Chapter 228

Miley tossed her hair back with a playful gesture. "It's just about needs and wants, really. What's the big deal?"

Just then, Zaire appeared.

In stark contrast to Miley's slightly tousled look, Zaire was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an air of sophistication.

"What are you two gossiping about?" Zaire asked as he approached.

Miley raised an eyebrow but didn't respond to him. Instead, she took Isabella's hand and asked, "Why are you and Leo going to Springfield Hot Springs ?"

Isabella shook her head. "Sebastian and Emily are coming too. Charles arranged it."

"Charles must be up to something again," Zaire said, "You four going sounds boring. Springfield Hot Springs has so many hot springs, so why not go together?"

Isabella said, "I don't mind. Charles said the place has already been cleared out." In fact, Charles had implied that everything had been arranged. If they wanted to mess around, it wouldn't work.

Isabella didn't know what Charles had planned for tonight, but as Zaire said, Charles was definitely up to no good.

She was actually quite nervous, afraid something might happen.

Zaire said, "That's simple. Just tell Nina to discuss the matter with Richard."

They talked as they went downstairs.

Coincidentally, they ran into Nina and Richard coming back together.

They were carrying bags full of things for Isabella.

Richard was true to his word. He had pushed aside all his tasks, devoting himself entirely to assisting her in selecting the items.

Their relationship had also warmed up over the past two days.

As they entered, Nina accidentally tripped. Richard's reflexes were quick; he reached out and steadied her by the waist.

Their eyes met, and Richard's gaze lingered. Nina looked at him for a few seconds before looking away.

"Nina," Isabella called out.

Nina looked over. When she saw the gazes of Isabella, Zaire, and Miley, her face involuntarily flushed for a moment.

Nina put the bags down. "Bella, I bought you some things. See if you like them."

Nina had been on a shopping spree, buying up everything imaginable.

The items had piled up in one entire room.

Every day, Nina would check what was missing and immediately rush out to buy more.

From lavish jewelry to everyday socks and towels, Nina bought everything she could think of and more. If there were something she couldn't immediately recall, she'd search online or consult Margaret.

Isabella looked at the mountain of items, bewildered by how Nina had managed to choose so much.

She held Nina's hand. "That's enough. It's already a lot."

Zaire said, "They're going to Springfield Hot Springs tonight. Nina, do you want to go?"

"Springfield Hot Springs?" Nina was surprised, "Why go so far?"

"Charles arranged it."

Nina got nervous. "What's he up to do?"

Isabella shook her head, not wanting Nina to worry too much. "Maybe it's a good intention?"

After she said that, the room fell silent for a few seconds.

Given the situation, no one believed Charles had good intentions.

"Springfield Hot Springs is Charles's territory. If he has something planned, Isabella and the others will be trapped." Zaire turned to Richard. "Richard, can you do something?"

The Jose family couldn't challenge Charles, but Richard was different.

With Richard's status and means, getting into Springfield Hot Springs would be a piece of cake.

Richard didn't answer immediately. He first exchanged a glance with Zaire, then turned his gaze towards Nina.

Everyone knew Richard only listened to Nina now.

Zaire caught on quickly and asked, "Nina, are you in?"

Under normal circumstances, Nina would certainly avoid getting involved in such matters. However, given the current crisis, Nina couldn't help but feel concerned.

She turned to Richard. "Is it doable?"

Richard smiled but didn't answer.

Zaire raised an eyebrow and said, "I'll go pack my clothes."

As he left, he pulled Miley along with him.

Isabella's phone rang. It was Leo asking if she had packed her things.

Nina and Richard took the bags to the room.

As Nina was checking the items, Richard pulled her by the waist.

"Thinking of soaking in the hot springs?" Richard's voice was low, his embrace firm as though he wanted to merge with her.

Richard always hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to merge her into his body.

Nina nodded. "Yes. Can you manage it?"

"Yes."

Richard didn't elaborate, making Nina anxious.

Nina turned to face him. "Is it convenient?"

Richard looked at her deeply. "Whether it's convenient depends on you."

Richard's intentions were always clear in his eyes, never hidden.

Nina stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.

Richard kept his eyes open, watching her.

As they locked eyes, Nina could even see her own reflection in his gaze.

His eyes, like him, were intense and commanding.

Nina closed her eyes, focusing all her attention on the kiss.

She could feel subtle changes in Richard's body. His arms tightened around her waist, and his form grew rigid like steel.

Just as Nina thought the kiss had lasted long enough, Richard suddenly lifted her by the waist.

Startled, Nina's eyes flew open to find herself being held against the door by Richard, who supported her with one hand.

He leaned in, deepening the kiss with a fierce intensity.

Isabella and the others arrived at Springfield Hot Springs first, greeted by the hotel manager who led them to their room.

The room was exquisite.

With the floor-to-ceiling curtains drawn back, a lush, green mountain view stretched out before them.

Isabella stood by the window for a moment, and Leo hugged her from behind.

Isabella stiffened and was about to push him away when she heard a click.

She turned to see Leo had let go and was looking at a photo he had just taken on his phone.

"This angle is great," Leo said, posting a status. "It's enough to report back."

Before Isabella could say anything, footsteps sounded outside.

The hotel manager's voice came through the door. "This is your room. Please rest. If you need anything, let me know."

Charles had already cleared the area in advance. When they arrived, the hotel was eerily quiet. The only people who could be staying at this hour were Emily and Sebastian.

What surprised her was that their rooms were right next to each other, separated by only a thin wall.

But knowing Nina and Richard were coming made Isabella feel a bit more at ease.

She hadn't told Leo about it, fearing it would alert Charles.

But even when Isabella went to the hot springs, she didn't see Richard and the others.

'Can it be that they can't get in?' Isabella pondered.