Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134 What on Earth Are You Up To

Beatrice fought to keep her cool, but a sudden wave of memories hit her like a ton of bricks, leaving her dazed, her cheeks flushed.

She felt both alive and numb at the same time.

Come on, knock it off! Quit thinking about it!

"Uh, anyway, it's better not to drink," Beatrice mumbled, her words all jumbled up.

Damian didn't give her grief about it. Instead, he meekly put his glass down. "Okay, no drinking. I'll do whatever you say."

His soft, gentle tone was like a magnet, tugging at her heart.

Beatrice's expression flickered, and her cheeks turned peachy pink.

Noticing her odd reaction, Damian raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Lawson, you haven't even sipped wine, but you look tipsy. Your face is so red. Are you feeling okay?"

With that, he reached out, placing his hand on her forehead and then her cheek to feel for a fever.

As he leaned in, his irresistible scent surrounded her.

Beatrice went stock-still.

Her eyes roamed over his lips, his Adam's apple, and his collarbone.

She always thought of herself as strong-willed, a woman of integrity—no crushes, no flirting, morally upright... But now, inside, she was screaming.

Stop teasing me! I'm losing it!

"I'm fine!"

She quickly stepped back, trying to shake off the tingling sensation.

Exhausted, she leaned her forehead against her palm.

Yes, maybe I haven't been with men for too long. Calm down! Calm down!

"Ms. Lawson, are you okay?" Damian pressed from behind.

Beatrice shifted away slightly, her nerves prickling. "I'm fine, fine... Just a bit overwhelmed."

Quickly changing the subject, she added, "Mr. Crowley, you said if you lost, you'd tell me where Nico's grandmother went. Why don't you tell me now?"

"Let's go over there."

Damian then settled onto the couch.

Yet, Beatrice stayed put, opting for a high stool next to the liquor cabinet.

Damian continued observing her from a distance. "You know, Ms. Lawson, why not sit at the bathroom door and chat with me? Just remember to bring a couple of speakers."

Beatrice gave him a look of disbelief at his quip.

Reluctantly, she shuffled over and plopped down on the edge of the couch.

By now, she was on guard not only around him but also against her reactions.

Damian stared at her in silence for a bit before sitting up straight. "So, you're curious about whether Nico's grandma is still alive and if she's still at home, right?"

Beatrice decided to lay it all on the line.

"There was this weird stench at her house. Ethan claimed it was a dead cat, but I couldn't shake the feeling it might be... something else."

"Her grandmother?" Damian raised an eyebrow.

"Wait, seriously?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Stop letting your imagination run wild."

Beatrice then asked, "Then where did her grandma go?"

"She passed away last week."

At his words, a wave of sadness washed over Beatrice.

So, Nico's grandma passed away.

Damian softened his voice. "Nico has no uncle. Just one aunt. We did visit their old house, but it was just a lonely elderly neighbor who answered. Nico paid her five hundred to play grandma.

"But they didn't have time to tidy up properly. That's why the yard was a mess and dust covered the windowsills."

"What about her parents?" Beatrice asked.

"Divorced. Mom remarried. Dad died in an accident two years ago. Last year, her grandmother fell ill, and her aunt took her away."

Beatrice let that sink in.

Poor Nico—already struggling with mental health, then losing her family one by one.

Beatrice thought Nico was truly happy about the facial treatment, but now she realized Nico was just hiding her pain.

Nico probably saw her chance for revenge as soon as they showed up. When they dropped those hints, she must have figured out where Madeline was.

Yet, she didn't know Madeline was coming—she planned to use them as bait.

Madeline was cruel, vicious, and way too arrogant. She never took Nico seriously, never listened. That's why she got careless.

"Thanks, Mr. Crowley, for filling me in."

"No worries. Just overheard some village folks talking about it at dinner. Thought you'd want to know, so I asked around," Damian said with a shrug.

"What brought you to that village?" Beatrice asked, though she suspected the answer.

"Had some business, then my friend invited me over for some home cooking. That's when I ran into you and got the scoop."

He paused. "Did you know the boy you're searching for was Nico's childhood friend?"

"From the same village?"

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