Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0223

After Nicholas was finally done dealing with the reporters, he led me backstage.

Claudia was very surprised to see me and Nicholas going into the room arm- in–arm. Her small face contorted with rage, and her eyes nearly popped out.”

She raised her voice as she demanded, “Nick! Why is Arianna here?”

Claudia’s reaction was quite amusing. The person who was gloating to me just yesterday now looked like a deflated balloon.

Tilting my head, I said casually, “This incident has affected me too. Your brother and I talked about it, so I’m taking this opportunity to clear things up as well. We can address the lawsuit I filed against Cindy and his wife too.”

“Sorry, Claudia. This was a last–minute decision.” I smiled at Claudia.” Claudia, you don’t mind, do you? Don’t worry, you’ll still be the focus here today. It won’t affect you at all.”

Claudia stomped her foot and ran to Nicholas’s side. She pleaded, “Nick, how could you do this?”

Unfortunately for her, Nicholas was in an exceptionally good mood. But, of course, he was. His wife was pregnant and had even decided to get along with his stepsister. His home life was finally peaceful. How could he not be happy?

Even though Claudia was about to lash out, he just thought she looked cute when she pleaded with him. I took everything in while smiling with crinkled eyes like a good sister–in–law.

Nicholas gently patted Claudia’s head to comfort her. “Don’t be silly. Be good and stay here with Arianna to get ready. You’ll be the most beautiful princess on camera later!”

I thoughtfully adjusted Nicholas’s tie and said softly, “You go ahead and take care of things. I’ll stay here with Claudia. We’ll go over the press conference questions together later to avoid any slip–ups.”

17

Chapter 1223

“Okay. I’ve made the arrangements with the reporters,” Nicholas replied. casually before leaning down to kiss my forehead. “Don’t tire yourself out. Take care of your health. Tell me if you feel unwell, I’ll take you home immediately.”

He had made arrangements with all the reporters. Nicholas really went all

out for Claudia.

I deliberately acted affectionately with him in front of Claudia by playfully pushing his shoulder shyly. I sneaked a glance at her.

“Alright. I know you’re concerned about me, so go on now. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go home.”

Nicholas was still worried. He looked at Claudia and warned, “Arianna isn’t feeling well today. Take care of her. If anything happens, make sure to call

me.”

“Nick!” Claudia pouted and dragged out her voice.

Nicholas frowned at her, his tone becoming stern. “Understood?”

Claudia glared at me before reluctantly saying, “I got it!”

I held Nicholas’s hand and said understandingly, “Claudia’s about to go abroad. Don’t be too hard on her. I don’t mind tolerating her a bit.”

At this moment, I felt like I was a seductress from the ancient legends. I sneered coldly to myself in secret. Claudia was free to leave as long as she repaid what she owed me.

After Nicholas left, Claudia dropped her act. She looked at me and gritted her teeth. “Arianna, what did you do to Nick? After just one night, he’s at your beck and call! This is my press conference! Why are you butting in?”

I sat down at a makeup station, and a stylist came over to fix my hair. I looked at Claudia through the mirror, whose face was turning dark with

anger.

“Claudia, are you talking nonsense because you’re too nervous? He’s my husband. Who else should he listen to if not me?”