Chapter 1002

Egan watched the whole exchange unfold, then said with a raised brow, "Is Nikolas interested in someone else?"

Hamilton chuckled, trying to brush it off. "That can't be. He just helped a girl once or twice. Now she's tagging along like he's some kind of savior. She even showed up here. Honestly, does she even realize what kind of place this is? I suppose those from lesser backgrounds just don't grasp how things work in circles like ours."

Egan gave a slight nod. "Nikolas is impressive, that's for sure. But why did it look like he was chasing her just now?"

"That's impossible. Mr. Rowe, you must be joking.Nikolas would never fall for someone like her."Hamilton then turned to Calliope Rowe, Egan's daughter. "If he were to have feelings for anyone, it would be someone like Calliope. Refined, educated,elegant..."

Egan laughed at that, but his amusement quickly faded.He had just caught sight of the same girl Hamilton had criticized moments earlier. She stepped out of the kitchen,holding a takeout bag, clearly about to leave

And once again, Nikolas rose from his seat and followed her from behind. He leaned down slightly to speak to her, his voice low. "Where are you headed?Let me give you a lift."

Hamilton's expression turned grim in an instant

Carol, who had spotted Calliope seated nearby,exchanged a polite nod with her.

Then she turned to Nikolas and said, "If you're here for dinner, kindly return to your table. If not,please stop bothering the guests."

Her tone was cold. Nikolas felt a sting in his chest."Let me take you home,alright?"

Carol could hardly believe it. There he was, sitting across from a girl on a date, yet he had the nerve to say something like that.

Without a word, she motioned to the security. They stepped in to block Nikolas.

With the takeout bag in hand, Carol walked toward the exit.

Nikolas brushed past the guards and chased after her."Carol, wait. Let me explain. This wasn't my idea. My father arranged it. I didn't even want to be here. If you hadn't shown up, I would've told her I have a girl I like."

Carol opened the car door without replying and got in.

Nikolas caught up and slipped inside before she could stop him.

Hamilton reached the front just in time to see Nikolas sitting beside her. He rushed forward, yelling, "Nikolas,get out of that car!"

Nikolas looked at Hamilton, then turned to Carol's unmoved profile. "Let's just go," he said. "I'll deal with him later."

Carol turned to Nikolas. "WVhat on earth is wrong with you?"

She stepped out and said to Hamilton, "Get your son out of my car."

Nikolas stared after her, stunned. He hadn't expected her to be that cold.

After Hamilton dragged his son out, Carol got back in,hit the gas, and sped away.

Just then, Egan and Calliope stepped outside and saw everything. Nikolas gave a quick bow, apologizing."I'm sorry you had to witness that. My father arranged this meeting. But the truth is, I'm already fond of someone.The one who just left. She's not some ordinary girl.She's remarkable. Really, she is. She's so amazing l honestly don't think I deserve her."

Back at home, Daniela was enjoying the food from the restaurant when Hamilton burst in, clearly fuming.

He spotted the takeout box and grew even more upset.

"Can't you manage your people better?" he snapped. Daniela raised an eyebrow and.replied, "Isn't your son the one who can't behave?"

Pointing at the box, he said, "Carol followed us to the restaurant. Everything was going fine until she barged in."

Daniela looked down at the label, then said evenly,"This restaurant? It's mine. I'm giving it to Carol as a gift. Why can't she be there?"

Hamilton blinked. His mind froze for a second.

That same pressure he always felt around Daniela came flooding back.

"You're serious? That restaurant belongs to you?"

Daniela didn't even glance up. "Elite Lux owns it.Carol manages it. I plan to sign it over to her eventually. Does that answer your question?"

Hamilton let out a sigh and rubbed his temples."That's not what I meant. I'm asking what you think about Nikolas and Carol."

"My thoughts? They can date whoever they want. But Carol said she's not interested anymore. She asked him to stop hanging around. It's making her look bad. She still needs to meet a decent man."

Hamilton looked at her, dumbfounded. "So Nikolas is the one being desperate now?"

Daniela gave a dry blink. "Isn't it obvious?" Right as the words left her mouth, Carol entered the room, her expression unreadable. Nikolas trailed behind, looking desperate. "Carol, please hear me out.You misunderstood. My father's right here. He can back me up. I told the Rowe family everything. I told them I like you. Dad, come on. Say something. Carol's taking this the wrong way."