Right Person, Wrong Time

Nicole found the shop conveniently located close to her apartment, which she assumed Kendrick had chosen with her pregnancy in mind.

She settled into a private room, taking in the surroundings and listening to the noise from outside.

"I'm sorry for the delay. I was held up at the company." Kendrick entered the room. His gaze filled with concern as he glanced at Nicole. "How far along are you?"

"Mr. Hofstead, I'm seven months along," Nicole replied with a smile, placing her phone on the table and leaning back in her chair.

"Mr. Hofstead, I've asked you here today to discuss the medical base," Nicole said, glancing at the time to gauge the appropriate moment to begin.

She hoped that Darcy would soon discover her meeting with Kendrick, providing her with an opportunity to gather information.

"Alright, Miss Anderson, please proceed," Kendrick said, closely observing Nicole's subtle movements and feeling a twinge of pain in his heart.

He was reluctant to believe that Nicole was aligned with Colton, but the current evidence seemed to suggest otherwise.

"I apologize for my absence at the base due to my pregnancy. I've been reviewing reports at home since shortly after we began collaborating," Nicole said, offering a smile as she knew she needed to say something to buy some time.

"I understand; you're pregnant, after all. You can resume your supervisory role after you've given birth and had a full month of rest."

Kendrick showed a rare smile. He pushed a glass of milk toward Nicole and paused before continuing, "Coffee and such aren't advisable during pregnancy, so I've ordered you hot milk."

Kendrick showed a rare smile. He pushed a glass of milk toward Nicole and paused before continuing, "Coffee and such aren't advisable during pregnancy, so I've ordered you hot milk."

Nicole's eyes briefly showed surprise, but she quickly regained her composure and softly responded, "Thank you."

If it weren't for Kendrick's deep-seated hostility toward Colton, perhaps they could have developed a genuine friendship. Unfortunately, their opposing stances and conflicting interests destined them to remain strangers in the end.

Despite their conversation being unrelated to Colton, both of them were aware that the other had gathered significant information. It was a subtle, unspoken acknowledgment of their mutual knowledge.

Nicole found herself at a loss for words and glanced at the time, wondering if Darcy's vigilance was truly lacking.

After seeing that Nicole had nothing more to say, Kendrick remained patient, sitting quietly and maintaining his gaze on her.

"Kendrick, why didn't you inform me you were coming here?" asked Darcy at the very moment.

Upon entering the room, Darcy noticed the pregnant Nicole sitting across from Kendrick. She slightly narrowed her eyes and immediately feigned concern toward Kendrick.

"I had a meeting with Miss Anderson today," Kendrick calmly explained. His gaze never left Darcy as he held her hand. Although his expression remained affectionate, there was a subtle hint of surprise in his eyes.