clean hands
Chapter 17
Matthew stared into Nelly’s eyes, catching the flicker of complicated emotions within them. A sudden thought crossed his mind.
“So, do you want revenge?” he asked, his voice deep and magnetic.
“Revenge I’ve tolerated her so many times, but she’s never stopped hurting me,” she said city.
Nelly was gentle by nature, Unless someone deliberately provoked her, she would never cause trouble without reason.
“Then, are you saying you’ve decided to get revenge now? Matthew’s tone carried a hint of amusement,
“I’ll remember this incident. If she dares to harm me again, I won’t keep tolerating her,” Nelly said, firm and resolute.
Matthew leaned closer toward her, close enough to feel each other’s breath.
Nelly was startled by the sudden proximity and instinctively tried to retreat,
“What what are you doing?” Her voice trembled slightly with nervousness.
“You still haven’t answered me. How do you plan to repay me?” His lips curled into a teasing smile.
She bit her lip as if wrestling with a difficult question. Suddenly, an idea flashed across her mind. “How about I treat you to something delicious?”
Matthew frowned at her offer.
“I don’t lack food,” he said exasperatedly.
It was then that Nelly realized how he could possibly lack good meals when he lived in such a luxurious place.
“Then, I don’t know what to do,” she mumbled, biting on her nail with a look of distress.
“I know away. Do you want to hear it? A cunning glint sparkled in Matthew’s eyes.
She eagerly nodded. “Okay, sure!” A radiant smile lit up her face
“How about marrying me?” His tone was casual, almost as if he were joking
Nolly’s smile froze instantly. She looked at Matthew seriously and said, “Hey, mister, isn’t that basically human trafficking?”
Matthew’s face darkened at her words, although Nelly didn’t notice
“Are you saying I’m old?” His voice carried a trace of displeasure.
Sensing the shift in him, she quickly put on a cheerful expression. “Well L. I’m hungry,” she said, trying to pacify him.
As if on cue, her stomach growled loudly.
“Come down for breakfast,” Matthew said before turning, and leaving the rooms.
Nelly quickly threw off the blanket and began to dress and freshen up. By the time she came downstairs, Matthew was already sitting at the dining table, elegantly enjoying his meal.
This was the second time Nelly had eaten in this house, as well as the second time Matthew had saved her.
“Ms. Albright, please enjoy your meal, Patty said, her voice full of warmth and kindness.
“Thank you, Patry.” Nelly responded sweetly.
“You’re welcome,” Party said with a smile
Looking at Nelly, she felt an inexplicable wave of affection. To her, Nelly seemed just like her daughter.
“Leave us,” Matthew said, interrupting their moment.
“Yes, sir,” Patty answered respectfully before leaving the dining room.
Nelly looked at the lavish breakdast in front of her and gulped down her saliva.
“Are you not hungry anymore?” Matthew teased.
Of course not,” she quickly denied
She grabbed a waffle from the table and started wolfing it down. Matthew couldn’t help but shake his head as he watched her ear so voraciously.
With her cheeks pulled full of food, her already petite face and wide, shiny eyes made her look like an adorable hamster.
Suddenly, she looked up at Matthew.
“Mister, why do you always wear a mask? Isn’t it inconvenient? Nelly’s voice was muffled by the food in her mouth
Matthew paused briefly, his hand holding the coffee cup.
“What, do you want me to take it off?” His tone carried a hint of temptation,
Nelly grinned, showing off her cute little canine teeth, her eyes crinkling
“Take it off, then,” she said expectantly.
Matthew set down his coffee and leaned slightly toward Nelly. “The day you agree to marry me, I’ll let you take it off,” he said in a deep, magnetic voice.
She pouted at his words.
Watching her adorable reaction, he couldn’t resist leaning in and kissing her. She looked at him in shock. However, he continued eating his breakfast as if nothing had happened
“You you you kissed me!” Nelly’s face turned a deep shade of red.
“Yeah,” he replied smugly.
“You… Hmph! I’m done eating. I’m going to class now.” She huffed angrily.
Matthew watched her retreating figure but didn’t stop her. Instead, he called Frost Yorke over.
“Mr. Yorke,” Frost greeted respectfully.
report everything to me,” Matthew commanded, his tone leaving no room for
“Follow her and protect her from the shadows. No matter what happens, rep objection.
“Yes, sir,” Frost replied with a bow before leaving
Shortly afterward, Kai arrived to take Matthew to the office.
“Good morning, Mr. Yorke,” Kai greeted respectfully.
Matthew had just finished changing into a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his flawless physique broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. His silver hair fell casually over his forehead, complementing the gold mask he wore
Nelly finally managed to hail a cab to get to school, only to see Clover rushing toward her.
“Nelly, spill it. Where were you last night?” Clover’s tone was sharp.
Nelly immediately panicked. “L. I didn’t go anywhere,” she replied nervously
“Nelly!” Clover suddenly shouted
“Here!” Nelly instinctively answered.
“Be honest. Where were you last night? If you don’t tell me, we will n
no longer be friends,” Clover t
Clover threatened.
Nelly poured at her words. She didn’t feel like she had to hide anything from Clover. She always saw Clover as an older sister, and Clover treated her like a younger sibling,
“Fine, I’ll tell you!” Nelly huffed and began recounting the events of the previous night.
“How dare that bitch do that to you?” Clover tuned.
“Calin down, Clove. I don’t want to pursue it further, Nelly said, her voice calm yet firm.
“Nelly, are you stupid? She treated you like that, and you’re just letting it go?” Clover said indignantly.
“Clover, just because I’m not pursuing it this time doesn’t mean I’ll let her off next time,” she said with resolve.
Clover could only nod helplessly at Nelly’s determination.
“Do you know who saved you?” she asked curiously.
“I don’t know him, but I know his name. Matthew Yorke,” Nelly said gratefully. Clover felt the name sounded familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.
