Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO WAITED WITHOUT DEMANDING
Nina accepted the new position.
She moved into a better apartment with her father.
Thomas received consistent specialist care.
And for the first time in years, Nina no longer counted every dollar before buying groceries.
Her work took her to London.
Milan.
Brussels.
She became known for her precision and integrity.
Meanwhile, Adrien continued restructuring his business operations.
He strengthened compliance procedures.
Separated legitimate commercial activities from criminal associations.
And faced scrutiny over his family's past.
The changes were difficult.
But he continued.
Nina and Adrien stayed in contact.
At first through occasional messages.
Then phone calls.
Then dinners whenever she returned to Chicago.
One evening, they walked beside the river.
Adrien stopped.
"Nina."
She looked up.
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you something?"
She smiled.
"You usually do."
He laughed softly.
"Would you consider having dinner with me?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"We've had dinner before."
"Not like this."
Her heart began racing.
She studied him.
"Are you asking me on a date?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
Nina smiled.
"Then ask properly."
Adrien laughed.
"Miss Whitmore, would you allow me the pleasure of taking you to dinner?"
She pretended to consider.
Then nodded.
"Yes, Mr. Moretti."
May you like
He smiled.
And for the first time, the man who once commanded rooms with fear looked nervous about something as simple as a woman's answer.
