As soon as they arrived in the dimly lit basement parking of the Clover Hotel, Nikolai spotted them in less than five seconds. It felt as though he possessed a built-in radar whenever Belle was around, his eyes naturally drawn to her presence.
"Good evening, Miss Belle," he greeted smoothly, offering a polite pretext as he bowed his head slightly upon her arrival. Stepping forward, he opened the heavy car door for her and gestured elegantly for her to get inside.
"Good evening, Sir Nikolai," Belle responded with utmost respect, maintaining a formal distance despite the fact that they had already been introduced just a few days prior.
"Just call me Nikolai," he corrected softly, his tone holding a subtle warmth reserved only for her.
"Then, you may call me Belle as well," she replied with a gentle smile, taking a graceful step inside the vehicle.
