Mr. CEO's Substitute Bride-Chapter 944 - 940: Seemingly Gentle Yet Unattainable
After the party ended, Nicholas Croft exchanged polite farewells with some celebrities and business partners he had worked with before, then headed towards the exit of the venue, uninterested in things like taking commemorative photos.
Before he could leave the venue, Hannah Hargrave hurriedly lifted her skirt and chased after him, calling out warmly, "Nicholas..." as if they shared a very close relationship.
Out of grace and courtesy, Nicholas Croft stopped, turned around and stood there. His suit, a dark blue shimmering velvet material, was perfectly tailored, outlining his commanding and tall figure with elegance and nobility, slightly at odds with the gentle curve of his lips.
Seeing Nicholas waiting there, Hannah slowed her steps, gracefully carrying her skirt as she approached. Though she appeared poised and composed, her eyes were filled with unmistakable admiration.
"Is there something Miss Hargrave needs?" Nicholas Croft finally spoke when Hannah came closer, his hand casually tucked in the pocket of his trousers, exuding an air of elegance.
Suppressing the restlessness in her heart, Hannah smiled and feigned a bit of dilemma, "It’s nothing, it’s just... I came with my father in the same car, and he is still socializing,"
"So?" Before Hannah could finish her sentence, Nicholas interrupted, slightly raising an eyebrow, the mild curve of his lips making it difficult to discern his thoughts.
"So..." Hannah bit her lip, her fingers tightly gripping her clutch unconsciously, she lowered her head slightly, looking at Nicholas, as if torn and troubled, "Could you give me a ride?"
Thinking that Nicholas might refuse, since there was a playful glint in his eyes, she was surprised when he nodded in agreement as soon as she finished speaking, "Of course, it would be my honor to have Miss Hargrave ride with me."
With those words, he stepped aside politely, gesturing with his arm for her to proceed. Overjoyed, Hannah absentmindedly linked her arm with the one Nicholas had in his pocket.
Nicholas glanced down briefly but didn’t refuse, instead, he took long strides towards the door of the venue.
Known as the gem of T City’s high society, Nicholas was a man many women strived to get close to without success, but Hannah wasn’t about to let this opportunity go with the resources her family had.
Standing arm in arm with Nicholas at the hotel entrance, waiting for the driver to bring the car around, Hannah shivered unexpectedly, "Oh, it’s so cold,"
It was barely spring, after all, and being outside in just a gown was certainly not warm. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
Nicholas turned his gaze towards her, understanding all too well Hannah’s intention after navigating the entertainment industry’s complexities.
He was a gentleman, but his courtesy had its limits, not overflowing to everyone, especially not to women outside his circle; without any intention, he wouldn’t leave room for speculation.
So he asked politely, "Shall we wait inside, then?"
Hannah’s face briefly showed disappointment, but she forced a smile, "No need, the car should be here any minute,"
Facing forward, Nicholas’s slightly raised handsome face exuded innate nobility; those in the circle knew well that although Infi’s president appeared amiable, he was, in reality, beyond reach.
A few minutes later, a black Lincoln glided slowly to a stop on the street outside the hotel. Nicholas gestured invitingly with his hand, and Hannah descended the steps with him.
Being ever the gentleman, Nicholas opened the backseat door for Hannah to get in, and then followed suit. As he closed the door, he pointed in a direction with his hand, the gentle smile on his handsome face gone, replaced by a sharpness as cold as a blade.
