Chapter 441

After dinner, Nina was chilling in the living room, chatting with everyone.

Sweetie was nearby, playing with a plush toy.

Out of nowhere, she crawled over to Nina, her tiny hand grabbing onto Nina's clothes like she wanted to stand up.

Nina bent down to help her, and to everyone's surprise, Sweetie stood up just like that.

Kelsey exclaimed, "Sweetie can stand on her own! Nina, let go and see!"

Nina slowly let go of Sweetie's hand.

Sweetie stood there for a couple of seconds before reaching out to grab Nina's knee again.

She was a bit wobbly, but she did it.

Margaret and Kelsey gathered around with all smiles, showering Sweetie with praise.

"Wow, Sweetie, you're amazing! You can stand on your own now!" Margaret cheered, clapping her hands.

"Seriously, you're the smartest kid I've ever seen!" Kelsey added, leaning in to give Sweetie a quick kiss on the cheek.

Even though she was young, Sweetie already understood people's attitudes.

Seeing everyone surrounding her with laughter, praise, and applause, she happily crouched her little body, her laughter crisp and innocent, particularly endearing.

Nina picked her up and placed her on her lap. "Sweetie really looks a lot like Bella when she was little," she said.

Every time Nina looked at Sweetie, she was reminded of Isabella when she was young.

At that time, Bella's parents were absent, and Nina was Bella's only support.

Now, Sweetie was in a similar situation, but this time, she had the support of the Jose family.

After chatting, Nina went upstairs and saw Zaire at the door of her bedroom.

"Nina," Zaire called out, standing up straight, "I have something to tell you."

Nina walked over and opened the door. "Come in and talk," she said.

Inside the room, Zaire closed the door behind him.

Nina looked back at him and asked, "Do you have news about Richard?" Her voice was filled with anticipation.

Zaire pursed his lips and nodded, looking serious.

Nina's eyes lit up with hope. "Where is he?" she asked eagerly.

"Silvercrest," Zaire replied.

Nina was silent for a few seconds, her mind racing.

She then said, "The Black Family is also in Silvercrest. Bella is in Quentin's hands. Did Richard go back to save Bella?"

Zaire frowned slightly, avoiding her gaze.

Instead of answering, he asked, "Nina, do you plan to keep this child?" His tone was gentle but concerned.

Nina was stunned and nodded, "Of course. Why do you ask?"

Zaire shook his head. "Nothing."

He knew the hardships Nina had endured in her previous marriage and understood what this child meant to her.

Zaire found himself at a loss for words.

Seeing Zaire hesitating, Nina couldn't help but worry, her tone becoming more urgent, "Did something happen to Richard?"

Zaire was silent for a moment, then said, "He's getting married."

Nina was stunned, her face lost all colors.

Zaire looked worried and angry. "This news has already spread in Silvercrest. I went to see him, but he didn't give any explanation. As a man, I could tell from his behavior that he clearly likes someone else."

Nina pressed her lips tightly, not saying a word.

"Nina?" Zaire's voice softened, afraid he had said too much and made her sad.

He restrained his anger and didn't say more.

He didn't care about Richard's well-being, but as Nina's brother, he didn't want to see her hurt emotionally again.

Nina looked up, her eyes calm. "I'm fine."

Zaire suddenly didn't know how to react.

If Nina had cried or shown any sadness, he could have comforted her.

But her calm and composed demeanor left him feeling helpless.

He knew Nina couldn't possibly be unaffected.

She had endured so much pain over the years.

Despite the warmth of the Jose family and Richard's presence, Nina's sore spot stillremained.

Being betrayed again would only deepen her pain.

But she habitually hid her pain, not wanting to worry those around her.

This calmness was both a form of self-protection and a way to hide her hurt.

Zaire was always good at comforting women, but with Nina, none of his usual tricks seemed to work.

Seeing Zaire standing there, clearly wanting to comfort her but not knowing how, Nina forced a smile and said lightly, "I'm really fine; don't worry."

Zaire was about to say something more, but just then, Kelsey appeared with a tray of fruit.

"Zaire?" Kelsey said, surprised to see him at the door. "Are you talking to Nina?"

"Yeah," Zaire replied, stepping aside to let Kelsey in.

Kelsey walked in with a fruit platter and said earnestly, "Nina, Mom noticed you didn't eat much at dinner, so she had the maid cut up some fruit for you. She also said if you get hungry later, just go downstairs and ask the maid to cook something for you."

"Don't worry about bothering anyone. You're not alone now; there's a little life growing inside you. You can't go hungry or you'll be malnourished."

Nina smiled softly, "Okay, thanks."

The next morning, Nina got up early.

As soon as she went downstairs, she ran into Zaire, who had just finished his morning run.

"Good morning, Nina," Zaire greeted her.

"Good morning," Nina responded, taking a towel from the maid and handing it to him, "Wipe your sweat."

Zaire took the towel and wiped his sweat while secretly observing her expression.

Nina looked very calm, as if last night's news related to Richard hadn't affected her at all.

As she stood at the door changing her shoes, Zaire walked over, asking, "Are you going to the office this early?"

Nina put on her shoes and replied, "Yes. I have a meeting today, so I need to go early."

"Okay," Zaire nodded.

"Then I'll go now," Nina said.

"Be safe," Zaire reminded.

As Nina walked to the door, Zaire's voice came from behind, "Nina!"

She paused slightly and turned to look.

Zaire smiled. "No matter what, Dad, Mom, Kelsey, and I are always here for you. You're not alone. If you're feeling bad, you don't have to keep it all inside."

Zaire, who usually had a way with words in the workplace,  found himself struggling to express his thoughts now.

It was true what they said, "When you care too much, it's easy to get tongue-tied."

Nina walked over, stood in front of Zaire, adjusted his collar, and patted his shoulder. "Seriously, don't worry about me. I'm really fine."

After a moment, Zaire nodded. "Alright."

As he watched Nina leave the house, Zaire let out a sigh.

Nina got into the car and sat there for a long time before finally starting the engine and heading to the company.

She was a bit distracted on the way and at an intersection, she almost collided with another car.

Out of nowhere, a fiery red sports car swerved recklessly towards her.

Fortunately, Nina reacted quickly, turning the steering wheel and braking just in time.

The red sports car also screeched to a halt, its rear end just inches from Nina's front bumper.

Still in shock, Nina watched as the door of the red sports car flew open and a young woman in maternity clothes stormed over, banging on her window.

Nina glanced outside and frowned.