When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Obstinately, Ashton remained standing where he was. He cast a backward glance to see Joseph hurrying in with a stack of gifts.

“Scarlett prepared these small tokens for Mom and Dad,” Ashton explained evenly.

Baffled, I looked at Ashton. When had all these been prepared? Had Ashton already predicted that I’d leave John behind to attend the dinner with him?

My mind was swimming with thoughts.

Tiffany tossed her head uncaringly. Joseph, laden down by the weight of the gifts in his arms, tottered awkwardly into the room.

Just then, a deep voice commanded regally, “There’s no need to make such a fuss. We’re family, after all. Housekeeper, take those things from him.”

As if on cue, the housekeeper nervously stepped forward, stiffly receiving the items from Joseph. The atmosphere within the room instantly eased.

It was Nathaniel who had spoken. I’d only heard his voice before and had only taken the briefest of glances at his photo. I was surprised to see that he was casually attired and looked rather youthful. Nathaniel appeared distinctly approachable, unlike the elderly patriarch I’d envisioned in my mind.

was more below the

watched the housekeeper set the items down conscientiously, Ashton suddenly turned and leisurely placed his arm around my shoulder. He then led Gregory and

when Tiffany began her

from my position as the Finance Director and terminated

discontent, the maid arrived with cups of hot tea for us. Ashton calmly poured out a cup, then

seethed as she watched Ashton deliberately stir his tea, then drink it

coolly at Tiffany. Menacingly, he

air in the room had congealed, and the temperature dropped by a few degrees.

look on Tiffany’s face remained. She seemed snooty, even emboldened by the fact that she was on her turf and

heed to Ashton’s solemn warning. Instead, she drew herself up and pounced onto me, clawing at my arm. “It’s all because of you! How dare

with such hatred that even I, despite not being

witnessing this side of Ashton.

and grabbed

who was used by now to Ashton’s capricious ways.