5

Many workers in the lobby who had been quietly watching Madeline and Sonia's fight turned their heads when Nathaniel showed up. Thomas, her helper, was behind her.

They said hello to their boss nicely, but many of the women workers couldn't hide their surprise.

The boss, not often in the place, now stood in the middle of the lobby - tall, charming and giving off a scary feel of control.

Sonia saw Nathaniel and quickly changed her face. Her grin got bi͏gger, as if nothing was wrong.

"Sorry, mister. I didn't want to make a fuss I was just telling him since he looked like he didn't get the rules when he came in here' Sonia said nicely but her eyes peeked at Madeline with dislike."

Nathaniel didn't react.

As soon as he walked in the lobby, his eyes were on just one person Madeline.

The guy's eyes were closely watching Madeline, like he was seeing into her thoughts.

Aware of the attention, Madeline felt uneasy.

Why was this man looking at her like that?

A weak grin bent Nathaniel's mouth. "What brings you here?"

His voice was kinder than when he talked to other people.

Sonia was stunned.

In all her time on this job, she had rarely seen Nathaniel in person, apart from work stuff. But now he was looking at Madeline with a gaze that made all the ladies there jealous!

How did Madeline know Nathaniel?

Sonia couldn't believe this.

Meanwhile, Madeline herself was stunned. 

But, before she could answer her body jumped as Nathaniel easily took her shoulders and brought her away.

“Clean the mess here” Nathaniel told Thomas before going to the elevator.

Madeline gasped.

The guy called Thomas bent down nicely and said yes to the order, Madeline saw something all of a sudden.

Thomas… that man…

Wasn't he the guy who helped her this morning when she was nearly hit by a car.

Madeline looked at him in shock but Thomas stayed calm and just smiled a bit.

Madeline wanted to say a thing but, before she could think more Nathaniel had already taken her into the lift.

**

In the CEO's office…

Madeline stayed quiet, trying to think about the problem.

Why had Nathaniel brought her here?

The guy strolled to his table and glanced at Madeline easily.

“Sit.”

Madeline subconsciously complied.

She wished to know why this guy had quickly taken her from the lobby but something in Nathaniel's look made her pick to stay quiet.

A bad feeling crept into her mind.

Did this man want to discuss that night?

A night that should never have happened.

Madeline glanced down, her hands gripping on her legs.

If Nathaniel told this secret, her family would get ruined.

However, the man's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"How about your knee? Still hurts?"

Madeline gasped.

She looked up, staring at Nathaniel in confusion.

Madeline blinked.

Thomas was Nathaniel's help he told her all things.

But why?

Why were they paying so much attention to her?

Madeline took a breath, trying to calm herself.

"My knee is fine."

After a little time, he went on “Thanks for helping me out of the situation.”

Nathaniel nodded.

But, the next moment the man’s look got sharper.

"You did not say anything to my ask. Why are you here?"

His tone deepened.

The guy's eyes looked over the papers Madeline was holding 

Madeline paused for a bit, but at last replied, "I got word that this firm was taking on workers so I thought I should try."

Nathaniel raised his eyebrows.

Applying for a job?

The girl of the famous Brooks family came to his job looking for work?

Madeline said quickly, "But I didn't think you were the owner…"

Nathaniel's right brow went up. "If I’m the boss, is that an issue for you?"

Madeline glared at the man.

Problem?

This man was seriously asking that!?

Her fight with Ethan, her poor bond with her dad, a͏nd even the loss of a virginity…

All of this sure had something to do with Nathan!

But this man was asking as if he knew nothing!? 

Madeline shook her head quickly.

No.

Nathaniel was part of it, but it wasn't all his fault.

“I don't care,” he said at last. “But as you can see, I have a bad relationship with one of your workers. So, I’ll look for another company. If you excuse me.”

Madeline bowed respectfully, then turned to leave.

But—

“Marry me.”

Madeline paused.

Slowly, she turned her head.

“What?”

Nathaniel sat back on the couch, putting his arms in front of him.

"Marry me and I can give you more then just a job. I can give you anything!"

Including revenge on your betraying ex-fiancé.”

Madeline froze.

Nathaniel… already knows everything?

“If you don't mind, we can have a three year contract marriage. After that, you're free to divorce me.”

Contract marriage?

Madeline's hands clenched.

 “After learning about how Ethan humiliated me with his betrayal, and how I rejected a marriage with an unfaithful man, you’re offering me a contract marriage? Are you deliberately trying to insult me?!”

However, Nathaniel remained calm.

With a slow movement, he rose from his seat.

Madeline moved back.

However, her back was now pressed against the door.

Nathaniel was standing right in front of her—closer than Madeline had wanted.

“Are you sure you don’t want to get married?”

His voice was softer, lower.

“Wasn’t I the first man you’ve slept with?”

Madeline’s heart sank.

His hands grabbed her wrists, lifting them above her head.

“Let me go! Let go or I’ll—”

“I wasn’t wearing protection that night.”

Madeline froze. She opened her eyes and looked Nathaniel straight in the eye.

What did he say?

 Madeline's reaction made Nathaniel smile, and he continued, "Therefore, marry me, Madeline Brooks. Only then can I help you protect your reputation… and avenge your loss."

Nathaniel leveled his gaze and asked again, "How?"