Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

Chapter 0639

I stayed with Yasmine until evening before finally leaving her home.

Neal was waiting for me downstairs at Yasmine's apartment. The moment he saw me come out, he sent someone to retrieve the device I was holding.

"You didn't look at it, did you?"

Under the night sky, his expression was heavy, and I found myself momentarily dazed as looked at him.

You told me not to, so I didn't. Why so serious?"

Neal paused briefly before suddenly smiling. "This incident is quite serious. It involves some high-level individuals, and there's already a covert investigation underway.

"There are things neither you nor I should get too involved with, so I wanted to keep you out of it.'

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Between the two of us, you're the serious one. Why are you being so formal?" Neal handed over the device to his men to take back to the station. Then, he turned toward me. "Come on. I'll take you home."

His work had always been serious and solemn by nature. The Neal who used to smile gently at me should have faded into the past by now.

I pointed to the car across the street. "My driver is waiting for me over there."

"Oh, got it!" Neal turned to look at the car, then back at me. "Then I'll head back too.

I nodded. Just then, the pedestrian crossing light turned green, and I jogged across the street. Looking back, I saw Neal still standing in place.

"Neal!" I called out, raising my voice.

He answered as his voice cut through the night. "Yes?"

"Thank you!"

He crossed his arms above his head, making an "X" gesture, smiling helplessly.

"When you get a girlfriend, make sure to introduce her to mel

His face turned pale for a moment. Then, he pressed his lips together, forcing a smile. "Of course. There's someone I like, but I haven't won her over yet."

A weight lifted from my chest, and I waved at him with a smile. "Good luck then!" With that, I got into the car.

Neal remained where he was for a long time. In truth, he had never tried to pursue me.

From the moment he met me, he had always stood behind me, protecting me. At first, it was out of duty. Later, it was out of his heart's desire.

He had grown accustomed to watching over me from behind. Even now, years later, until our lives and statuses had undergone drastic changes.

I no longer needed protection, and he should no longer be doing such small things. Yet, whenever I needed something, he couldn't help but want to handle it personally.

He thought that if I ever looked back one day, I would see him. However, people with successful lives always moved forward. They rarely look back...

He didn't really understand emotions or love. His youth was not marked by passion or excitement but by endless training and missions, always ready to face life-threatening risks.

His body belonged to the country, not to me or anyone else.

"Ahhhh!"

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden scream.

A young woman ran out of the building and, upon seeing Neal, looked relieved. "Officer, I need to report something! There's a suspicious man in the stairwell. He scared me to death!"

Neal glanced at his wrinkled uniform and frowned slightly. He instructed the men behind him, 'You two, go check it out."

He suspected that Nelson might have sent someone to trouble Yasmine, after knowing the recording device had been taken from the club.

He needed to pay extra attention considering the safety of Ariana's friend.

"Officer, you don't understand. That man was so tall, and he looked fierce. He didn't even use the elevator-he insisted on taking the stairs. I was running on the stairs for exercise and almost got scared to death. I've never seen him in my apartment complex before!

The young woman stood on tiptoes, stretching her arms as far as she could to demonstrate the man's height. Her pale face was covered in sweat, though it wasn't clear if it was from running or fear.

Neal handed her a tissue while looking at her face. For once, he asked a non-serious question. "Do I really look really old?'

The young woman dropped her arms and smiled sheepishly to appease him. "No, no! I was just being respectful. You look very trustworthy!"

"Get in the car. Someone will take you to make a statement. Once we confirm the area is safe, they'll bring you back."

Neal watched the car carrying Ariana drive off before getting into his own. He still secretly sent people to ensure she got home safely. He just couldn't help it.

But his team soon reported back that Ariana didn't go home. She went to The Secret...