Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0356

“Pete Shelman!” Nicholas’s eyes were filled with pure coldness. “If you leave now, I can pretend that you were never here.”

Pete gave a bitter smile, his tearful eyes turning to me. He used to threaten me in the same way.”

“W–What did he threaten you with?”

The moment felt like a flashback to the day I decided to move to Lexton City with Pete. My heart ached as the memory resurfaced.

“Pete!” Nicholas tried to stop him.

“Nicholas! We’re past the point of hiding things. We’ve had enough conflicts between us. One more or less won’t make a difference, will it?”

Upon hearing my words, Nicholas finally fell silent. He crossed his arms, turning his back to us as he leaned against the wall. His voice remained cold as he said, “Hurry up, you have three minutes.”

“Nicholas wouldn’t let me find you as you were injured because of Marcus. He demanded me to avenge and it had to be ruthless. If it wasn’t ruthless enough, he would take the matters into his own hands.

“The outcome would be worse than what happened to that person who jumped off the building. He said he wanted the Shelmans to be ruined…

“How could this be…” I felt as if I had been plunged into an ice cellar. It was so cold that even my breath

felt frozen.

How could I forget Nicholas was never a good person? I nearly let myself be deceived again by his seemingly gentle and caring demeanor.

“The Shelmans and the Hawks have been long–time acquaintances. While you and they might not have a deep personal connection, the older generations do.

“Daniel is still alive, and so is Pete’s father. Nicholas, how can you say such things?”

Nicholas turned around, his narrowed eyes locked on Pete. “He covets my woman. Why would I have any bond with him? Marcus even hurt you, I was already being lenient for not taking action myself.

“His father looks down on you, so why should I maintain any bond with the Shelmans? Ariana, are your of your mind? I’m doing this for you!”

I said, “But we were already divorced then. I didn’t need you to-”

Nicholas cut me off. “Just think of me as an idiot who can’t stand to see you being bullied! I’m not so weak that I can’t even protect you! If anyone tries to harm you, they’ll have to deal with me first!”

He glared fiercely at Pete. “Can you get lost now?”

“No! I still have more to say!” Pete clenched his fists tightly.

I thought if I followed his instructions and took a week to settle family matters, I would come find you. But now, I’ve ruined Marcus’s company and caused Lucia to have a miscarriage.

“I brought discord to my family.and lost my freedom, all of which led to losing you. It was all because of

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0356

this man’s schemes! He even dragged you into it.

“Knowing that you would definitely beg him for me, he made all sorts of filthy demands and had you at his mercy. He doesn’t truly love you. He just wants to possess you.

“It’s like treating you as an object to be obtained by any means necessary, don’t you understand, Ari?”

My head was about to explode.

Nicholas’s dark eyes were fixed on Pete. His gaze grew darker and more dangerous.

“Pete, so do you think you really love Ariana? When you had to choose between the Shelmans and Ariana, you chose the Shelmans, didn’t you?

“Didn’t you consider that handling things poorly would mean not seeing her on time? Don’t paint yourself as so noble and innocent.

“Don’t put such a heavy burden on Ariana. She’s just the one left from your choices. If it were me, I wouldn’t be as foolish as you!”