Chapter 54 Mr. Harrison's Acting Skills
"Emma's favorite restaurant, Oasis, and her favorite lilies have all been tainted by Zoe. You bastard..."
Evelyn's words came out in a torrent before Charlie quickly covered her mouth.
Two bodyguards carried the struggling Evelyn toward the exit, her feet kicking wildly as if trying to land a blow where it would hurt most.
After Evelyn was removed, the world fell silent again!
But her words continued echoing in Nicholas's ears.
Her favorite restaurant, Oasis—he'd never taken her there once, yet he'd booked the entire place to announce his relationship with Zoe.
He was only now realizing how much he owed her.
Even during her miscarriage, he hadn't shown her the slightest concern. He hoped he might have a chance to make amends in the future.
What was he thinking?
"Charlie!"
Nicholas's voice wasn't loud, but it carried penetrating authority.
Charlie practically burst through the door, his steps quick and steady.
"Mr. Harrison."
Nicholas unconsciously tapped his fingers against the desk, producing faint clicking sounds.
"Find someone. I want a new restaurant built immediately."
"More sophisticated than Oasis. Money's no object—equipment, décor, chef team, everything has to be the best."
He paused, his gaze shifting toward the window where nothing was visible, yet he seemed to see something else entirely.
"Make it the most distinctive fine dining establishment in all of Emerald City."
The command came suddenly, and though Charlie's face showed slight surprise, he took careful notes.
Was the boss branching into hospitality?
Nicholas's tone carried an almost obsessive quality.
"Around the restaurant, plant lilies everywhere. The most fragrant varieties available."
He seemed to be recalling something, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
Charlie nodded quickly in acknowledgment. Nicholas seemed to be getting smarter about these things.
Though his approach was perhaps a bit heavy-handed.
"Understood! What should we call the restaurant?"
Nicholas barely hesitated. "Renaissance Rendezvous!"
The moment those words left his mouth, he felt something strike his chest.
Charlie struggled to maintain a professional demeanor, but his eyes revealed that he understood everything."Renaissance Rendezvous it is!" He gave a thumbs up, his tone sincere to the point of deliberation. "Excellent name!"
Nicholas looked up, casting a cold glance his way.
This guy was definitely mocking him!
"Forget it. Call it Galaxy Restaurant!" he said, speaking more slowly this time with an unmistakable finality.
Charlie paused, then broke into a satisfied expression.
"Galaxy Restaurant? That's a good name—understated yet sophisticated!"
Charlie raised his thumb again, this praise clearly more genuine.
Nicholas didn't respond. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.
White smoke slowly escaped his lips, curling in front of him and adding an even more sinister quality to his already expressionless face.
The smoke briefly masked the turbulent emotions churning in his heart.
He didn't understand why he cared so much about her preferences, or perhaps he simply felt that as his former woman, the wife of the city's wealthiest man, not even having a favorite restaurant was embarrassing!
As the smoke cleared somewhat, his voice turned cold.
"All projects previously given to the Perez family—stop them immediately. Pull everything back."
No room for negotiation.
He wouldn't give the Perez family any more protection, especially if this incident was truly connected to Karen.
He would force Zoe to cut ties with the Perez family entirely!
"Yes!" Charlie responded seriously.
Julie was now in Matthew's custody, and he would certainly investigate the truth.
But Nicholas would handle his child's revenge personally—no need for others.
Just then, his secretary knocked to announce Matthew's arrival.
With one look from Nicholas, the secretary ushered Matthew in while Charlie departed.
Nicholas stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows, turning around with an expressionless face.
"Mr. Moore, what brings you here? What an unexpected visit."
His voice was flat, revealing neither pleasure nor displeasure.
"I thought with the summit approaching, Mr. Moore, you would be swamped with preparations."
Matthew didn't bother with pleasantries. He stepped forward, his icy gaze locking directly onto Nicholas.
"How are Emma's injuries? I want to see her."
His tone brooked no argument.
Nicholas barely lifted the corner of his mouth in the faintest of smiles.
"My wife is injured, so naturally I'll take care of her. No need for Mr. Moore's concern."
He deliberately emphasized 'my wife,' and though divorce proceedings were underway, he wouldn't allow another man near his woman.
Matthew's expression darkened instantly, like the sky before a violent storm.
"Nicholas, you're shameless!"
His voice suppressed rage.
"You and Emma already signed divorce papers! Be a man and give her freedom gracefully!"
"Don't be so greedy, trying to keep her caged. It's disgusting!"
Nicholas calmly adjusted his cufflinks, his movements elegant though his eyes remained cold.
"Disgusting? Still better than pseudo-gentlemen who covet other men's wives. If I wanted, I could keep her by my side forever."
Nicholas wouldn't tolerate anyone else claiming his wife.
He had plenty of ways to ensure that man never got what he wanted!
"You bastard!"
Matthew stepped closer, suddenly shrinking the distance between them as tension filled the air.
Charlie entered carrying coffee, seeing the two men in their standoff, feeling inexplicably nervous.
"Mr. Moore, your coffee!"
But Nicholas casually addressed Charlie. "Emma wants maple syrup pancakes—have someone order them. Oh, and send over some lingerie. Her foot's injured and it's inconvenient, so I'll need to help her bathe tonight!"
That last statement shattered both Charlie's and Matthew's composure!
Clearly intentional provocation!
Matthew could no longer contain his accumulated fury—it exploded in that moment!
He threw a vicious punch, swift and brutal!
The dull impact echoed.
Nicholas took the hit solidly, his head snapping to the side as blood immediately trickled from his mouth.
He raised his hand, casually wiping away the blood with his thumb, his tongue probing the swollen area inside his cheek.
Rather than showing pain, his face curved into an icy smile.
"Since you want to fight, that's perfect!"
His low voice carried barely detectable excitement.
Nicholas raised his hand, his movements showing no panic as he loosened his meticulously knotted tie.
Two equally tall, imposing men, both with eyes burning with enough fury to start wildfires.
The expensive office instantly transformed into a primitive arena.
Full combat engaged.
Fist against fist—their only means of communication now.
Charlie was beside himself with worry!
"Please, gentlemen, stop fighting!"
Two billionaires whose every move could shake the stock market were now trading blows over the same woman.
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
"Stop fighting! Ms. Rodriguez is calling! Mr. Harrison, Ms. Rodriguez is on the phone!"
Both men froze at this announcement.
Charlie waved his phone at Nicholas.
Nicholas's aggression immediately diminished as he took the phone. Nothing but silence on the other end.
His eyes flickered before he suddenly spoke. "Alright, be good and stay in bed. Don't walk around on that injured foot—wait for me to come home. Mmm... I miss you too!"
Charlie was speechless as well as Matthew.
Matthew lunged forward trying to grab the phone, but Nicholas casually pressed a button and tossed it onto the sofa.
Matthew, hearing their conversation, felt a flash of defeat cross his eyes before roaring.
"Nicholas, you'd better return Emma to me, or you'll discover what the ultimate punishment looks like!"
Nicholas smiled. "Mr. Moore, shall we schedule another round? Emma is waiting for lunch, and she gets cranky when she can't find me. Plus she insists on cuddling during her afternoon nap—she's terribly clingy. I'm afraid I can't accommodate you today!"
Matthew glared furiously at him before storming out!
Charlie watched Matthew's retreating figure with complete admiration for Nicholas!
Nicholas smoothed his disheveled hair. "Back to the estate! And have someone deliver the pancakes and clothes, including the lingerie!"
At noon, Nicholas's car pulled into the estate grounds.
The butler immediately approached.
"Mr. Harrison, welcome back! Lunch is ready. Shall we serve now?"
Nicholas nodded briefly, his steps unfaltering as he headed straight upstairs with barely concealed urgency.
Reaching the second-floor bedroom door, he knocked.
Without waiting for a response, he pushed inside.
Emma sat on the balcony lounge chair, covered with a light blanket. Hearing the movement, she turned her head.
Seeing Nicholas enter, she gripped the chair's armrest, struggling to stand.
Her movements were clumsy, aggravating her injured ankle.
"Don't move!"
Fearing she might fall, Nicholas rushed to her side in three quick strides, reaching out to steady her.
When she noticed the bruising around his eye, her brow furrowed. "How did you get hurt?"
Nicholas leaned his handsome face close to hers, sneering coldly. "Worried about me? Why don't you kiss it better?"
"Get lost." Emma forcefully pushed him away.
But Nicholas lost his balance, falling backward, and Emma instinctively tried to save him, lunging forward.
Her face landed between his thighs, the firm contact making her cheeks instantly flush crimson.