Ashley's POVWithin moments of her call, two burly guards step in behind me, as if they had materialized from thin air. Despite myself, I can feel a tingle of fear crawl up my spine and I begin to negotiate once again. "Just try to understand–"The girl clicks her tongue out of irritation, then smirks like she has just figured out a brilliant plan."If you really do have an appointment, then why don't you call the office, and I'll believe you. Look how simple it is… go on, do it."I can feel my cheeks heating up with embarrassment. "I… I don't have the number–"I haven't even gotten the chance to complete my sentence, when she chuckles loudly and points a finger towards me, dragging it from top to bottom. "What! What did you say? You don't have a number to call! Then please tell me, how the hell did you make an appointment in the first place if you don't even know what number to call?"I wince involuntarily; cursing myself for not asking Ethan for his number beforehand. Since the m
Ethan's POV I walk briskly through the lobby, my mind occupied with the day's pressing matters. In waiting for that girl to show up, I have inevitably delayed my next meeting, but I can still make it in time if we move quickly. However, we have just passed the reception when I hear my name being yelled out."This slumdog princess has the guts to say that she actually met President Johnson yesterday! Are you plain delusional, or do you think you are some angel descended from heaven?" Although the conversation is taking place outside, I can still catch some snippets. "There is one thing I know for sure, that if President Johnson doesn't pay attention to the dozens of well-dressed, high-society women working in this office, then he would surely not pay attention to someone like you!"The way she is screaming, and the sheer arrogance in this voice irritate me instantly. Well, this person better hope that they aren't one of my employees, because this isn't the kind of behavior I tolera
Ashley's POVI was completely shocked by Ethan’s words. I am not sure if it is my own heartbeat, or something ominous that causes my legs to start shaking, making me feel out of breath when my mind replays his words. He wants me to make myself presentable before entering the room? What... what does that mean? Is he hinting at something? Is he not satisfied with the way things went last night? Or is this supposed to be some kind of test?Before I can think about it any longer, Ethan coughs impatiently, which jolts me into action. Right now, I have already made him wait because of the drama at the reception desk. At this point, I shouldn't do anything to risk his displeasure at all… or I might lose everything.So I don't waste any time and come to a stop in front of the wash basins, clutching the marble counter for some support. I make eye contact with my reflection, only to find a pair of terrified eyes staring back at me… on the verge of crying. But I can't fall weak now. I splash
Ashley's POV:I might not have been prepared to face this group of distinguished people, and certainly not to have their attention focused on me… but I can realize the actual reason Ethan brought me here.He wants to use this meeting as an opportunity to present me as his ally. I may be one step away from melting into a puddle of anxiety, but the way he is handling himself with poise, gives me some subtle cues on how to stay relatively calm. After Ethan's prompting, the meeting starts without any delay. They begin discussing tenders and contracts, debating which companies are best suited for various projects. Their conversation flows seamlessly between French and English; and that is not the only difficulty I am facing in keeping up with everything that is being said. Their statements are laden with business jargon, and by the time I get the hang of one conversation, they have moved on to another topic. So I just sit quietly, feeling overwhelmed. The air feels a little suffocating
Ethan's POV: Stepping out of the hotel, I can sense Ashley following me like a devoted shadow. This morning, she seemed so timid, as if I was going to turn into the Grim Reaper and demand her soul at any moment. But during the meeting, she had slowly become slightly more comfortable, and had even contributed to the discussion, something that I wasn't expecting.Heading out now, I can't help but think maybe her resemblance to Emily didn't necessarily mean anything. Perhaps I have been too rash and impulsive after seeing her… so far, Ashley was proving to be a quick learner.Before I can complete my thoughts, I spot two people in the distance, getting into a car. Of course, I recognize them in a flash.It is Emily, the woman who betrayed me, along with the person I hate the most– and who used to be the man I once trusted most in this world. Naturally, they don't notice me as they get into the car, they are barely aware of their surroundings while holding hands and clinging to each ot
Ashley's POV:I consider his words, but I can't leave without at least trying to clarify the misunderstanding that has occurred. Ethan’s cold gaze bores into me, like his eyes were questioning why I am still standing in his office. "But Mr. Johnson, I think there has been some miscommunication. I don't have any idea–""Ashley," he interrupts me dismissively, and his tone makes it seem like he is done with my antics; like I am testing his patience on purpose. "I'm saying this for the last time, so you better keep it in mind. I am only interested in our business arrangement– neither to gather any sort of praise for your perception of my actions, nor for your act of innocence and kindness. Do you get it or not?!"The words sting more than I want to admit. Although I'm feeling misunderstood and hurt, I fight back tears somehow, in an effort to remain at least ten percent as calm and composed as he is. "I understand." I gulp nervously and with trembling hands, I sign my name on the doc
Ashley's POV Hearing the exchange between me and Mr. Walter, some other shareholders have also stopped on their way inside, curious to see what is going on. Meanwhile, the bodyguard looks at me with a smug look on his face, like he is trying to taunt me with an unspoken "I told you so!"The gazes of all these people are filled with condescension, and I can practically feel their annoyance radiating towards me. One of them, Mr. Thomas, steps forward, his expression twisted with arrogance."You again? Haven't you learned your lesson by now? My my, you are really slow, aren't you! That's why women aren't suited for business!""You know what, it's not too late to take some advice for free. You are still young, so just feel free to sell your shares and go back to living a leisurely, sheltered life. That's what your father would want, and maybe you'll even find a good husband who can spend his money on you!"His words hit me like a slap in the face. My cheeks flush as the blood rushes to m
Ashley's POV:The moment that the luxury car comes to q stop at the entrance, the eyes of people present there change from laughing at me to completely being mesmerized by the speculation about who it could be. And while everyone is in shock, guessing the identity of this newcomer, Ethan Johnson nonchalantly steps out of the luxury car, causing a stunned silence to spread through the crowd. The shareholders and directors, who moments ago were mocking me, now watched in awe as Ethan started walking towards the Waverly Group, accompanied by his entourage of bodyguards and assistants.Of course, I recognize him immediately, and for some reason… despite all my reservations, I feel a surge of relief and hope. For a moment, I can't believe he was actually here…. but as he approaches me, the reality of the situation hits me hard.Ethan reaches down and offers his hand to help me up from the ground. I try to thank him, but it seems like the words have got stuck in my throat. My emotions at