Chapter 491
The more Riley spoke, the more he was convinced he was making perfect sense. “Serena, I’m serious. Look at me I’m young, thoughtful, and I do as I’m told. I can be whatever you want me to be! But Nicholas? He’s so stuffy all the time, acting like some domineering CEO out of a bad romance novel. He’s definitely not as attentive or charming as I am p>
“Plus, I found out he reads those kinds of novels. I snuck a peek once, and he’s into all the possessive, psycho types, the dark and brooding ones… you know, forced romance, imprisonment scenarios p>
As Riley spoke, he shivered and rubbed his arms, his expression priceless. “Serena, I think Nicholas has some serious issues. He’s a total psycho! If you get with him, what if he just snaps one day and decides to lock you up p>
He finished, blinking his bright, expectant eyes at Serena, looking like a Golden Retriever desperate for a treat, his every look screaming, “Pick me! I’m the better choice p>
Serena was speechless.
She lifted her gaze, about to speak, when her eyes landed on the man who had appeared behind Riley at some unknown point.
He was leaning casually against the wall, one hand in his pocket. A cold, wicked smirk played on his lips, and his gaze on Riley was deep and unreadable, though a dangerous aura emanated from him.
When he saw Serena looking at him, the coldness in his expression thawed instantly. He curved his thin lips into a smile for her.
Serena raised an eyebrow.
She looked at the young man before her, completely oblivious and still rambling on, then back at the very person he was bad-mouthing, who was now watching his back with a wry, knowing smile.
That smile was both dangerous and deadly.
Serena suddenly felt a mischievous urge to see the look on Riley’s face when he finally realized the man he was tearing down was standing right behind him, having heard every single word.
She let out a soft laugh.
To Riley, that laugh was like a field of flowers blooming, so dazzling it nearly blinded him.
She… laughed!
Did her laugh mean she thought he was right?
Was his strategy of tearing down Nicholas and propping himself up working?
In that case p>
Could the partner for the arranged marriage between their families be switched to him p>
Riley grew ecstatic and redoubled
Fud
his efforts. “See? Just thinking about Nicholas is terrifying isn’t it? It’s so much better to choosere! Ima cheerful, energetic guy, young, respectful of women, and I’lldo
whatever you say p>
Listening to his endless spiel, Serena glanced at Nicholas from the corner of her eye.
A mischievous glint appeared in her
own as she deliberately asked, “Oh? So you think you’d be a better
partner in this arrangement than Nicholas p>
Riley nodded emphatically, puffing out his chest. “Of course! I’m definitely better than Nich p>
“Riley p>
Suddenly, a cool, detached voice sounded from behind him.
It was low with no discernible emotion, but the moment it was heard a shiver went down his spine as if he’d been plunged into
freezing cellar.
Riley’s entire body went rigid.
His words died in his throat.
He felt as though the blood in his veins had been frozen solid by Nicholas’s chill.
“Riley, turn around,” Nicholas said, slowly walking up behind him.
To Riley, those steady footsteps were the sound of doom itself.
He tensed up and squeezed his eyes shut, not having the courage to turn around.