Reborn From Oblivion

Ashley scrambled up from the floor, a bit flustered, with a faint blush on her forehead. Nathan looked on awkwardly, his gaze darting between Ashley and Nathalie. The room suddenly felt thick with tension. "Am I interrupting something? Should I come back later?" Nathalie asked, already halfway to the door. Nathan, feeling the need to clear the air yet anxious about any misconceptions, hurried after her. He gently grabbed her hand, "Nathalie, I'm starving. I was just thinking of grabbing some pastries." Nathalie gave him a skeptical look as he led her to his desk. She set the food box down and opened it carefully.

In his fluster, Nathan quickly grabbed a peach crumble and shoved it into his mouth, his usual poise completely gone. Seeing him so rattled, Nathalie sensed there was more to his and Ashley's interaction than met the eye.

"Why's Ashley here?" Nathalie asked directly.

Nathan choked on his peach crumble. Nathalie quickly poured him a glass of water and patted his back to help him out.

After a sip of water, Nathan finally steadied himself. He waved Ashley away, "You can go now."

Ashley hesitated, her eyes lingering on Nathalie, as if she had something to say. Nathalie looked at her expectantly.

Nathan shot Ashley a sharp look, "Aren't you leaving yet?"noveldrama

With an air of reluctance, Ashley left the room.

Nathalie turned to Nathan with a frown, "What are you hiding from me?"

As Ashley reached the door, she couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for Nathalie's boldness. Talking to Nathan like that-wasn't she worried about ticking him off?

The thought of how the McCoy family handled things made Ashley wary of Nathan too. But Nathan was nothing like the McCoy family head, he was completely wrapped around Nathalie's finger. Instead of getting mad, he said soothingly, "Come on, sit down, and I'll tell you everything."

Nathalie rolled her eyes but took a seat, "Alright, let's hear your version."

Ashley was taken aback by Nathan's gentle nature, lingering outside the door longer than planned. Inside, Nathan's soft voice came through, "Don't get upset; it's not good for you. Let me explain."

He offered Nathalie the glass he'd been drinking from, tending to her as if she were royalty.

Nathalie didn't hesitate to take a sip, and Nathan's eyes sparkled with amusement; her sharing his glass was a sure sign she wasn't really angry.

He began, "Ashley was here to see you. But I figured with your ties to the Stewart family, her bringing up their drama might upset you, so I stepped in."

Nathalie raised an eyebrow, "And why was she looking for me?"

Nathan explained, "I've been putting the squeeze on the Stewart family, even had Dominick snatch a few of their deals. Someone else took advantage of the chaos, exposing their dirty laundry. They're in a tight spot now, and it seems Dustin sent Ashley to ask for your help."

Nathalie smirked, "And what could I possibly do? I didn't take their deals or air their scandals."

Nathan assured her, "Just say the word, and I can ease up on them."

Nathalie looked at him intently, "Did you go after them because of me?"