The Contract With Her Father's Billionaire Rival-Chapter 97. The Brushes And Colors.

Nicolette didn’t know what to say as Hillary continued to rant with excitement. Her heart was flooded with emotion as she listened.

What was she supposed to do now?

Tell Hillary the truth? When she knew Hillary would never reject Lucian’s offer or let it go—especially knowing she needed the money.

"I didn’t know you decided to do this," Hillary said, unable to hide the joy in her voice. "We had a different plan, but this is better, Lettie. You saved me! You just saved my business. Thank you."

Nicolette held her breath for a moment before making her decision. "You’re welcome, Hills. I’m happy it helped the business."

There it was.

She had just taken credit for what Lucian did. She had just lied to Hillary—even if it was for her own good.

Now all she could do was hope Hillary wouldn’t find out the truth before she could come up with a solution; a better one.

"It will, you know it will," Hillary laughed.

"Glad to help," Nicolette replied in a tight voice. "I’ll call you later. Bye." Then she hung up.

What sort of sick game was Lucian playing?

Why involve Hillary in this?

She bit her lip, wondering what she could do about it when another call came in. She picked it up without checking the caller ID.

"So, what do you think of my new offer?"

Her blood boiled at the cockiness in his voice. "Lucian."

"Why do you keep blocking my lines, dear? It’s like you don’t want to talk to me," he said smoothly.

Anger surged even more at his audacity. "I don’t want to talk to you, Lucian. Get the fucking message!" she snapped.

He chuckled, like he didn’t hear her shout. "What do you think of my new offer? You like it?"

She stiffened, her thoughts flashing back to Hillary’s call. When she didn’t respond, he laughed again.

"I knew you would love it. I know how important the girl is to you—and she needs help. Should I have added more? Maybe. I’ve got the money for that, but I just don’t want to.

"If I do so, it’s like too much power, So, I gave a little... just enough to yank it away when I feel like it." He laughed like a maniac, his voice grating in her ears.

"You are sick," she said through gritted teeth.

"Oh baby, stop that," he said, still laughing. "I’m just being honest. I heard your sister already used part of the money to take care of some debts. Now imagine I ask for my money back—just because you won’t give me what I want?"

She gasped as shock raced through her. "You... you’re terrible!"

Lucian laughed harder, clearly enjoying her pain. "Oh baby, it’s your fierceness that keeps me coming back. No woman has ever spoken to me like this before. I love you, Lettie. Have dinner with me tonight. Say no, and Hillary’s business goes under."

Her eyes widened even though he couldn’t see that. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she steadied herself.

"Fuck off, Lucian!" she spat, hanging up before he could say anything else.

She groaned, and Wex glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Are you alright, ma’am?" he asked.

"Yes, yes," she replied quickly.

But she wasn’t alright. Not even close.

Her heart was racing with anger and fear, and she had no idea what to do next.

She hadn’t expected Lucian to drag Hillary into this. That was pure evil!

But what could she actually do?

"We are home, ma’am," Wex said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Thanks," she murmured, stepping out of the car.

She clutched her bag to her side, her thoughts still spinning.

Think of something, Nicolette. Think.

Then it clicked.

She quickly pulled out her phone and transferred 700,000 dollars to Hillary’s company account.

Was it stupid to send all her money to Hillary? Yes.

But it was the best decision she could make.

Now Lucian couldn’t threaten her with it. She definitely wasn’t going out with him, and if he decided to pull his funding, Hillary’s business would still survive.

"Yes!" she cheered as she walked inside. But she paused when she saw Trainer in the living room, arranging some items on the table. "Trainer?"

He turned to her with a warm smile. "Hello, ma’am."

"Hey," she said, not hiding the relief and excitement in her voice. "It’s so nice seeing you again."

"Same here, ma’am."

"I thought Alaric said you would be coming tomorrow. Not that I’m complaining, it’s really nice to see you sooner."

He nodded. "Yes, ma’am."

She smiled. "Glad to have you back."

"Glad to be back."

"And... sorry about the whole thing," she added softly. "Alaric had no idea."

She couldn’t believe she had just made an excuse for Alaric.

"I understand, ma’am. We already spoke," Trainer said.

"Good," she smiled, then she glanced at the table, and her eyes narrowed.

Trainer followed her gaze. "It’s from your husband."

She froze and rushed over to it. There was a bouquet of roses and a box of art equipment arranged neatly on the table.

"Take it away. It’s not from Alaric," she said sharply.

Trainer raised an eyebrow. "I don’t understand, ma’am."

She frowned. How had Lucian managed to sneak these in again?

"They’re not from Alaric," she repeated, her annoyance growing.

Trainer picked up the card and handed it to her. "Mr. Allens’s PA delivered them a moment ago."

"Oh." Her anger faded instantly as she read the card:

"I might be far away, but I am always thinking about you.

Your husband, Alaric."

Her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and delight.

Fucking Lucian for making her this paranoid.

"I’m sorry," she said, rubbing her forehead. "I thought it was..."

"His gifts are never coming in here again," Trainer said firmly. "You have nothing to worry about."

She nodded and offered him a small smile.

"I will leave you to it, ma’am. I will be around when you need me," Trainer said with a curt bow.

"Thank you, Trainer," she replied as he left.

She exhaled deeply as she picked up the gifts. She couldn’t believe Lucian’s twisted games had made her doubt something as thoughtful as this.

As thoughtful as Alaric’s gift.

Her heart fluttered as she thought about Alaric and her body ached with longing.

How much she would give to have him inside her here right now—to take away her fatigue.

As she entered her room, she unpacked everything gently. She sniffed the flowers, smiling softly as she set them on the table, then carefully opened the box of art supplies. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Her heart pounded with longing. She had missed painting. The past month had been a whirlwind. Ronald had dragged her into a world she hadn’t been ready for. A world even though she had grown to care about, it had cost her something precious: her creativity.

She hadn’t been able to create the way she used to. But now, seeing the brushes and colors again stirred something deep inside her. A longing. A part of herself she had almost forgotten.

She laid out the supplies one by one, then went to take a quick bath.

When she returned, she tied her hair up, slipped into a short gown, and got to work. She set up the mini canvas close to the window, so she could easily pick anything from the table when she needed it.

"What to paint?" she murmured aloud.

Alaric.

Her heart answered for her. She chuckled softly and began to paint.

"If only you were here," she whispered, letting the ache of his absence settle inside her. "I miss you," she admitted, her voice barely above a breath as her heart fluttered with the truth.

"I miss you too, baby."

She turned at the sound of his voice, her eyes wide. "Alaric!" she gasped.

She dropped everything and ran to him, unexpected tears spilling from her eyes.