Chapter 9 Only an Idiot Would Believe That Chapter 9 Only an Idiot Would Believe That A warm , soft girl suddenly collapsed into his arms . Nathan's mind went completely blank . His whole body felt like it had been struck by lightning - he couldn't move at all . He watched as the girl's face pressed against his chest and began to slide downward . Just as he was about to reach out , she was yanked away from him . Ethan caught Stella , frowning . " What's wrong ? " +5 Free Coins Once she was pulled upright , Stella slowly came back to herself . She shook her head . " I'm fine . I just haven't slept in over twenty - four hours . I'm exhausted ." Ethan let out a breath of relief and looked at Nathan . " Sorry about that , Mr. Nathan . My sister has severe insomnia . She didn't sleep at all last night . She didn't mean to fall into you like that . " Anyone who didn't know might've thought she was faking it . But Nathan really was the gentleman everyone said he was . His sister was a stunning woman who'd just fallen into his arms - and he hadn't reacted at all . No one had ever seen a woman linked to Nathan . The Ashford business circle had long whispered that Nathan might prefer ΠΕΠ Ethan hadn't believed it before , but now … he kind of did . Back in high school , his sister had been the darling of everyone . If this had been her sworn academic rival , maybe he really just didn't care about women . Stella finally realized how embarrassing that had been . Her face turned as red as a baboon's ass . Stupid body . Couldn't you just hold it together ! She looked up with an awkward smile . " Yeah … actually , that's why I came here today . " Her body still tingled like she'd been electrocuted . Nathan turned away to hide the look in his eyes . " Let's sit down and talk . " In the living room sat a dark green leather sofa set . Stella's eyes lit up . " Nathan , you didn't throw this out ? " Nathan sat down , long legs crossed as he tugged down the hem of his jacket . " It still works ," he said casually . " Why ? " Stella sat on the familiar couch and ran her hand over it . " Still in good shape . I had this custom made from Freah back in the day . It cost a fortune . " She hadn't expected that her old rival , now worth billions , still had such thrifty habits . She remembered that back in high school , he didn't seem well - off . His uniform was always washed so many times it was nearly white . Now they were barely a meter apart . Nathan carefully controlled his breathing and his gaze . His voice stayed calm . " This house used to be yours ? " Stella nodded . " Yeah . I came today because I want to buy it back 1/4 P P Chapter 9 Only an Idiot Would Believe That +5 Free C Coins " You can probably tell - I've got such dark circles I could pass for a panda . You don't want to see an old classmate drop dead from exhaustion , do you ? " She pointed to her eyes with pale fingers , her gaze clear despite the tiredness , She wasn't trying to guilt - trip him , but she really had no choice . Back in high school , she'd tried living in the dorms to save time . Didn't sleep for three days straight . Collapsed in class and had to be taken to the ER Nathan had already noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes . He glanced again but quickly looked away , his gaze landing on the glass coffee table .. " Sorry . I'm not planning on selling the place ." Ethan sat down nearby . With two real big shots in the room , his posture was instinctively formal . He sat up straight with both hands on his knees , the black bracelet on his wrist dangling . He spoke up . " Mr. Nathan , we're open on the price . If we had any other option , we wouldn't be bothering you like this . This place doesn't have a great location anymore . Not many people live here now . It's not lively . " " Oh , right - I forgot to introduce myself . I'm Ethan , CEO of Starlight Group . We're developing a new luxury villa community . You've probably heard about it . I can reserve the best plot for you - bigger than this place , farmhouse style , ten acres . What do you think ? " Stella glanced at her brother and gave him a mental thumbs - up . Whether it was money or a better house , there had to be something Nathan wanted . Even the butler nearby was stunned . This villa might be worth , at most , two hundred million He'd heard about the new Starlight development - those places started at a billion . Only an idiot would say no . " Sorry . I'm not planning to sell , Nathan said , smiling politely . " Why not ? " Stella leaned forward . Her skin was smooth like porcelain , and her glowing peach blossom eyes shimmered with light . Nathan's throat felt dry . He grabbed his teacup and took a sip , his Adam's apple bobbing . " Why not ? " His eyes were deep and hard to read behind the glasses . Stella paused , then understood . Her old rival was asking her why he should sell . Fair enough . He didn't need the money . At this point in his life , money was just a number . It didn't affect his quality of life anymore . He hadn't changed at all . Polite and gentle on the surface , but always distant and hard to approach underneath . Detached from everyone . Maybe he was like that with everyone , or maybe just with her . Every time they'd crossed paths at school , he'd look away immediately , like he couldn't stand her . 2/4 Chapter 9 Only an Idiot Would Believe That Understandable - there could only be one person in first place.. +5 Free Coins Seeing her slightly dazed look . Nathan let his eyes linger a little longer , then adjusted his glasses and looked away . T'm used to living here . I don't want to move . " Ethan absentmindedly fiddled with his bracelet , his brows furrowed This wasn't going to be easy . If money couldn't solve it , then it was really a problem . He looked at his sister . Stella's head hurt just thinking about it . Nathan didn't even need to give a reason , but he'd stooped to offer one anyway - and it was a good one . If she were used to a place , she wouldn't want to give it up either . Stella was proud at heart . Even now , facing her wildly successful rival , she didn't feel inferior . She'd asked to buy the house in a straightforward , respectful way . She was offering more than it was worth . But now she realized that wouldn't work . She was the one asking for a favor . She had to lower her stance . Stella's peach blossom eyes flicked toward Nathan as she scooted a little closer . " Nathan , I don't think you actually remember who I am . I had a car accident back then . Now I've suddenly come back to life . Aren't you curious how ? " It had been eleven years , Maybe it was time for a little catching up before jumping into business . She'd been too impatient , Her scent drifted through the air as she leaned in . Nathan's heart pounded , his ears turned red , and his breath grew hot . This was the closest they'd ever been . His eyes locked onto her face . Her lips moved as she spoke , soft and pink , the tip of her tongue flicking in and out . He couldn't hear a word she was saying . His brain had only one thought I want to kiss her .. The dark impulse surfaced . Nathan clenched his fist , pressing his nails into the old cut on his palm . The pain snapped him back to reality . He looked away and muttered , " Mm ." Conversations took two people . She asked a question . He replied with the dullest possible answer Just " mm " Like he was saying " oh " Barely interested Stella awkwardly rubbed her nose and continued , " Since we're old classmates , I'll just be honest with you . I'm from eleven years ago . I time - traveled . Do you believe me ?" Ethan's eyes flew wide . He hadn't expected his sister to just blurt out the time travel thing like that ! He hadn't even told Tina . The butler frowned . This girl's full of it . Might as well say she was the mesiah reincarnated . 3/4 7:56 ALI Chapter 9 Only an Idiot Would Believe That Only an idiot would believe that "I believe you , Nathan said , smiling gently . +5 Free Coins 4