For her tarnished honor

Nicholas walked out of Catherine's office with a poker face on and a huge red print on one of his cheek. One could easily tell what had happened to him by just one look because they heard about his argument with Catherine at the meeting.

His pensive expression frightened the people he passed by. They gave way for him the moment they sighted him coming as they didn't want to be a victim of his already ruined mood.

He took fast steps as he wall through the company's bustling lobby, exited through the revolving doors and steeped out onto the street. Liam was following closely behind him. The both got into a black Mercedes. The driver started the car immediately they settled in and drove into the busy road.

Liam noticed the slap mark on Nicholas face but didn't ask any questions as he had more pressing matters to discuss with him.

"Rafael has sent people to investigate your background." Liam announced as he gave him a tablet.

Nicholas collected it and stared at the screen. It showed some people that were hiding discreetly around all of the properties he owned and taking pictures. A deep frown appeared on his face as he glanced at the numerous pictures.

"Have they gotten to Theresa?" Was the first question he asked.

"No.. not yet." Liam answered amd Nicholas nodded his head in understanding.

Even though he was expecting something like this to happen, it still made him furious. Thankfully, Theresa wasn't home at that period. She traveled out for a vacation and he made sure to always watch her everytime. He couldn't afford to loose another person that he loved.

Nicholas recalled Rafael's arrogant demeanor during their negotiation earlier, and a surge of anger welled up, reminiscent of seeing his mother being humiliated.

He really wished he could avenge her then and there. He couldn't wait to make the Cartwrights pay for all the misery they put his mother through. What's worse is that they couldn't even recognize him now.

Nicholas tapped on his knees lightly as he thought about what to do. About a few seconds later, an idea popped in.

"Release some smoke scenes to confuse him." He ordered as he handed the tablet back to Liam.

Through several encounters with Rafael, he was able to understand his personality. Rafael was someone that could easily be deceived by appearances. Liam nodded his head in agreement.

He couldn't let them find out his real identity just yet. It would affect his plans to get closer to them and his sister would be in danger. Over the past years after his mother's death, his life and that of his sister's have been significantly affected by Rafael's mother's pursuit.

They knew he and his sister was still alive and they wanted to do away with them but they just didn't know who they were. It got to the extent that they couldn't even visit their mother's grave just to keep their identites hidden.

This made him feel powerless and furious, with the fire of revenge burning ever brighter in his heart.

▪︎★▪︎The Armani's mansion▪︎★▪︎

Back home, Nicholas felt the great sense of loneliness as he walked into the huge mansion. Theresa wasn't around at that moment so the mansion wasn't as lively as it used to be.

Nicholas' bad mood made it much worse. He changed from his suit into a loose shirt and pants. He walked into the cabinet and was about to take out a liquor when he suddenly recieved a phone call.

He brought out his phone from his pockets and was about to end the call when he saw the name flashing on the screen. He small smile appeared on his lips before he picked the call.

"Theresa." He called out and she started talking immediately. Telling him about the places she went to that day. He listened to her endless chitchats with a wide smile.

"You should have seen what I saw today. You're really missing a lot Nick." She said in her usual bubbly attitude.

"If I had gone with you on that vacation, who would put food on both our tables? Who would be the one to provide the expenses for your extravagant lifestyle?" Nicholas asked her.

"You talk like your income would stop flowing if you go on just a vacation."

"You never know. Besides, I'm sure you'll send me numerous pictures of your outings so as to taunt me."

"You bet I would." Theresa answered and they both laughed out.

"See, that's more than enough for me. It would definitely make me feel like I went there myself."

"The pictures isn't the real deal but actually going there and living in that reality is."

"Not to me though."

"Look Nick, what was the reason you worked hard all those years of your life? It's to enjoy this beautiful moment. Now that you have everything that you've ever wished for, don't you think it's time to take a break?" Theresa asked.

"I don't have everything yet." Nicholas thought to himself.

"Not everyone have the same mindset that you have. Besides, working is like taking a vacation to me." He said making Theresa groan in frustration.

"I've forgotten that you're married to your work. I wonder how Catherine is going to cope with a workaholic like you." She said making him laugh out.

"Unlike you, she loves me this way." He defended.

"Yeah right. Anyway, keep working while I keep spending the money." She muttered with a gleeful chuckle before ending the call. Nicholas smiled softly as he stared at his blank phone screen.

His brief call with Theresa had managed to put him in a good mood but it was short lived when he suddenly remembered his dead mother. He picked up the liquor he had came for and took a glass cup.

He poured himself a glass, watching the liquid swirl before downing it in

one go. The burning sensation in his throat seemed to clear his mind. He moved to the living room and sat on the sofa.

Holding the liquor filled glass in his hand, his eyes gazed out in the night. The living room was as dark as his mood and that made him feel a little bit at ease.

His thoughts drifted to the times he and Theresa spent with their mother. It was definitely a very happy period of time for them. He knew that for the sake of his mother's honor and his own sense of justice, he had to remain cautious and strong.