Realizing that Ansel was distracted and not in a defensive state, Nika delighted inunching an even more powerful and forceful attack.


    “Erica is not only intelligent but also beautiful, isn’t she?”


    “Yeah,” Ansel unconsciously nodded. Ansel had to admit that Nika’s words were true. In Ansel’s eyes, Erica seemed like a goddess. Her beauty was vibrant and graceful, with delicate featuresbined with captivating, clear eyes that Ansel couldn’t take his eyes off.


    “Erica is not only beautiful but also has a verypassionate and kind heart. Those are rare qualities in a girl. If someone captures Erica’s heart, they truly receive great happiness.” Nika casuallyid the bait, and Ansel carelessly fell into the trap.


    “You’re right,” Ansel agreed when it came to Erica’s beautiful character. To Ansel, Erica was like an angel: “I’ve never met anyone quite like Erica.”


    “The impression Erica has left on you is quite special, isn’t it?” Nika asked with fascination.


    “Indeed,” Ansel admitted.


    Suddenly, he remembered the first time they met at the hotel. And then there was the incident at AB Company, when Ansel yelled and insulted Erica in front of many employees. Erica had done everything to help save Ansel. Yet Ansel did something terrible, calling the police and using and imprisoning Erica. The sudden recollection of the past brought back feelings of remorse and guilt, flooding Ansel’s heart.


    Sensing Ansel’s contemtion, Nika felt that the opportune moment had arrived. Nika immediately proceeded with her intention:


    “Ansel, do you have feelings for Erica?” Nika used the probing technique again.


    Hearing the question, Ansel seemed to snap out of it. He stared at Nika intently, remained silent for a moment, and then finally managed to respond:


    “Erica and I are friends.” It was easy to perceive that Ansel’s answer was carefully weighed. Ansel must have struggled with his inner turmoil to choose a safe option for himself.


    Nika let out a disappointed sigh. Once again, Ansel refused to acknowledge the genuine feelings of his heart. Nika had tried every possible way to make Ansel realize that his feelings for Erica were love. Yet Ansel remained oblivious. Nika couldn’t tell if Ansel was truly naive or deliberately pretending to be clueless.


    Upon realizing yet another failure and the impossibility of making Ansel admit his feelings, Nika didn’t feel sad. Instead, heunched another cunning move.


    “Listen, Ansel. I like Erica. And I intend to ask her out on a date.” Nika suddenly revealed his n. Immediately, Ansel turned towards him, staring at Nika with an indescribable expression.


    Nika wasn’t sure what Ansel was conveying. Nika could see a mixture of astonishment, fear, apprehension, sadness, and even anger on Ansel’s face, all blended together.


    “What’s wrong with you?” Nika calmly questioned the mixed reaction from Ansel. “You look so uneasy. I can’t figure out what you’re thinking.”


    “Are you joking with me?” Ansel expressed the thoughts that appeared in his mind.


    “Joking about what?” Nika innocently asked in return.


    “Date Erica,” Ansel said bluntly, looking intently at Nika with anticipation, waiting for a response.


    “I’m not joking at all,” Nika firmly asserted. “I like Erica. I’m single, and as far as I know, Erica doesn’t have a boyfriend either. There’s no reason for me not to pursue her.”


    Ansel’s face briefly contorted with intense emotions. Truth be told, he didn’t feel happy upon hearing the news. He even had the urge to curse Nika. However, he managed to regain control over his emotions and conceal his true feelings. The small details Ansel showed were enough to make Nika satisfied.


    “Are you serious?” Ansel wanted Nika to confirm it to be absolutely sure.


    “Absolutely serious,” Nika affirmed with determination.


    Ansel fell into a contemtive silence after Nika’s deration. He truly didn’t understand the whirlwind of emotions he was experiencing at the moment. On one hand, he felt happy for his close friend for finding someone to love, but at the same time, he felt anxious about potentially jeopardizing their good rtionship if his own feelings for Erica were revealed. Ansel was caught between happiness and confusion. Mixed emotions are often challenging, and Ansel genuinely didn’t know what to do to resolve this dilemma.


    “Hey, Ansel. Can I pursue Erica?” Not stopping there, Nika added, intentionally stirring up jealousy within Ansel: “Will you support and bless us?”


    “It’s up to you. I don’t care,” Ansel lied. ‘There’s no way I would ept that.’ Suddenly, fear gripped Ansel as the voice of his heart unexpectedly spoke up.


    After speaking, Ansel returned to his contemtive state, oblivious to Nika’s smirk and amused smile.


    ‘Don’t care, huh? Ansel, let’s see if you can live up to your words.’


    Surprisingly, teasing Ansel brought Nika such joy. Nika told herself to keep this in mind and try again.


    “Ansel. I’vee. We can go now.” Kevin’s voice rang out, breaking the silence, and he appeared at the door.


    Ansel quickly stood up and walked towards Kevin.


    “Where’s Desi? Isn’t sheing?” Ansel asked.


    “Desi is waiting for you in the car,” Kevin exined. “There’s a journalist around, so it’s not convenient for Desi toe up here.”


    “I see. Let’s go,” Ansel said, stepping out of the room without bothering to call Nika. Kevin quickly followed Ansel without saying a word to Nika.


    Nika hesitated for a few seconds, then picked up the bag Ansel had left on the bed and walked out of the room.


    Today, let Desi and Kevin take care of Ansel. Nika had other things to do. That’s why Nika decided to go home in his own car instead of sharing a ride with Ansel.


    …


    As two days had passed since Ansel’s discharge from the hospital, today he decided to defy the objections of his family, who were aware of his condition, as well as Desi’s advice, and insisted on going to thepany to handle work matters.


    Ansel’s return made some individuals with malicious intentions cautious. They temporarily remained quiet, not daring to make any moves. However, there were a few daring individuals who took advantage of this opportunity, exploiting the widespread news of Ansel’s serious illness to hastily execute their evil ns. Meanwhile, Nika silently investigated the person behind the plot to overthrow Ansel.


    At this moment, Ansel and Nika were sitting in Ansel’s office. Both of them were engrossed in discussing the mysterious individual who was attempting to overthrow Ansel as the director.


    “Do you have any thoughts about that person?” Nika asked.


    Ansel stared intently at theputer screen in front of him. “No, I don’t have any thoughts. I just want to know who is trying to bring me down and what I can do to stop them.”


    Nika spoke in a contemtive tone. “I don’t have any ideas either. But I have a feeling that this person is very close.”


    Ansel looked up at Nika and tightly clenched his fists. “I think so too. I will need to work even harder to ensure that I maintain control. And of course, to identify that wretched person.”


    “But you won’t do everything alone, will you?” Nika looked at Ansel with a concerned gaze.


    “Of course not. I require the assistance of trusted and talented individuals,” Ansel stated, looking at Nika and smiling. “You have always been the person I trust the most.”


    Nika responded with a smile, expressing, “That honors me.”


    The two continued to discuss their ns and strategies to thwart their adversary. They realized the importance of thoroughly researching their opponent.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    “I need to get back to work, Nika. Continue your investigation and let me know the results soon,” Ansel said.


    “Don’t push yourself too hard, Ansel. Remember, you’re still ying a patient battling a serious illness,” Nika reminded him.


    “I won’t forget,” Ansel said, nodding in agreement. Both of them looked at each other with absolute confidence. They are always ready to fight to achieve their goals.