Chapter 716
Smiling, he presented the meticulously selected gifts he had prepared. Nicholas had
a terrifyingly accurate intuition for gift-giving; everything he brought was perfectly tailored to their tastes, making it utterly impossible to decline.
Even Douglas received something. Nicholas’s manners were impeccable—neither overly humble nor arrogant.
Despite the heavy, untouchable presence of a corporate predator, he maintained the utmost humility of a respectful junior in their presence.
Kiera held her gift, immediately recognizing the profound thought and effort behind
it.
And all of that effort was entirely for Serena’s sake. It was painfully obvious just how deeply he valued her, going above and beyond to please the family she cared for.
The more Kiera looked at him, the more delighted she became. Her eyes darted back and forth between Serena and Nicholas, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Such a good boy. So you’re the famous Nicholas. Catherine mentioned you a while ago, but I never expected you to visit us so soon p>
Nicholas’s eyes softened with absolute devotion as he cast a tender glance at Serena. “When I heard Serena was coming to see you, I finished up my business and flew over immediately. It was incredibly rude of me not to formally announce my visit beforehand p>
“Nonsense! Not rude at all, your timing is perfect!” Kiera laughed joyfully.
“Excellent!” Holden was equally pleased with Nicholas. “Since you’ve made the trip, you must stay and enjoy the area for a while p>
Nicholas accepted smoothly. “I’ll take you up on that offer. I just hope I don’t overstay my welcome p>
Holden chuckled heartily. He was well aware of the deep-rooted ties between the Lancaster and Blackwood families.
The Blackwoods possessed terrifying wealth and influence, and Nicholas was undeniably the absolute apex predator of his generation. Despite his young age, he had already secured his place as the undisputed head of the empire.
Furthermore, he had grown up under the Lancasters’ watchful eyes. His character was beyond reproach.
In an instant, the dark, suffocating mood caused by Anna and Isabella’s vile drama completely vanished.
After finishing every last drop of the medicinal soup, Kiera reached out and grasped Serena’s hand, her face etched with heartache.
She looked
up at
Nicholas.
“Nicholas, Serena hasn’t been back
with the Lancasters for long and
she’s still adjusting
histife She
might seem cold, and she doesn’t speak much, but she has the most wonderful heart. Please… be patient with her, and take good care of her p>
The elderly woman’s sorrow and concern were palpable and completely genuine.
“I know.” Nicholas’s expression turned solemn. “Rest assured, Grandma. Serena is the only woman for me. I will protect her and love her for the rest of my life. I will never allow her to suffer the slightest grievance p>
His gaze shifted back to Serena, his dark, mesmerizing eyes overflowing with profound adoration. “Meeting her is the greatest luck of my life p>
Sitting by the bed, Serena listened to the overwhelming devotion pouring from his lips. Her thick lashes fluttered slightly. Her face remained
a cool mask, but a faint, enable
smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
The subtle shift didn’t escape Kiera’s notice. She laughed warmly. “Good, good.
Hearing you say that puts our minds entirely at ease p>
“Did you two rush over here first thing this morning? Have you had breakfast?” Holden asked as he set the empty container aside. “Serena was up at the crack of dawn to make this soup Looking at you, you didn’t get much rest either, did you p>
Being dragged out by Anna for that death-defying drag race last night must have completely drained her. And then to wake up so early just to cook for them p>
Holden felt a sharp pang of guilt. “Douglas, take Serena out for breakfast immediately. Nothing in the world is more important than taking care of yourselves right now p>
Not wanting to worry them, Serena nodded and followed Nicholas and Douglas out of the suite to grab some food.