Nicole was well aware of what Levant was talking about. While she and Levant had drunk the same spiked wine, a watchful Evan had given her the antidote shortly after. She wasn’t sure what Levant did after that, nor did she care. After all, her only objective now was to get close to him and find out more about her past.
Hearing her say this, Levant asked, “But how are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, really. I remember going to the bathroom that day, but the wine stains refused to come off. I went straight home after that,” replied Nicole nonchalantly.
Levant was surprised to hear her response.
Is that so? She had no reaction to the drugs in the wine? Does she have some kind of drug resistance, maybe?
Levant chuckled. No matter, it’s all for the best.
“It’s good to hear that you’re fine. Did you need something from me?”
“I wanted to ask if you found anything concerning my parentage.”
Ah, so she’s still worried about this.
Levant assumed she called because she missed him, but that was clearly wishful thinking on his part.
Levant’s eyes glimmered like he was plotting something. “Nothing yet,” he responded coolly. “But things like this take time, and it can sometimes take years. It’s no rush. I’ll let you know if I find anything.”
No rush? I am very much in a rush, Levant! thought Nicole exasperatedly.
She was eager to find out who that awful man was. He owed her an explanation.
Even if she couldn’t get one, she was determined to make this traitorous man pay for abandoning her mother.
“Levant, when will you return to K Nation?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Well, I want to go back with you.”
“We’ve discussed this before, Nicole. I’ll only take you back if you marry me. Are you saying yes?”
What the fuck did finding out her background have to do with marrying him?
On second thought…
“Levant, if my biological father is a member of the Musgrave family, then isn’t it possible that we are cousins? How can I marry you then?”
You’re indeed a member of the Musgrave family, but you can marry me all the same!
“Nicole, the Musgrave family has strict rules about lineage. If you are to marry into the family, you must either be a daughter of a distant, unrelated branch or the daughter of a high-ranking retainer. It would thus be impossible for us to be closely related. But if you have any doubts, we can always take a DNA test.”
A DNA test would definitely indicate if she were closely related to Levant.
“Okay, let’s do a DNA test then.”
Levant was speechless. He hadn’t been serious about the suggestion at all.
“Levant, you shouldn’t be rash about your marriage,” chided Nicole. “If we’re not related, then you should introduce me to your parents. Don’t you need their approval for something this important?”
Nicole had already hatched a plan. She’d be able to investigate any leads on her biological father, all while ensuring that Levant’s parents disliked their prospective daughter-in-law. She’d make them hate her so much they would be begging Levant not to marry her.
Her plan was foolproof.
Levant hesitated. “Nicole, I need to think this through.”
“Alright, let me know as soon as possible,” said Nicole before hanging up.
After the call, Levant sat in his chair, deep in thought.
The manager walked towards him. In a low voice, he reminded Levant that even the Duke had no clue about Nicole’s background. “Mr. Levant, all you need to do is lie and ensure that she is sorted out before everyone is aware. Per my observation, her desire to find out about her past is the only thing on her mind at the moment. I fear it would be hard to even get her thinking about being in a relationship with you.”
“Tell a lie?” queried Levant.
“Yes. Sir Musgrave doesn’t know who Nicole is. I think you should pretend to not know anything as well, and just say she is your lover. After you’re married, everything will be fine.”
Levant about this thoroughly, and nodded in agreement.
The Musgrave family was impressive in its own right. Maybe after she met the family, Nicole could change her perception of him. Better yet, she might even reciprocate his love.
That way, Levant could get everything he desired. Even the woman he loved.
“Mr. Levant? May I suggest doing a DNA test with her tomorrow?” came the manager again, with another suggestion. “She needs the reassurance. Once she knows that she’s not related to you, she’d likely make the trip with ease. Even if she finds out about her past, it might not lead to a favorable outcome for her. I think you have nothing to worry about.”
Levant nodded again after giving his words some thought.
Night passed and the next day had arrived.
Levant had meant to call Nicole, but his phone started ringing.
