Ambition and obsession - Season 1 Episode 19

Colton was unfazed by the sight of him, clearly smiling. He calmly said, “You can never be too careful when it comes to the partnership of two companies. Besides, I’m just showing respect for F&M Apparel and Miss Lisa herself.” Nicole was surprised to see how the man in front of her complacently described his intention of “being careful.” Zachary, on the other hand, could tell that there was some sort of pre-established relationship between the two and said with a smile, “Since we’re all here, why don’t we sit down and talk about the partnership between F&M Apparel and Gardner Corporation?” Nicole nodded. Partnering with Gardner Corporation would only be beneficial, unlike working with the associates of Mann Clothing Co., who were so easily persuaded. Although Gardner Corporation was clearly inferior to F&M Apparel in the clothing market, its advanced information technology was one of the most formidable in the field, which was why F&M Apparel was willing to work side by side with Gardner Corporation. Sitting at the conference table, Nicole put aside all her personal grudges as well as her prejudice against the Gardners as Colton began the discussion about the partnership. The two remained assertive and opinionated with their thoughts on work, as every word spoken was professionally delivered. Meanwhile, Zachary looked at Nicole as she proposed her ideas with confidence and charm. “For the next season, F&M Apparel will focus on casual wear, especially in the refinement of the material used in the making of these products…” Whenever Nicole talked about work, it was as if she were a completely different person. She would not miss even the most insignificant detail. Out of nowhere, a man walked up and whispered to Zachary, to which he revealed a stiff expression before turning to Nicole. “Nicole, something has come up, and I have to go take care of it. I’ll leave it to you and President Gardner.”

Nicole nodded. “Okay.”

Zachary’s departure left the two remaining on the large couch. At that moment, Colton’s eyes narrowed and he fell silent as he stared at Nicole. He waited for Nicole to finish her discussion and slowly said, “Miss Lisa, I have a personal question for you. Do you have time?”

Nicole paused for a moment as she stared at him, clueless as to his intentions. She then lifted her head and replied, “What is it?” As far as she could remember, she had not had any private interactions with Colton.

“Is your son four this year?” He stared at her with a hint of fascination in his dark eyes, though he didn’t make it obvious.

At this, Nicole immediately became defensive. She looked at him with eyes full of caution. “Why do you ask?”

Colton then chuckled. Initially, he thought Nicole was trying to flirt with him. However, given her identity as the head designer of F&M Apparel and the way Zachary spoke to her, he could find no basis for this thought. He raised his eyebrows and stated, “A boy named Hayden sent me his hair and wanted a paternity test done.”

Immediately, Nicole’s body froze. Hayden? My son Hayden wants a paternity test done with Colton? She was visibly stunned. She knew Hayden suspected Colton was his real father, but she never expected him to be so bold. She looked up to see his face almost identical to her son’s. If she hadn’t known that Joseph was the man she slept with five years ago, she would have suspected that Colton might be Hayden’s father too.

Consequently, she forced a smile, clarifying, “Oh, that boy always wanted a father, and he may have crossed his boundaries seeing your dashing looks. I hope you don’t read too much into it.”

For some reason, Colton was charmed by her hurried expression. Languidly, he opened his mouth as he looked at her with his ebony eyes, and in a voice so magnetic, he declared, “Well, I bought it, so I took the paternity test.”

What?! Nicole was so stunned that her entire body went petrified. Her jaw dropped as she fixed her incredulous eyes on the man. She was completely dumbfounded.

“So… what was the result?”