Billionaire's Match

Chapter 214 "Thank you, too... for giving birth to such a wonderful, exceptional son." The words seemed to pierce straight to the deepest part of Nick's heart. His hand gripped hers so tightly that his knuckles whitened. From as far back as he could remember, every mention of his mother had always been tinged with sorrow and regret. His very existence had seemed to steal her life, to rob his father of happiness. Nick had once been consumed by the despairing thought that he should never have been born.

Night after night, that thought gnawed at him like a relentless worm, burrowing deep into his soul. But now... Khloe was saying thank you. Not pity, not regret-but gratitude. Gratitude for the woman who had given him life, and gratitude for his very being. Her words struck like an unexpected ray of light, illuminating a barren stretch of his heart that had never known warmth. That self-loathing, etched into his very bones, was violently shaken. He lowered his head, his eyes already glistening with moisture.

Khloe felt his body tremble slightly, the grip of his hand sending a near-spasmodic wave of pressure through her own. She knew he must be weathering an internal storm, so she wrapped her other arm around his shoulders, letting his lowered forehead rest against the side of her neck. For a long time, they stayed like that. The sun rose fully, piercing the clouds, and its warm light poured over them, bringing a gentle, quiet heat. "Do you think she regretted it?" Nick's words were half-question, half-murmur, but Khloe understood the weight behind them.

greatest wish was always for your safety, your health, your happiness... for you to become someone truly remarkable. You are the pride of her life." Nick's shoulders shuddered again. He had never heard words like that. His father's coldness, the pity of others-all had nailed him to the

Khloe had just finished handling the day's routine tasks and was heading downstairs for lunch when she spotted Charlotte exiting the elevator, head bowed, lost in thought. "Charlotte?" Charlotte had taken the morning off. Khloe knew about the difficulties in her family and trusted that Charlotte would never let personal matters interfere with work. She had therefore approved a full day of

Charlotte seemed startled, her eyes darting briefly at Khloe. "You took the morning off, didn't you? Everything settled?" Khloe asked, concerned. +25 Bonus Charlotte nodded, looking a little dazed. "It's all handled... nothing too