Billionaire's Match

Chapter 226 In the business world, the Keller family wouldn't dare offend the Hunt family. But in private, by all rights, Nick still owed them a debt of gratitude. When Nick was young and living under someone else's roof, he suffered more hardship than most. It was Michelle who went to her elders and asked them to protect him. Once, when Nick ran a high fever that wouldn't break and developed a severe allergic infection, his condition turned critical. It was Michelle who discovered it in time and rushed him to the hospital for treatment.

Without Michelle and the Keller family, even if Nick hadn't died, he would likely have been left with lasting complications. The two grew up together after that. Nick treated Michelle well, and the two families had even come close to becoming in-laws... Even if that bond no longer existed, did all those past kindnesses simply vanish with it? "Michelle, thank you for today." Nick spoke in a low voice. His hand naturally came around Khloe's waist from behind as he guided her toward Michelle's hospital bed. His tone was much the same as usual-calm and businesslike-but noticeably gentler.

Michelle was weak, propped against the headboard, her wrist wrapped in thick bandages, her face pale as paper. When she saw Nick, a faint glimmer of light flickered in her eyes. But the moment she noticed his intimate posture with Khloe, that light quickly dimmed. "There's no need to thank me..." Michelle said softly. "Khloe is also my business partner. How could I stand by and watch her get hurt?" Though her words sounded noble, her gaze never left Nick's face. Even a bystander would feel a pang of sympathy at the sight of her-so fragile and pitiful.

if she wanted to speak but couldn't quite bring herself to. "This favor-we'll both remember it," Nick said hoarsely. "Focus on recovering. If you need anything, you can tell Khloe or me." A chill settled in Michelle's heart. Whether intentional or not, even at a moment like this, he made a point of including Khloe-clearly drawing a line between himself and her.

"Khloe... just a little while. Would that be okay?" Hearing this, Khloe moved considerately, preparing to step away and give them space. But the instant she shifted, Nick's grip on her tightened, firm and unquestionable, holding her in place. A

she was little," Michelle's mother finally couldn't hold back any longer. "For the sake of your past bond, are you really going to deny her even this small request?" Michelle's second uncle stepped forward as well, frowning in displeasure. "Nick, my niece

had been worn down, nearly broken. People always said women were the ones who loved too deeply, while men were heartless. But was Nick truly so heartless-able to turn around and be so inseparable with a woman he'd only known for such a short time? And to treat someone who once saved his life as though she were a stranger? Nick