"What did the manager say? Did he tell you about her?" Nicolas asked, his gaze fixed on Robin's face.
"Yes, boss. Her name is Cindy White. She is from a poor home, and her mother is mentally ill, while her father does not care about her," Robin explained what the manager had told him.
"It's fine. Let's go home. I don't want to keep Grandpa waiting," Nicolas said, his voice calm. Robin hopped into the car, seated in the front passenger seat, as the driver started the car and drove off to the Sullivan mansion.
Nicolas's heart was still troubled, but he tried not to think too deeply about Cindy. Besides, she was a desperate woman and might have ulterior motives for kissing him like that.
*But her lips…* Nicolas thought about those soft cherry lips claiming his firm ones. He shut his eyes, trying to recall how heavenly they tasted. He reclined in the car seat, placing his right arm on the armrest of the plush Maybach.
His body tensed; a primal desire to sleep with her flooded through his veins. But he knew that wasn't going to happen. He was getting married, and his wife should be enough for him.
For years, Nicolas had prevented scandal about himself, as he believed it was a man's shortcut to downfall.
The sunny breeze blew against his face as he let down the car window. Soon, the Sullivan mansion came into view as the driver drove through the black gate, guarded by masculine bodyguards.
The security men welcomed them on arrival, while the car drove in and parked on the magnificent residential grounds.
The back door swung open and Nicolas got out of the car, standing tall and exuding masculine charm.
Though Nicolas had money, he grew up with his grandfather and still lived in the old mansion. Adjusting his black suit—Nicolas had just returned from his company before deciding to have lunch with Aaron—he walked with purposeful stride toward the mansion in front of him. When he entered, the maids welcomed him, but he spared no one a glance.
Grandpa Daniel perched on the living room couch, his features radiating authority despite his old age.
"Good evening, Grandpa," Nicolas greeted with a smile, his lips curving up as he strode over to meet his grandpa. He still acted like a child, even at thirty.
"Nicolas, I thought you did not want to return home again," Grandpa Daniel remarked, closing the magazine he was reading. His lips curled into a smile as he peered at his grandson's face. Though he had other grandchildren from his two daughters' children who didn't bear his surname—he prioritized caring for Nicolas, who controlled the Sullivan Group.
Taking his seat next to his grandpa, Nicolas raked a hand through his hair, trying to ward off any lingering thoughts of that unknown woman.
"Grandpa, why wouldn't I return home? I've been busy trying to seal some international deals to expand our company abroad and into other foreign and African countries," Nicolas replied, his voice cool but holding sincere gravity.
"That's fine," Grandpa Daniel replied with a smile. "You arrived just in time. The Paulson family has agreed to the marriage. So I want you to be the one to go and welcome your bride and have your marriage with her registered."
With a thoughtful look, Grandpa Daniel said, "This house has been silent for too long without the presence of children. All your cousins are growing up, and I need an heir to take over after you. With your aversion to women, I'm sure you would want to remain single for the rest of your life."
"Hahaha," Nicolas laughed, his sound catching the attention of the young maids who admired him. But they knew they would only lose their jobs if they tried to seduce him. The Sullivan heir wasn't like other wealthy heirs and CEOs in the city who lusted after different women and lacked self-control.
Nicolas was the definition of controlled, refined, and honorable. He had no scandalous record, making women wish he would look their way. But he was business-oriented and focused on his personal goals, with no time to spare for pleasure.
"What's so funny about what I said?" Grandpa Daniel asked, his voice gentle and laced with years of maturity.
"Grandpa," Nicolas smiled and asked, "Who told you I don't like women? That's just gossip and rumors about me. And I'm okay with it, so long as it keeps women from targeting me. It becomes a problem when I am the center of attention for all women."
Nicolas licked his lips, trying to savor the remaining taste of the young woman who had dared to kiss him. He wished he had met her before Grandpa Daniel arranged his bride.
"Then why haven't you brought a bride home? Why would you put your old man through the hassle of finding a wife for you?" Grandpa queried, feigning annoyance.
Rising to his feet—as Nicolas loved to keep himself clean—he chuckled and said, "Grandpa, it's easier finding a wife through your connections. At least not every woman would want to marry an old man."
"What do you mean! I can still perform in bed!" Grandpa Daniel growled at his stubborn grandson furiously. He sensed that Nicolas was in a good mood, which he connected to the new company's launch in foreign countries. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched Nicolas climb the stairs.
"Grandpa, I know you're handsome and agile. But if I were the one broadcasted in search of a wife, several women would have lined up here wanting to marry me," Nicolas said, his voice calm but sincere.
"You're right. Go and bathe. I will wait for you to join me for dinner before calling the Paulson family to inform them that you are the one to marry their daughter, not me," Grandpa Daniel replied, glancing away from his grandson.
Despite his old age, Grandpa Daniel was smart, capable, and calculative. He was once the CEO of the Sullivan Group in Brooklyn City before his late son, Ares Sullivan, took the reins.
Thinking about his grandpa's offer, Nicolas strode back and sat beside him.
"What is it? Have you changed your mind now?" Grandpa Daniel asked, his gaze sharp and steady as he peered at Nicolas's face.
"No," Nicolas chuckled and replied, "I just want to see what the bride looks like. You know I will not reject anyone you choose for me. But what if she is some ugly woman?"
Nicolas's gaze darkened, and Grandpa Daniel appeared thoughtful.
"You're right. I will request that they send her photo now. Let me call them so we can make things clear." Grandpa Daniel beckoned for his assistant, who was standing guard, to bring his phone.
Once the phone was in his hand, Grandpa Daniel placed a call to the Paulson mansion, calling Rex on the phone.
Silently and hopefully, Nicolas wished the bride was ugly so that he could reject her and chase after Cindy, as he could not pry her out of his mind. Her sorrowful face troubled him, and he wanted an excuse to search for her, feeling guilty that he hadn't offered help when she was in danger.
Of what use was his wealth if he could not help a woman or anyone in need at a dire time? What if those men were kidnappers? What if they were traffickers? What if he would never get to see her again?
Cold sweat broke on his forehead as he waited for Grandpa Daniel's call to connect.