Billionaire's match novel

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.

Seeing her daughter like this, Michelle's mother glanced at Nick, hesitating as 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. Yet, he knew perfectly well that she had done all this for him. "Nick... could I speak with you alone, just for a moment?" Michelle bit her lip.

Her voice was faint, drained by blood loss and exhaustion. 1/2 Chapter 226 +25 Bonus As she spoke, she looked up at Khloe, her expression almost pleading. "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 faint glimmer crossed Khloe's eyes. She leaned close to Nick's ear and whispered, "It's fine." It was fine. She trusted him. What lay between him and Michelle was long in the past.

No matter how unwilling Michelle was to let go, it wouldn't change anything. "Nick, Michelle has been close to you since 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 is stubborn, yes-but she was hurt this badly today. Do you truly have no conscience at all? Don't you know who she did this for?" These were not words that should have been said in front of Khloe.

But Michelle was their precious girl, and they simply couldn't stand by any longer. Ever since Nick and Michelle separated, Michelle 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 listened in silence, his expression steady, offering no rebuttal.

He did still hold respect for the Keller family-and for Michelle-out of old ties and gratitude. But he understood even more clearly that what Michelle needed now was precisely this kind of distance. Khloe, not wanting Nick to be put in a difficult position, gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Yet, he showed no sign of wavering under the pressure. The arm around her waist only tightened. Comments Support Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter.

With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.