Kalina's hand was still holding her face when Vesper walked in, and pausing for a moment, it didn't take him three seconds to analyze what had happened. His eyes glinted immediately as he sauntered towards them. "Did you actually...lay your hand on her?" He scoffed. Kalina uncovered her cheek, revealing how sore it had become. "How dare you?" "I believe you shouldn't get involved in this, Vesper. Kalina and I had some unfinished business, and I simply returned a slap that was long overdue." Adira responded dauntlessly. "Are you insane?" He gripped her wrist, roughly. "You whined when I hit you, yet you had the nerves to do same to my woman?" His words were laced with so much bitterness. Adira cocked her brows at him. "Did you just try to compare your disgusting act to mine? You think hitting her is the same as trying to force yourself on me?" Surprise flickered across Kalina's face immediately. This pissed Vesper up, 'cause he never expected her to say it outright. "You should let go of my hand." Adira tried to wriggle out of his hold,but he held her firmly. Just then, footsteps were heard from the staircase and they turned to see Nikolai descending. He halted when he noticed the little scene at the bar counter, and instantly, Vesper let go of her hand. Adira smirked. "Let's go," he reached for Kalina's hand and started towards the door. "What was going on?" He paused when he heard Nikolai ask. He didn't want to seem like a coward in front of Kalina. So, he turned around to face his brother who had gotten to the end of the stairs."You should talk to your woman to stay away from mine. Because the next time she lays a hand on her again, it won't be funny." He responded sternly and continued towards the door. Adira rushed over to Nikolai and held his hand, not wanting him to take it serious. "It's fine." She cooed. "Just let it be." Nikolai's gaze pierced Vesper like a thousand arrows as he strode out the door. When they had finally left, he turned to Adira. "Were you hurt?" "Not at all. It's just....that lady is Jardine's sister. I got so angry when I found her here." Nikolai looked at the door like he could see them. "Jardine's sister?" He repeated. "She's coincidentally Vesper's girlfriend?" "Obviously." Adira shrugged. She returned to the counter and took up her wine and glass cups."Was about bringing these to the room. Shall we?" "Of course." Nikolai took the glasses from her. And together, they ascended the stairs. *** Drinking with him, Adira decided to talk about Lyra. Just incase her old friend was there for a purpose, she didn't want it to be on her conscience that she knew of her fake identity but said nothing about it. "I can't tell for sure if she's here on a mission or not. It's possible she only lied 'cause she genuinely wanted to get married to your grandfather and get the little money she could from him. Still, I just felt I should let you know - just incase," she added at the end of her narration. Nikolai was amused by the story. Just like everyone else, he always thought it was strange that a young pretty lady like her would settle for a man as old as his grandfather."If she's here on a mission, what would she possibly want?" He voiced his thoughts. "My grandfather is close to death. I'm sure she can't even think of getting properties because...well, he has grandchildren already. And the whole time she's been with him, she hasn't made an attempt to get pregnant. Which means... she's likely not interested in any inheritance." "I thought the same." Adira nodded. "So, it's safe to say she's not here to cause harm, right?" "Probably. I'll have someone look into her, anyway." *** The rest of the day went smoothly for them. Jared had called Adira multiple times, but thankfully, the first time he called, Nikolai was in the bathroom. So, she silenced her phone and tossed the phone away. She wasn't ready to do anything to get Nikolai upset; not when they were finally having a peaceful moment together. Soon, she'll talk to him to quit the unnecessary calls so she doesn't get into trouble.*** Jared's finger clenched around his phone, knuckles turning white as he listened to the female voice on the other end. Seated in his dimly-lit office, his bloodshot eyes locked onto the screen, brimming with a mix of frustration and resentment that surged within him. "Jared? Jared?" The lady on the phone called when she didn't hear from him in a while. He shut his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Are you sure about this?" His voice was deep and low. "Of course, I am. I heard them clearly. Their moans were so loud, it was obvious they were making out. And believe me it was their first time." The lady replied. Jared dropped the phone and ran his fingers through his hair, gripping the strands tightly as if trying to calm his nerves. His face contorted with frustration, his brows furrowed and his brows furrowed with a mix of anger and desperation. Inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes. Adira and Nikolai made out? They got intimate? "Damn it.".he gritted between his teeth. Why would they make out when they had just few weeks to go? He'd been so happy when his informant reported that they barely lived like couples in the house. It gave him hope that Adira wouldn't have a difficult time moving on when they divorce. So, why the hell were they getting intimate with just little time left? He rose to his feet, inserting his hands in his trouser pockets and pacing round his office. What if they become too attached and cancel the divorce plans? No way...he couldn't let that happen. He couldn't let Adira out of his grip. Goodness! He's fallen for that lady more than he ever thought he would. He couldn't even explain it, but from the first day he met her at that mall, he just knew he wanted her. And when he learnt from his informant that their marriage was based on a contract, it ignited his feelings even more.That evening at his tower, he had planted the shootout himself. He needed an excuse to be with her, and heck! It was working out. Not until Nikolai showed up and ruined it all. He wanted that lady for himself. No matter what it'd take, he didn't want to be the loser here. He returned to his table, got his phone and dialed his informant again. "You called back" The lady's voice came. "I was beginning to wonder what the problem is." "Nikolai's fiancee is there with them, right?" Jared asked, his palm on his forehead. "Na-ri? Of course, she is." "I need you to get me her details. I need a way to contact her." There was a momentarily pause on the phone. "I don't think I understand, Jared. Why are you asking after Na-ri? Nikolai's marriage or relationship isn't part of our plan, is it?" She scoffed. "Stop arguing and do as I say." He stated brusquely, trying not to raise his voice. The informant was confused, as well as displeased. "How's my sister? Hope she's been minding her business so far?" He asked perfunctorily. "Yeah, Lyra's fine." The informant grumbled a reply. "Good. Now, get me those details as soon as possible." Jared instructed and dropped the call.