Chapter 22 Nova and Corin Exposed - Kael Panicked ! Grace said something to Corin , then smiled and walked toward Nova . [ ] " Ms. Hale ... " Nova pulled herself together , a faint smile on her lips . She was about to speak when Sloane stepped forward first . [ ] She pushed Nova aside like she was just a backdrop , blocking her from view . ] With a bright grin , Sloane said , " Ms. Quinn , long time no see ! It's been a month since our last collaboration . I've been looking forward to working with you again . Lucky me - I get the chance now ! " ] ] Her actions left Nova humiliated , making Sloane look like the boss instead . ] ] Nova's gaze darkened . She almost laughed - could anyone be more shameless ? Grace looked Sloane up and down , a half - smile on her face . " Sloane ? Sorry , I don't remember that name . Did our company work with you last month ? That's ... quite a surprise . " The subtext was clear - she looked down on Sloane . [ ] Sloane understood perfectly . Her smile faltered , face burning like she'd been slapped . She forced a grin , too scared to lash out . " You must have a lot on your mind , Ms. Quinn ... " ] ]] Grace let out a laugh , ignoring her completely . She walked to Nova , her tone losing the earlier sarcasm . She smiled warmly . " Ms. Hale . " [] Nova held back a laugh and exchanged pleasantries with Grace . [ ] For some reason , she felt a faint gaze sweeping over her . Her heart tightened . She looked up - only to see Corin idly twisting the ring on his finger . He was cold and distant , not glancing her way at all . [ ] Nova frowned . She must be overthinking , too nervous ... ] Sloane , left ignored , had a face like a kaleidoscope - her expressions shifting wildly . [] After a moment , Grace seemed to remember there was someone else in the living room . She held back a laugh , then led Nova over to Corin . [ ] Gesturing to him , she said , " Oh , right . Let me introduce you . This is Mr. Thorne , CEO of Thorne Group in Seattle . " ] Corin nodded politely to Nova . " Ms. Hale . " His voice was cold , just those two words - formal , no hint of familiarity . [ ] " Mr. Thorne . " Nova gave a small smile . She thought - he probably didn't want anyone to know they'd met before , especially not in front of Grace . [ ] " Ms. Hale , he's always like this . Don't mind him , " Grace said , pouring a cup of coffee for Nova and handing it over . [ ] She teased Conn lightly , her tone soft with affection - clear she was cherished . [ ] Nova shook her head . " Not at all " ] Corin's deep eyes glanced over her face , but he said nothing . ] Sloane noticed the subtle tension . She sneered , the anger she'd held in fading a little . This was getting more interesting ! If Nova's secret got out , Kael would hate her , and Grace would see her as a rival . She'd lose both love and her job - two birds with one stone . [ ] Sloane sanded . ] Nova and Grace talked about work Grace occasionally asked Corin for his opinion . Even when interrupted , he didn't look annoyed he gave patient answers [] Before they knew it , it was noon ] Chapter 22 Nova and Corin Exposed - Kael Fanicked ! The housekeeper came over . " Ms. Quinn , lunch is ready . " [] They'd mostly finished discussing work anyway . Grace smiled at Nova . " The jasmine is in full bloom right now . I asked the kitchen to make jasmine cakes and jasmine panna cotta . You have to try them . " [ ] Nova couldn't refuse such a kind offer and agreed to stay . [ ] Sloane stood aside , still just a backdrop . No one paid her any attention . [ ] She was used to being the center of attention - this cold treatment made her fume . [ ] The more she thought about it , the angrier she got . Her hands clenched at her sides . ] ] Just wait and see ! ] At the dining table , once all the dishes were served , Sloane stood up . She picked up the wine decanter and first poured a glass for Grace . [ ] Her tone was polite and humble . " Ms. Quinn , I know I acted inappropriately this morning . I've reflected on it , and it won't happen again . I'll cooperate fully with the upcoming work . Let me toast you . " [ ] She tilted her head back and drank her full glass - an act of sincerity . [ ] Grace raised an eyebrow . She'd been annoyed by Sloane's rudeness that morning , but they were tied by client - vendor interests . There was no need to fall out over something small ] She took the glass and smiled . " I look forward to your performance . " [ ] Sloane smiled sweetly . " Thank you , Ms. Quinn . " [] Nova watched , a half - smile on her face . She saw right through Sloane's little schemes . [ ] What is she up to this time ? ] Sloane's smile brightened . She turned to Corin , pouring wine for him eagerly . [] To be honest , even though she'd been with someone as powerful as Kael , she still felt nervous facing Corin . [ ] This man's natural coldness was intimidating - but it also made people want to get closer . It was a dangerous feeling . [ ] Sloane bit her lip , giving him a sweet smile . She picked up the wine glass with her slender fingers and held it out . " Mr. Thorne , I've long heard stories about you in the finance world . Seeing you in person is even more impressive . Let me toast you . " [ ] Sloane knew how to handle men - soft voice , genuine admiration , cat - like movements . ] Every gesture was an invisible hook . Kael was proof of that . [ ] Nova's heart skipped a beat . She couldn't help looking at Corin . [ ] He lifted his cold eyelids, expressionless eyes sweeping over Sloane's sweet smile . His dark gaze was unreadable . The tension between them was palpable . [ ] Sloane's heart fluttered Her eyelashes trembled . " Mr. Thorne ? " ] Nove gripped her fork tightly , lowering her eyes to hide the deep darkness in them . ] Corans gaze sharpened . I don't drink Thank you . " [ ] He paused , then added , voire cold and sharp with authority . " Also , Ms. Reed , work isn't a performance . You'd be better off putting this effort into your job . " [ ] As his words fell , Sloane's face turned ashen - hundliated beyond belief ( Corn was calling her fake , putting on a show . He wasn't giving her an ounce of face ! [ ] She pressed her lips night , but had to force an agreement . " You're right , Mr. Thorne I understand ... " [] Nova held back a sale . She had to admit - seeing Sloane like this felt satisfying ! [ ] She looked up , and their eyes met . Her heart jumped , and she quickly looked away [ ] Sloane noticed their silent exchange - especially Nova's smile