His Toxic Addiction

The living room turned quiet. Mr. Adams took in another soft gulp, trying to pull himself out of the fire he had just landed himself into. His first intention was to speak to Nicklaus and not Arissa. However, when Nicklaus asks Arissa to tag along, he assumes Nicklaus already told her everything and decides to openly speak to Nicklaus about it.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Adams picked a side and began, "The Lin_"

"Oh! Fuck!" Nicklaus cursed under his breath when Mr. Adams began speaking. He clenched his fist and tried to calm himself down.

Mr. Adams stretched his legs out and continued, "The Lin family buried their head a few days before your wedding to Nicklaus. Zhou Lin, the CEO of the Lin Cooperation has a daughter who would have been given to Nicklaus immediately for marriage but when Alfred proposed to them, they decided to give him a try instead since the benefits that would come from him are higher than that of the Lin family," he explained.

Arissa frowned, "And now?"

Nicklaus picked up from where Mr. Adams stopped, "He’s asking if I’ll choose the shares from the Lin family over you. Choosing the shares means I’ll let you off and get married to Lin’s heiress,"

Arissa turned to face Nicklaus and held his gaze. Nicklaus held Arissa’s gaze and took her hand in his. Gently squeezing her both palms in his, he said, "I don’t think that should bother you,"

"Me too," Arissa nodded, "I don’t think I should be bothered but you should be. You’re a businessman and from my father, I know how much you all want every tiny share that comes your way," she smiled at Nicklaus and took her hand off his hold.