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.

me, however, that there was more below the surface than met

leisurely placed his arm

sat down when Tiffany began her

me from my position as the Finance Director and terminated my

of hot tea for us. Ashton calmly poured out a cup, then

watched Ashton deliberately stir his tea, then drink it slowly. “Are you even listening to me?” Tiffany asked

glanced coolly at Tiffany.

the air in the room had congealed, and the temperature

emboldened by the fact that she was on her turf and under

no heed to Ashton’s solemn warning. Instead, she drew herself up and pounced onto me, clawing at my arm. “It’s all

glared at her with such hatred that even I, despite not being the object of

was Tiffany’s first time witnessing this side of Ashton. She gaped

muscular arm suddenly shot out and grabbed Tiffany’s neck

Joseph, who was used by now to Ashton’s capricious