Chapter 5: Power Play

Christopher's grip on Ashlyn's arm tightened. "What happened to you? How could you be so evil?"

"Evil?" Ashlyn's cold laugh made him flinch. "What are you going to do about it? Hit me? Go ahead, show everyone what kind of man follows weak women around like a pet dog."

Christopher's fist clenched, but he froze when he met her hollow stare. Something in those eyes made his blood run cold.

Ashlyn yanked her arm free with surprising strength. "Touch me again, and you'll regret it." She turned to Penelope. "As for you, dear sister, you'll be on your knees begging before I'm done with you. Where's the script?"

"I-I'm not sure what you mean," Penelope said hesitantly.

"Repulsive." Ashlyn cleaned her hands with her dress. "The two of you."

She stopped next to a cherry blossom tree outdoors. "I swear to you," she murmured to the breeze, "I will fulfill your wishes."

At the dining table, Richard studied her face carefully. "Rough morning?"

"Nothing I can't handle." Ashlyn straightened. "Actually, I have news. I found a script I want to produce at the company."

Richard's phone buzzed with notifications. "The media's having a field day with your encounter."

"Let them talk."

"Perhaps it's best to forget about your ex and focus on being my wife?"

Ashlyn's lips curved into a smile. "Oh, I have plans. In five days, at the birthday banquet, I'll personally break off their engagement."

"Ashlyn—"

"Don't worry, husband. My past won't trouble our future."

The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows as Ashlyn sat across from Richard at the breakfast table. He held up a plump strawberry, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Come on, just one bite. I personally inspected each berry for optimal sweetness."

"I can feed myself, Richard." But she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips.

"Did you hear about the strawberry who went to the doctor?" Richard wiggled his eyebrows. "He was told he was in a jam."

Ashlyn groaned. "That was terrible."

"Ah, but you're smiling." He picked up another strawberry. "What did the grape say when the elephant stepped on it? Nothing, it just let out a little wine."

"Please stop," Ashlyn laughed, covering her face with her hands. "Your jokes are getting worse."

"My jokes are berry good, thank you very much." He grinned, clearly proud of himself. "Get it? Berry?"

"I'm filing for divorce."

"No, you're not. You love my dad jokes."

"I tolerate them at best."

Richard leaned forward, still holding the strawberry. "What do you call a fake noodle?"

"Don't—"

"An impasta!"

Despite herself, Ashlyn burst out laughing. "That's it. I'm leaving."

"Not before you try this strawberry." He moved to her side of the table. "Come on, Commander. Consider it a tactical mission."

"A tactical mission to eat a strawberry?"

"Operation Sweet Tooth." He held the fruit closer. "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..."

Ashlyn shook her head, but her eyes were soft. This powerful man, who could intimidate anyone with a single look, was here making terrible food puns just to see her smile.

"You're impossible," she said.

"Impossibly charming?"

"Impossibly corny."

Richard clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me, wife. Here I am, trying to romance you with fresh fruit and quality humor—"

"Quality is debatable."

"—and you mock my heartfelt efforts." But his eyes were dancing with mirth. "Just one bite? For your adorable husband?"

Ashlyn sighed in defeat. "Fine. One bite."

Richard's face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. He carefully raised the strawberry to her lips. "Say ahh..."

Just then, the door burst open. "Sir! The auction starts in an hour and—oh!" The assistant stopped short, face reddening at the intimate scene.

Richard's hand dropped, along with his smile. "This better be important."

"The auction, sir. Your presence is required..."

"Of course it is," Richard grumbled. He turned to Ashlyn with an apologetic look. "Rain check on Operation Sweet Tooth?"

"Saved by the bell," Ashlyn teased, but she reached up and kissed his cheek. "Go. Be the powerful businessman everyone fears."

"But first..." Quick as lightning, he popped the strawberry into her mouth, grinning triumphantly. "Mission accomplished!"

"Richard!"

"What do you call a businessman who succeeds in feeding his wife? Berry successful!"

"Get out!" Ashlyn laughed, shooing him away. "Go before I actually file those divorce papers."

As Richard hurried to get ready, still chuckling at his own jokes, Ashlyn touched her lips where the strawberry had been. In her previous life as a commander, she never imagined finding such simple joy in silly moments like these. Yet here she was, falling for this ridiculous man who wielded terrible puns like weapons of mass destruction.

"Ready to go?" Richard returned, now every inch the imposing CEO.

"Almost." She stood and straightened his tie. "Just one thing."

"What's that?"

"Why did the cookie go to the doctor?"

Richard's eyes widened with delight. "Why?"

"Because he felt crumby."

His laughter echoed through the mansion as they headed out, the assistant trailing behind them, wondering how the city's most feared power couple could be so wonderfully, adorably dorky in private.

At the auction, Ashlyn admired the ruby-laced dress Richard had bought her. Despite her warrior instincts seeing it as impractical, his thoughtfulness touched her.

"You really like it?" Richard asked hopefully.

"It's perfect."

"Good. Show them all who you are – my wife, the most beautiful woman in this city."

Ashlyn caught Penelope's sight at auction and smiled. "Shall we mingle, husband? I believe there are some business associates you wanted me to meet."

"Indeed." Richard offered his arm. "Let's show them what real power looks like. By the way," Richard whispered in her ear, "you look absolutely stunning when you're plotting someone's downfall."

Ashlyn's laugh echoed through the hall, drawing every eye. "Just wait until the birthday banquet, dear husband. That's when the real show begins."

The auction hall buzzed with activity. Penelope practically draped herself over Christopher, making sure Ashlyn noticed. Instead of reacting, Ashlyn focused on networking with dignitaries alongside Richard.

The final item caused a stir – a massive diamond that had every wealthy man reaching for their paddles.

Christopher's voice rang out. "Five million!"

Gasps filled the room. Penelope preened.

"Ten million."

The voice from the VIP booth silenced everyone. All eyes turned to see a mysterious man and his mysterious and his stunning wife.

"Did you see that?"

"He didn't even blink!"

"Look at his wife – she's gorgeous!"

"I heard she used to be engaged to Christopher White..."

"Well, she certainly upgraded..."

Christopher's face reddened. "Six million!"

"Twenty million." The man’s voice was casual, almost bored.

The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold to the Mr.!"