going to rip that hairpiece off her head! “Sara, calm down,” Caroline pleaded, placing her hand on her sister's shoulder. “Remember your promise. Health comes first.”
Stay in the car with Nicholas. I'll go in alone first.
Nicholas squeezed her hand, preventing her from moving.
“Alone?” He stared at her, dissatisfied.
“It's a family conversation, Nicholas. If you go in now, looking like you're about to kill someone, Mrs. Cassano will faint and we won't solve anything.” Caroline tried to be reasonable. “Let me try to resolve this peacefully. If I take more than twenty minutes... or if you hear screams... then you come in.”
Nicholas pondered for a moment, weighing the risks. He didn't like it, but he understood her logic. He wanted Caroline to end this chapter with dignity, not with a massacre.
“Ten minutes,” he negotiated, relentless. “If you don't come out or text me in ten minutes, I'm coming in. And I won't be polite.”
Caroline smiled, relieved. “Deal.”
She tried to pull her hand away to open the door, but Nicholas pulled her back abruptly.