Chapter 145: Confined in His Arms

Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Confined in His Arms

Estelle Lockwood felt a bit bewildered. Nathaniel Sloan had just said he wanted to turn over a new leaf. The man’s fingertips pressed against her jaw, brushing past her lips—whether intentionally or not. From his angle, Nathaniel could see every slight shift in Estelle’s expression. He knew he was being unreasonable. Just because he asked her for a chance didn’t mean she had to give it to him. But when she refused, he simply gathered her entirely into his arms. With one hand pressing against her lips and the other circling her waist, he left her with no room to escape.

Sensing Nathaniel’s burning gaze, Estelle instinctively looked up. Yet, the moment their eyes met, the man averted his gaze. She understood him too well; he only avoided eye contact when he was unable to control his emotions. She wondered if he was actually afraid.

As Estelle pondered, she unconsciously zoned out. Her distraction must have been too obvious, as Nathaniel’s fingertips gently traced her lips. It tickled, bringing with it a uniquely intimate atmosphere.

"If I hadn’t found out, when were you planning to tell me? Or were you going to keep it a secret for the rest of your life?" he asked, referring to her identity as Yara Lockwood.

Upon confirming that Yara was indeed Estelle, a sharp pain had pierced Nathaniel’s heart as a clear realization washed over him. It wasn’t that Estelle was dead; she just didn’t want him anymore. So, after finding out the truth, he had been pressing her for answers while carefully keeping himself within a safe distance. He was terrified she would run away again.

Estelle snapped back to reality. She struggled a couple of times but found she couldn’t break free. "Is there any reason why I’m obligated to tell you?"

The room seemed to plunge into a sudden silence, the air growing thick and stagnant. This man, usually so powerful and unflappable, now looked slightly pale. It was as if he could no longer find any excuses, forcing him to lower his boundaries again and again, using himself as a bargaining chip. He seemed to fear that once Estelle reclaimed her identity and they tore through this veil of secrecy, she would no longer need to hide. And without the need for a disguise, she wouldn’t have to stay at Imperial Crest and deal with him anymore. Then... the worst-case scenario in Nathaniel’s mind was that she would leave. It didn’t matter if some things couldn’t be cleared up today, but he absolutely had to make her stay.

Thus, Nathaniel spoke. "No, there isn’t."

Estelle pursed her lips, unable to pinpoint the feeling in her heart. It felt strange, tinged with a faint sourness.

"But—" the very next moment, Nathaniel spoke again. He gently pressed her lips. "Back then, I felt both love and guilt toward you. Miss Lockwood, a man in this state is the easiest to use. I’ll do whatever you want me to do. My power, my wealth—they’re all yours for the taking. Stay by my side, and you can do whatever you please."

Estelle had seen many sides of Nathaniel: aloof, noble, nonchalant, and confident. But she had never seen him lower himself to such an extent. She processed his words for a moment, then raised an eyebrow, translating it into layman’s terms. "Is Mr. Sloan saying... I should treat you like an ATM?"

Nathaniel remained noncommittal. "If you wish, of course you can."

Estelle felt a lump in her throat.

Nathaniel’s long eyelashes drooped slightly, concealing the emotions in his eyes. "According to our agreement, I am still Miss Lockwood’s servant. The contract hasn’t expired yet. Wouldn’t it be a huge loss for you to leave now?"

Only then did Estelle remember the "agreement" she had signed with Nathaniel on her first day back in the country. Nathaniel had volunteered to be her servant and driver, attending to her transportation and daily meals.

Estelle pursed her lips. Nathaniel seemed to be acting subservient now, but perhaps because this man was so used to having everything under his control, even with such a humble posture, Estelle still felt imprisoned by him, with nowhere to run. Feeling a bit rebellious, she declared, "The agreement is void."

Nathaniel slowly shook his head. "That won’t do."

Estelle glared at him. "Why not? Besides, that agreement doesn’t benefit you at all. You wouldn’t lose anything if it’s voided."

Nathaniel chuckled softly. "I am not afraid of taking a loss. I am a businessman. Although Miss Lockwood considers this a losing deal, I cannot allow my business partner to actually suffer a loss. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a next collaboration."

"Moreover..." Nathaniel’s face was unmistakably aloof, and his voice was deep, devoid of any hint of intimacy. Yet, as he leaned in to whisper in her ear, it made her ears burn red. "Moreover, I don’t feel like I’m taking a loss at all."

For a moment, Estelle didn’t know what to say. Nathaniel hadn’t seemed to do anything wrong, but every "right" thing he did was just another layer of pain inflicted upon her. She couldn’t help but feel a little lost. Did she still want to get revenge?

"Don’t force yourself to swallow your grievances." Nathaniel knew exactly what the current situation was. Estelle had grievances and dissatisfaction that needed to be vented, but it wasn’t just about venting. What she needed most, perhaps, was someone’s unreserved love.

Estelle glanced at him again. "You’ll agree to whatever I say?"

"Of course."

Estelle didn’t mince her words. "What if I ask you to help me take down the Lockwood family?"

Nathaniel nodded. "My actions today have already severed all my ties with the Lockwood family." He paused, his tone coaxing. "Stay by my side. However I treated you in the past, you can treat me the exact same way now. Noelle Lockwood is jealous of you, and the Lockwood family despises you. But without lifting a finger, you can have everything Noelle can never obtain. Isn’t that wonderful?"

Estelle pondered this carefully. It was a very tempting offer. She absolutely loved the idea of Noelle seething with hatred but being completely powerless against her.

"Furthermore," Nathaniel enticed, "Mrs. Sloan used to cook and care for me, yet I failed to cherish it. Now, I am willing to do everything for you, and Miss Lockwood is free to take me for granted. Let me taste the very same grievances you once endured."

Estelle raised an eyebrow. "Are you telling me not to cherish you?"

Nathaniel gently pressed her hand against his cheek. "Yes."

But there was one thing he didn’t say aloud—the prerequisite for all of this was that Estelle stayed by his side. As long as she stayed by his side, everything would be fine.

Estelle also thought it was a good idea. She had only just reunited with Christian; if she left now, what would happen to him? But to willingly stay by Nathaniel’s side... what would be her justification? Nathaniel’s words just now perfectly resolved her dilemma.

Estelle didn’t hold back. Her eyes sparkled as she flashed a bright, fox-like smile and parted her red lips. "Is Mr. Sloan trying to remarry me?"

Nathaniel’s Adam’s apple bobbed. "...Of course," he said hoarsely.

"Oh..." Estelle seemed to have taken control of the situation once again. "Then how about this? In a rare fit of generosity, I’ll give you a three-month trial period. During this time, Mr. Sloan can be my..."

She thought for a moment before coming up with the perfect term. "...You can be my secret lover! Are you willing, Mr. Sloan?"