“But… having received something so valuable from you, I feel it’s only proper to give a return gift. May I ask- what do you usually like? I want to give you something in return.”
She added quickly, not wanting to seem distant, “Even though it’s an arranged marriage, I don’t want to feel like I’m always indebted. A gift in return makes things easier between us.”
Nick, unusually, didn’t brush it off as he often would with a curt “no need.” He only said softly, “No need to trouble yourself.”
But Khloe persisted. “No, really. I’d feel unsettled otherwise. If you don’t have anything particular, I’ll choose something myself-my taste is good. I won’t disappoint you.”
He studied her serious gaze for a moment and finally said, “Sure.”
Her eyes curved into a small, satisfied smile. “Once I pick it out, I’ll send it to you. You know, Mr. Hunt, you’re easier to get along with than I thought. I heard from Uncle Oscar that you were strict, but you’re actually quite approachable.”
It wasn’t flattery; it was sincere.
Though his expression remained neutral, Nick had no pretension-he was willing to humor even small matters like her plan to return a gift.
He didn’t respond, only reminded, “Breakfast’s getting cold.”
Khloe hurriedly picked up her fork and took small bites of her dessert.
When they finished, Nick glanced at the time and instructed Lenny, “Prepare the car. Send Miss Roswell back.”
“
That afternoon, Khloe received a call.
“Miss Roswell, this is the Emeritus Investment Group. We’d like to add 30 million to your current project.”
“30 million?” Khloe blinked, surprised. “We haven’t even been in contact. Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. We trust your team’s capabilities, no conditions attached.” The voice was certain and firm.
Though puzzled, Khloe arranged to sign the agreement half an hour later.
On her way to the office, Charlotte’s call came through. “Khloe! Emeritus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hunt Group! They just acquired it, haven’t announced it yet!”
Khloe froze, hand gripping the contract. Suddenly, everything made sense. The bold doubling of investment this morning? It was Nick’s doing. Yet he hadn’t mentioned it once.
Before signing, Khloe messaged him. His reply was brief.
Nick: [Send me the project details later.]
No pleasantries, strictly business.
Khloe: [Got it. Thank you for your trust, Mr. Hunt.]
Thinking of his sharp, almost severe face, she felt a faint, inexplicable warmth and even added a small heart emoji.
Nick was in the middle of a meeting when he felt his phone vibrate again. His gaze flicked down, and the corners of his mouth lifted just slightly.
After signing the contract, Khloe was ready to leave, but rounding the elevator corner, she almost collided with someone unmistakably familiar-Angela.
Angela strode toward Khloe, balancing a luxury handbag from Trey on her back, a stack of project materials in one hand, and a coffee in the other, flanked by reception staff. It was obvious-she was here to pitch for investment too.
Her eyes flicked to Khloe, and for a brief instant, her steps faltered. Her gaze darkened with a complicated mix of surprise and irritation.
These past few days, Khloe had vanished from the Fox Group, leaving Trey scrambling and the company in chaos. Even the Fox family had started stirring trouble.
Angela had assumed Khloe had gone off somewhere frivolous… never expected she was hiding out here, running her own project.
Did she really think she could go solo, without the Fox Group backing her?
Angela scoffed under her breath.
Khloe was pressed for time and didn’t even want to acknowledge Angela She gave Angela a cold glance, as if the other didn’t exist.
“Khloe, you don’t even bother greeting your old mentor?” Angela’s voice was calm, but loud enough for everyone around to hear.
The manager walking beside Khloe and Angela’s reception staff both froze in surprise.
Khloe was a VIP, personally marked for attention and funding by Mr. Hunt. Even if her exact status couldn’t be revealed, it was clear she was far from ordinary. The whole building had been instructed not to make a scene, yet everyone would have jumped at the chance to serve her.
If this were Khloe’s friend… they should be a VIP too.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.