Ch. 106..110: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 106-110

Chapter 106: Hell on earth

By the time Ashley reached home, Tristan was already back from work and was waiting for her.

He was going through his emails when Ashley came after freshening up and joined him on the couch.

"You are again working?" Ashley asked, breaking his attention from the phone and immediately keeping it aside.

"I wasn’t working. Just going through some emails," he pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

Ashley sighed and leaned back, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Are you tired?" Tristan asked.

"Hmm," she hummed, closed her eyes, and kept resting.

Tristan could sense something off in her mood, and he suggested," Do you want to say something, Ash?" his words made her slowly open her eyes.

Ashley pulled away and faced him. She nodded her head and began to speak.

She told him everything and how she was looking for the girl name Benny who was the only person knowing about Jane’s evil scheme, so she would get her down from the project and replace her entirely.

Tristan’s eyes sharpened, and he looked at Ashley, showing pure hate in his eyes for Jane.

His anger-burning eyes made her heart stop. She could feel her blood run cold because his intense gaze looked dangerous.

Tristan felt like destroying Jane for what she did with Ashley. He shouldn’t have left her just like that, knowing she wouldn’t change even after facing hardship. He should have made sure she met the same fate as Greg.

Yes, it was Tristan who was behind their crumbled career. He made sure he would take care of every person who had offended Ashley. Greg had already met his downfall, and so did Jane.

But the girl was lucky enough as someone from Ashley’s agency saved her and gave her one more chance to prove herself.

Tristan’s jaw clenched in anger, and his eyes turned darker, sending shivers down Ashley’s spine.

"She needs to be taken care of. Tell me, what do you want me to do with her?" Ashley heard him say and felt her soul fly out from her body.

He looked like a different person, void of any emotion. His eyes were blank, and she felt this Tristan was not the same she had seen all these days.

Ashley hesitated but still reached out and held his hand, fisted tightly into hers.

As soon as she touched him, she felt his muscle relax, and his eyes fluttered, clearing the darkness alluring in his blue eyes.

Tristan didn’t realize he had been holding his breath, trying his best not to show his anger and scare Ashley.

His eyelash fluttered, and the blank look in his eyes disappeared. He could see Ashley’s fearful gaze, and without wasting a second, he pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

Ashley was caught off guard. She felt scared because how Tristan acted made her doubt if he was the same Tristan she knew. It was different. The look in his eyes was something she had never seen and scared the shit out of her.

As he held her tighter, Ashley felt the similar warmth returning; unknowingly, her arms circled his back, and she hugged him.

"Just tell me, and I will make sure she would face hell on earth" Tristan’s voice was still cold, and Ashley could feel the warning in his words.

Ashley rubbed his back and tried to soothe him. She pulled back and cupped his face when she felt his body relax.

"Do you trust me?" she asked, making him frown.

"What do you mean? Of course, I trust you," Tristan whined and saw her brush his cheeks.

"Then promise me you won’t do anything and let me take care of it my way" her words made him pull away his face from her hold, and he fumed.

"After whatever she did, you still want me to stay quiet and do nothing" Tristan was displeased with her words. She was still letting the girl go after whatever she did to her.

"I am just asking you to let me take off her. I didn’t say I would let her go just like that" Ashley passed him a look that confused him, and he asked," What do you mean?"

"I mean, she would get her karma back," Ashley said, and that was enough to ease his anger.

Tristan could tell Ashley had something going in her mind and was waiting for the right time. All he had to do was to wait and watch what she had under the sleeves.

After listening to Ashley’s affirmative words, Tristan finally agreed to let Ashley take care of Jane. Though he would still stand behind and help her secretly, he wanted to know what Ashley was up to and how she would expose Jane.

Tristan moved closer to her and kissed her lips, taking her by surprise before he pulled away and said," Remember I am always there for you. Just one word, and I would be there in no time," he assured, easing her heart and filling it with warmth.

"I know," she said, leaning her face close to his heart and listening to his heartbeat. She could feel he was still nervous but not like before when his anger surged up, and he acted cold.

This side of him was something new that scared her somehow.

****

Grace and Trevor reached country X and were currently inside their car driving to Dante’s place. Since they traveled using their private plane, they arrived much earlier than they thought.

Grace was getting nervous with each passing second as they reached closer to their destination. She couldn’t stop feeling anxious, thinking about how she would react to watching her father.

Trevor held her hand, and she looked at him." Don’t be nervous, Grace" he passed her an assuring smile, and she heaved out a breath, nodding her head, trying to clear her uneasiness.

Soon their car reached its destination, and they stepped out. Grace took a few deep breaths when the memory of a past incident flashed across her mind.

’This is the last time I am warning you, Mr. Connor. Stop dragging my son into your dirty world. You’ve already tainted your hands by killing people, and I don’t want my son to follow in your footstep. I won’t tolerate it if you invade our peaceful lives.

Though she said those words in anger, she regretted it the next moment. If it weren’t for Tristan at that time, she wouldn’t have said those hurtful words.

She wanted to keep him away from stepping into his world, but little did she know that Tristan had already entered and made his name.

Wiping off her tears, she tried to calm herself and held onto Trevor’s hand, and they walked inside the mansion.

As soon as they stepped in, Grace felt a familiar vibe that brought her childhood memories back. She was only four when her mother left the house and started living separately.

First, she didn’t understand why she had to leave her father, but as she grew up, she understood her mother’s concern about protecting her from his enemies.

Her eyes looked around the whole place. It hasn’t changed a bit, still the same as she had seen last time she walked out of this house in anger. Even that day, she couldn’t stop herself from finding a place as cozy as before.

"Grace," she heard a voice, and her head turned to see Dante standing right behind her. He had grown old but was still handsome, as her mother would tell her. Even after having the difference between them, Sera didn’t stop loving him.

Grace felt her legs wobble, and she stumbled a little before she managed to take a step toward her father. Her lips trembled, and she took steady steps at the older man who looked emotionally weak just like her. Before reaching him, her legs gave up, and she broke into tears.

"I’m sorry... I hurt you so much, dad" Grace’s voice broke as she apologized, covering her face, not meeting his eyes. She had no face to look at him after whatever she had blurted out in her anger back then.

All the hurtful words she said to him kept ringing in her ears, and she cried out loud. She knew he had no one except her; after her mother died, he was all alone.

He had always craved for his family, but her mother’s stubbornness and his relationship with the underworld never gave them the chance to mend their relationship. But now, she didn’t care. She wanted to forget the past and allow him to get his family back, his daughter back.

She would follow her mother’s words to stay with him because she couldn’t keep her vows, and they ended up separating.

Dante watched his daughter cry her heart out, kneeling, taking her into his embrace, and letting her cry. Suppose that made her feel better, then let it be. He was there to console her.

Dante looked up, meeting Trevor’s face, and gave him a meaningful look to which he shook his head, and that’s when he understood. She didn’t know about his illness till now.

Chapter 107: [Bonus Chapter]Always this weird

Grace had finally calmed down after the emotional breakdown. She sat next to her father, holding his hand, and sniffed.

Dante had been watching her all this while and was surprised to see how guilty she was for hurting him. His ever so brave and fierce daughter was too soft and kind by heart. She only acted as if she didn’t care, but deep inside, she still longed for her father.

Dante smiled as he watched her and said," You are just like your mother, Grace" his words made her look up at him.

"She too acted as if she didn’t care about me, but I know deep down she loved me the same as much I loved her"

Dante knew his wife was angry because he disagreed with giving up his empire and regretted it. After all, that was why she walked out of the house, taking their daughter away. But even after staying away from him, she still secretly fulfilled all her duties as his wife.

Grace wasn’t surprised at all. Yes, he was right. Her mother never stopped loving her father. She had witnessed many incidents.

"She wanted me to live a normal life, but it was too hard for me to step down. It’s hard to leave everything and assume nothing wrong would happen."

Dante had warned Sera the day she agreed to marry him, and she knew it would be difficult for him to let go of everything just like that. She knew his life wasn’t that easy, but she hoped one day he would understand her word and agree to leave everything behind and lead an everyday life.

"I tried my best to keep you and Sera safe, but in the end, I failed" his words were full of sorrow.

Grace knew her mother left Dante because he wasn’t ready to let go of his business, which made her decide to leave him. But now, when she heard him, she felt this wasn’t the only reason for their separation.

"What do you mean, dad?" she asked, curious to know what he meant by he failed.

Dante sighed, held onto her hands tightly, and began to speak," You were only four when someone invaded our house and tried to abduct you. The man who barges inside your room injected you with a high dose of chloroform, but fortunately, Sera walked in on time, and before he could take you away, she screamed for help, and my men were able to get that man," he gasped and a tear roll down his eyes.

"It turned out that the man who tried to abduct you worked as one of a servant in our house. He was sent by one of my enemies because he wanted to revenge for the loss he faced because of me," he breathed heavily as he continued.

"We rushed taking you to the hospital when we saw you had stopped breathing. Your skin had turned pale, and your lips started to turn black. It was a very tough time for us because we were slowly losing you. It took the doctor to operate on you for hours when they finally gave us positive news.

The thought of losing you affected your mother deeply, and that was when she decided to part ways with me. She didn’t want to risk your life anymore, knowing that my enemies would find another way to come after my family, and that was why she left me."

Grace gasped as she tried to absorb his words. This was the reason why they separated. No doubt her mother still loved him because she knew she couldn’t end her feeling for him even after leaving him.

"I don’t blame her as if she was best that time. You both had to go away from me to lead a normal life. But that didn’t mean I didn’t care for you. Even though you both were away, I still came to look for you from afar," he said, looking at Grace, who started crying again.

Dante didn’t want her to feel guilty for misunderstanding him all these years. Sera only tried to protect her.

Grace felt terrible for hating her father all these years without knowing anything. They both were right at their place, and no one was to blame because they did what they right that time.

Trevor was there listening to everything. He didn’t disturb them at all and let the duo talk. They needed to sort out their difference and get to know each other better.

It wasn’t wrong to have a father who was an underworld mafia because that didn’t define the person’s character. He knew Dante didn’t do illegal business, but that doesn’t make him a good man either. He was merciless when it came to people who double cross him. He was a man with a good heart and was evil to those who brought harm to his people.

The more he understood Dante, his respect for him increased. Slowly getting up from his seat, Trevor excused himself, giving them the time to calm their emotions.

"I should’ve understood you, dad. My hate blinded me towards you that I forgot to see the good side in you" Grace regretted doubting her father’s intentions towards them.

Sera would always keep telling her to let go of her anger toward Dante because she had made that mistake once, and as the days went by, she regretted leaving him behind.

Sera had long accepted her mistake of leaving Dante, knowing he would be alone without her. She was so ashamed to face him that she was punished by missing him every day.

"I don’t blame you. It is all in the past, and now, with you being here with me is the best part of my life, and I want to cherish it all my life" Grace nodded to his words agreeing to them.

Dante tried to ease the tension between them. He didn’t want her to keep blaming herself. He wanted them to start fresh.

*****

Knight mansion

"How can they do this to us" Gwen fumed in anger after learning that Grace and Trevor went to meet Dante.

"Even I am pissed," Gavin agreed to her.

Grace had never told them about Dante, but that didn’t mean Trevor and Tristan did talk about him. It was their right to know everything about him. After all, he was their grandpa from the maternal side.

Both twins were aware of him and often talked with him secretly without letting their mother know about it. Tristan had told them everything, and he was glad they didn’t judge him. Instead, he found his profession excellent.

"I am going to scold dad for not telling us anything. I so wanted to visit his place," Gwen complained.

They had only talked with him on calls or face time but never met him in person. Tristan didn’t want to risk their lives, knowing their enemies were on high alert in that country.

Gavin pursed his lips and asked," What do you think they must be doing there?"

"I don’t know. Maybe mon must be crying, and so does Grandpa. After all, they had united after years of hate and misunderstanding," Gwen commented.

"I so wanted to witness everything," Gavin said, and Gwen sighed.

"We could only wish. Didn’t you forget what your brother said? He doesn’t want us to step out foot in that country."

Tristan had warned them, and so did Trevor; they didn’t want to go against their words.

"Anyways, tell me how your preparation is going" Gwen brushed off the topic and asked Gavin, either.

"All good. I can’t believe mom agreed to it. I was getting anxious for nothing" Gavin was so relaxed after Grace agreed to his military enlistment that he was on cloud nine.

Gwen sneered, looking at his stupid smile, and rolled her eyes, picking up her phone and saying," I knew it from the beginning. It was you who was getting nervous for no reason," she exclaimed.

Gavin scoffed at her remark and saw her looking into her phone. He frowned, watching her smile like a fool after reading something on her cell phone.

"What are you smiling at? Show it to me," he said and walked to look into her phone, but she pulled it away, looking at him in surprise.

"T-there is nothing to look at. It’s a work-related thing," she said and kept her phone aside.

Gavin found her behavior strange, but wasn’t his sister always this weird? Ignoring her, he returned to the couch and started playing games on his phone.

Watching Gavin ignore her, she sighed in relief and again pulled out her phone and read Karl’s message.

[ Gwen, why aren’t you answering]

Smiling at his restlessness, Gwen replied,[ Gavin was next to me, I had to keep my phone away]

She tapped the send button, and within no time, he replied,[ Did he get suspicious about us] she could tell he was anxious.

[ No]

[ Thank god, I was so scared] Gwen smiled, reading his text, and typed, [ Let’s meet early for breakfast tomorrow] she sent and got a reply,[ Okay]

The couple chatted for a while before they bid good night.

Gwen had been so happy lately that she could wait for the day she would openly date Karl without anyone’s fear, and she hoped that day would come soon.

Chapter 108: He is my boyfriend

The next morning Alice got ready to leave for work when she met Noah outside her door. She wasn’t surprised because now she was used to him waiting for her every morning.

"Ready," he asked cheerfully and saw her nod, "Ready."

They both stepped into the elevator and reached down to the last floor. Stepping out of the building, they headed towards the car and hopped in.

Noah wanted to take Alice somewhere before they both went to their work. He soon stopped his car his front of the restaurant, and they both stepped out.

"Let us fill out stomach first before we go to work," he said, holding her hand as they walked inside the lavishing place.

Noah had already made the reservation, and as soon as they stepped in, the manager came forwards and took them to their table.

"Have you been here before? Everyone seems to know you," Alice asked in confusion when she saw everyone who worked here greet Noah respectfully.

Noah didn’t answer her and pulled out a chair for her to sit on when the manager came forward and said," I hope you enjoy the food, boss."

Alice’s eyes widened in surprise, and she saw Noah nod his head, and the man walked away from there.

"Boss? Did I hear it right? Don’t tell me you own this place" Alice couldn’t believe what she heard and asked to confirm her doubt.

Noah nodded his head and heard her gasp." No doubt they were intimidated by your presence here" Alice shook off her surprised look and looked at the lavishing restaurant.

This man was very rich, she thought and watched Noah lean forward, resting his hand on the table, and ask," You seem to like the place" his lips curled up into a smile when he watched her scan the site like an excited child.

"I like the aesthetic décor of your place," she said with a smile and watched him staring at her.

Alice suddenly got cautious, and she cleared her throat," Why are you staring at me" she asked, looking down.

She had started to feel intimidated by him. Not that she didn’t like it, but sometimes she thought it hard to keep her eyes off him and got caught by him.

"You should keep smiling, Alice. It suits you," he said without holding back as he watched her look at him." Huh"

Alice blushed at his remark and nodded her head. Soon the staff came with the breakfast and served them. It was all as per Alice’s liking.

Noah made sure she wouldn’t skip eating anything as he, as personally as the chief, paid attention to his words.

Alice ate everything she had served, and they finished the food in no time.

"It’s too much for breakfast" Alice burped silently and covered her mouth when she saw Noah watch her." Sorry," she said and wiped her lips.

Noah was amazed by her cuteness which came out very rarely. "It’s okay," he said with a smile, and they got up, leaving the place.

Reaching out, Alice was about to step into the car when someone called her," Alice."

She turned, and her eyes widened when she saw Avera along with Dylan. Brushing off her uneasiness Alice put on a smile.

"I wasn’t expecting to meet you," she said and walked toward her.

Noah walked toward Alice, joining her. She was Dylan’s fiancé, and they would soon get married. Noah was aware of that, so it didn’t take time for him to know who the girl was.

Alice felt awkward meeting them all of a sudden. She could feel Dylan’s burning gaze towards her, making her more uncomfortable.

"You just vanished after that day" Avera’s words broke her thought, and Alice looked at her in surprise.

"Oh, that day, I was in a little bit of a hurry," Alice lied. She couldn’t let her see that their presence was bothering her.

"That’s okay," she said, and her eyes went to the man who stood next to her.

"Is he your boyfriend?" Avera asked in excitement.

Alice was baffled by her words, and her eyes met with Dylan, who had turned darker.

Noah was quietly observing them and what caught his attention was how Dylan not for once averted his eyes from Alice, leaving him in question.

He remembered him meeting her that day in her studio. Alice was just as uncomfortable as she was now. Why would she get bothered by him when he was just a client she worked with?

Noah was pondering his thoughts when he heard Alice say," Yes, he is my boyfriend" her words made him swiftly look at her, and he saw her smile.

Alice turned and looked at him and held his hand before looking back at them." Sorry, we have to take out leave, it is already late, and my boyfriend is a very busy man," saying Alice smiled at Avera, and they stepped into the car, driving from there.

Avera smiled as she felt happy for her and turned to see Dylan and said," Don’t they look good" and saw his face turn cold.

Dylan was pissed at Alice that he didn’t listen to Avera’s words and walked away, leaving her behind.

On the other hand, Avera was surprised by his ignorance. This was the second time she had seen him walk away without answering, which upset her. She looked at his retreating back and quietly followed him.

****

Inside the car, Noah was grinning from ear to ear. Alice just called him her boyfriend, which filled his heart with joy.

On the other hand, Alice didn’t dare to look at him. She knew he was smiling, enough for her to remember the words she said before leaving the restaurant.

"So I am your boyfriend, huh" He looked at her, still smiling, and held her hand on her lap.

Alice shut her eyes and bit her lips. She was so embarrassed that she didn’t think twice before saying it.

Noah was enjoying how she ignored him because he knew whatever she said wasn’t an excuse to walk from there. He could feel her words’ sincerity, and how she held his hand assured him that she was ready to accept him.

Alice suddenly felt giddy and didn’t dare to look at him. Busy pondering on her emotions, suddenly she felt the car stop, and she turned her head, looking at Noah in surprise.

She wanted to ask him why he stopped the car, but before she could open her mouth, Noah unlocked his seatbelt and leaned closer to her, pulling her by her neck and capturing her lips.

Alice was caught off guard when she felt him sucking her lips, and she closed her eyes, giving in. The kiss didn’t last long before Noah pulled back and rested his forehead on her.

"I know whatever you said back there wasn’t a lie. I could feel you meant every word" Noah brushed the tip of their nose.

"I want to hear from you again," he said, whispering the words and leaning down, resting his head on her shoulder.

Alice found him so adorable. His words were so clear, and his actions were so submissive. He was begging her to speak again and make him happy.

Alice lifted her hand and brushed his back before she hugged him and saw him raise his head. His eyes were full of hope as he waited for her to speak.

Taking a deep breath, Alice finally spoke," I want to be your girlfriend, Noah, and I meant it back there, and I even mean it now."

Alice had already decided when she had asked him to sleep with her that night. She wanted to give herself a chance and see where this relationship went.

She couldn’t go on feeling scared of getting hurt. She wanted to live again and inhale the fresh breeze of life, and that life would come from Noah because he was the only source who would help her fight her demons.

Noah couldn’t believe what he heard, and he asked her again," Say it again" his eyes widened, and he asked her to speak.

"You heard me right, Noah. I want to be your girlfriend and give us a chance to know each other better," she said, and his face bloomed like sunrise, and without wasting a second, he hugged her tightly.

Alice smiled, and she hugged him back. She could feel his emotions running high. She was happy. After all, she finally accepted her feeling for her and didn’t let herself doubt it.

Noah pulled back and cupped her face before he kissed her. He kept pecking her and smiled against her lips, not believing that now they were officially a couple.

Alice smiled, watching him get excited, and she cupped his face making him look at her.

"We are getting late for work, Noah" her words finally calmed his enthusiasm, and he nodded, still smiling like a child. Before he sat back on his seat, he gave her a peck again and started the engine driving away from there.

Chapter 109: I will hunt you

Jane was enjoying her morning routine when her phone buzzed, and she looked at the caller." Whose this?" she muttered and ignored the call, but then again, the phone rang, and frustrated, she picked up the call.

As soon as she heard the voice on the other side, his body began to tremble in fear, and sweat broke her forehead.

" How can you be so careless" she yelled loudly and ended the call in a hurry.

"No, no, this can’t happen. Benny... she can’t escape" Jane went blank after the news of Benny escaping the warehouse reached her.

She quickly rushed to get change and left to meet Gorge. He was the only person who would help her at this moment.

****

Jane called Gorge, but he didn’t pick up, which frustrated her. She was going mad over Benny’s escape and had no idea how she was supposed to find her.

Leaving Gorge, she stepped into her car and drove to where Benny was kept.

Soon she reached the place and dashed inside the warehouse in anger.

"One job... it was just one job I had given for you to do. Yet you couldn’t execute it properly" Jane slapped the man she had asked to keep an eye on Benny and looked at the other two, who lowered their heads.

"How can you all be so irresponsible" she shouted, pulling her hair in anxiousness.

"She can’t go away. I can’t let her out for long. I can’t let her meet Ashley, or else my dream to walk for Masha as shows topper would get ruined," Jane muttered, anxious.

She had done so much to bang that one project, and now, when everything was going according to her plan, she couldn’t let Benny ruin it.

She looked at the men with bloodshot eyes and screamed," What are you all standing here for, go and find her before I kill all of you" listening to her words, the men immediately left there.

"I won’t let you backfire my plan, Benny. I will hunt you and make you pay for it. You haven’t seen the bad in me yet. Just let me get hold of you, and I will show you what it feels like to go against my words," she fumed, clutching her palm into a fist.

"I hire you to fabricate Ashley’s dress so that I would take her place. You said you would be loyal to me, so why did you run away" she screamed and kicked the ropes on the ground in rage.

"No, I won’t let you ruin my hard work. I will hunt you and punish you for backstabbing me," she muttered, Her eyes fumed in envy, and she turned around, leaving the place.

****

Ashley’s apartment

"How is she now?" Ashley asked the doctor who was examining Benny.

She was in very bad condition. Her arms and legs were bruised. Her face had shrunk due to a lack of food. She had some marks on her arm due to the dose they injected her.

The doctor examined Benny thoroughly and sighed. He wrote down some medicines and passed them to Ashley, saying," It’s nothing serious. She passed out because she wasn’t fully awake from the dose she had in her system. I have prescribed some medicine, and she would be fine."

Ashley heaved a breath of relief and nodded her head before passing the paper to Miley and asking her to bring everything.

Thanking the doctor, she directed him out of the house and closed the door.

Returning, she looked at Benny, who was sleeping. She pulled out her phone and called Mrs. Albert, informing her about Benny, and the older woman reached her place in no time.

*****

Spare room

"She is fine and will wake up soon," Ashley consoled the sobbing old lady, looking at her granddaughter’s condition.

Mrs. Albert was grateful to Ashley for finally finding Benny after learning from her that she had been kidnapped.

Ashley didn’t keep any news related to Benny away from Mrs. Albert because she knew the old lady had the right to know what was happening with her granddaughter.

At first, she was scared, but when Ashley assured her that she would find her, the lady agreed to her immediately. She knew Ashley didn’t mean any harm to them, and she could trust her with Benny’s safety.

Mrs. Albert nodded and turned to face Ashley, who sat next to her. She reached her hand and held her and kept thanking her for helping Benny out from that abandoned place.

"I can’t thank you enough, Ashley," Ashley heard her say and pursed her lips.

She recalled when she called Tristan asking him for help, and in no time, he sent his trusted men to search the place Miley had found after following the man for the whole day.

She kept a tab on his every move and followed him without getting caught, and came to find the warehouse where he had kept Benny.

Miley had no backup, so she left the place and informed Ashley about it, and that was when she asked Tristan to lend his men for some time.

She had expected to find it hard for them to fight the men Jane had asked to guard the warehouse, but it turned out the goons were too lazy to do the work they had given, and it didn’t take Tristan’s men to enter the warehouse, bringing Benny out from there.

Ashley sighed and looked at the old lady." Benny is safe and alive. That’s what matters," Ashley said and excused herself from there, leaving Mrs. Albert with Benny.

****

Outside Benny’s room

Miley returned, bringing the medicine, and gave it to Mrs. Albert before joining Ashley in the living hall.

"Ma’am, what should we do now?" Miley knew by now Jane must’ve found out about Benny, and she must be going crazy.

Ashley thought the same. Jane wasn’t someone who would stop after reaching so far, and she would do her best to get Benny back. After all, she was the proof that would destroy her entire life once exposed.

"Call the press; it’s time for some action" Ashley’s eyes shined with evilness, and she looked at Miley, who got her words and immediately reacted.

****

Jane hurriedly reached the agency and went straight to Gorge’s cabin. She had tried calling him, but the man had just ignored her call. She had no other choice but to meet him in person.

Dashing into his cabin without knocking, she found Gorge in a compromising position.

"Why the hell you didn’t knock" Gorge glared at Jane in anger and pushed away the woman who sat on his lap while his face was buried into her boobs a while ago.

The woman adjusted the cloth and dashed out, covering her face.

Gorge was pissed at Jane for standing there shamelessly after ruining his precious time with the girl. Adjusting his suit, he watched Jane sprint at him in a hurry and slam her hand on the table between them.

"Dammit, Gorge, how can you ignore my call at a crucial time" her words came out in desperation. She had trusted this man blindly when he proposed the plan she could use against Ashley. But now, when their goal was ruined, he didn’t bother.

Gorge frowned at her words and asked," What are you talking Jane? What crucial time are you talking about?"

Jane wanted to cry, thinking about the consequence they would face if they didn’t find Benny as soon as possible.

"We have lost Benny, Gorge. She escaped" her voice cracked when reality struck in, and she watched Gorge get up from his chair in shock.

"WHAT!!!..."

"You heard me right, Gorge. Benny is gone, and I don’t know where to search for her" she slumped down on the floor, holding her hair in defeat.

Jane could feel her end come nearer with each passing second. She had played many games and manipulated people’s minds but never once thought about the consequences she would face once her true intentions were exposed.

"How can you be so careless, Jane? How can she run away" Gorge roared, making her cringe in fear.

Jane had no clue how she was going to find the girl. Her men searched Benny everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found. It was like she suddenly vanished, leaving behind no trace.

"What kind of useless men you hire, Jane? They couldn’t even handle one weak girl" Gorge’s mind was going crazy thinking about Jane being exposed, and if she got caught, she would pull him too into this mess.

No, he couldn’t let her do that. His eyes turned cold, and he looked at Jane," It’s your responsibility Jane to get that girl back, and if you fail, then don’t think I would help you" his words made her snap at him in shock.

She frantically stood up, dashed to him angrily, and pulled his collar," You can’t abandon me like this, Gorge. We were in this together. You can’t just take back your words. You promised to help me, and you have to keep that promise" Jane was losing her mind listening to his words.

She can’t let him desert her when she needs him the most right now.

Chapter 110: Jane exposed

Gorge jerked off her hands from his collar and pushed her away," Then make sure you find the girl Jane or else forget about me helping you with this," he said as he walked away, leaving Jane in a complete mess.

They were in this together, then how can he leave here alone. Jane was left with utter disbelief.

’Where am I supposed to find her’ Jane felt like crying as she couldn’t find any way to reach the girl on her own. Even the men she asked ti search her couldn’t get her yet.

"No I can’t stay still" She said to herself and stood up.

Jane quickly composed thoughts and reacted to his words. She can’t let anyone destroy her life. She had to do something, and with that thought in her mind, she walked out.

Jane reached down the agency building and was about to head towards her car when the paparazzi blocked her, which scared her more.

"Miss Jane, is it true that you tampered with Ashley’s dress so she would lose the opportunity to be the show topper for Masha Fashion week" one of the media people barged in and started clicking her photos.

"Do you envy her? " The other said and dashed to her.

Jane was baffled by their questions, and she started to panic," W-what are you all talking about. I d-didn’t do anything" she tried her best to be calm, but the crowd was so much that she started to tremble and was barely able to reach her car.

Quickly opening the door, she hopped in and drove from the agency building, ignoring their accusation.

’How did this happen’ she couldn’t help but think throughout her ride.

****

Conference hall

Ashley was sitting elegantly as she started clarifying the accusation media had put on her when Jane replaced her as the show’s topper. They even went on to write rubbish about her saying that she was removed from the magazine cover photoshoot because of her rude nature towards her crew member.

Ashley was quiet because she had no evidence to prove her innocence. But now, when she was ready, she wanted to put on the facts as soon as possible.

"What took you so long to clarify your side," one reporter asked after listening to her claim.

Ashley looked at the man and found him familiar. He was the same reporter who had earlier published fake rumors about her.

Keeping her face straight, she answered," As you know, w believe in having facts before you talk about someone. You must be very well aware of it, Mr. Rodger" her eyes turned sharp as she took his name, and the name cleared his throat.

Rodger had fallen on his face many times for publishing false news about Ashley, but still, he was shameless to question her.

Ashley had previously ignored explaining all the scandals without solid proof. She would’ve let go of this matter, too, but it was a hard time for her to stand up for herself and not let anyone look down on her.

She smirked when the man turned silent and continued," I was waiting for the right time to speak about it," she answered.

"But how can we believe that whatever accusation you put on Miss Jane Willow is true? There hasn’t been any proof you have presented in front of us," the other reporter said.

Ashley smiled, listening to their words, and turned her head to Miley and motioned her for something. Miley understood Ashley’s gaze and reacted. She turned on the projector, and a light flashed on the white screen.

Everyone in the conference hall began to mummer, watching a young girl covered up with a bandage while she still had bruises on her face.

Benny was on facetime with Ashley, and her eyes widened looking at the crowd in front of her.

Ashley silenced the murmuring and looked at the big screen," Benny, you don’t have to be nervous. tell them everything," she said softly and waited for her to speak.

Benny had woken an hour ago and was informed about Ashley’s decision to meet the media. Mrs. Albert had asked her to tell everything and clear Ashley’s name as she was the one who saved her from that evil people.

Benny, too was grateful for coming out alive without getting killed and agreed with her grandmother as she decided to accept her crime.

Benny would’ve done it a long time back when she had managed to reach Ashley’s residence, but before she could take a step ahead, Jane’s men came and took her away again, and after that, whatever happened, she didn’t want to think.

Benny closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she opened her mouth to speak," I was the one who fabricated Ashley’s dress on Jane’s words" her statement again began the mummer inside the hall.

"She asked me to tamper with her dress, and in return, she would give me money to improve my poverty-filled life" Benny was ashamed of how she didn’t think twice and agreed to help Jane.

"I was the one who took the video and circulated it on the internet, accusing Ashley of being unprofessional. I was used as a pawn so Miss Jane could find her way to take Ashley’s position on the cover page."

Benny kept saying many things against Jane and even showed them the bruise Jane made on her body for going against her words.

The entire hall had turned silent on Benny’s words. Ashley let the girl speak everything, and when she was down, Ashley turned on the mike and spoke," I know many of you will think it isn’t enough to prove myself innocent, so I have something more-"

Ashley signaled Miley and turned on a video where Jane was seen shouting at the men and slapping one of them for being inattentive, agreeing with her crime, and blurting it out on the camera that was secretly planted in the warehouse.

Her voice and face were clear enough to let the people see who she was. Jane had confessed everything in her panic state.

"I think it’s enough to prove my innocence and clear the accusation pointed at me," Ashley stood up and walked out of the conference, all along with Miley with her head high.

The news about Jane’s wrongdoing spread like fire in the entire industry, and immediate action was taken against her.

****

Outside

Ashley was about to enter her car when Miley stopped and whispered something in her ear. Swiftly turning her head, she saw Tristan standing next to his car, and a smile broke on her face.

Since it was a private exit, the place was vacant with only the present.

Ashley quickly reached to Tristan and hugged him tightly," I so wanted this," she said, burying her face in his embrace.

If not for his quick help, she wouldn’t have found Benny, and Jane would’ve not been exposed. It was his idea to plant a secret camera inside the warehouse, which was enough to collect the information she needed against Jane.

"Better," he asked, caressing her back, and she pulled away, nodding her head.

The couple got inside the car and drove away from there before anyone could see them.

It was a victory celebration for Ashley, but Jane was a nightmare. Even before she could reach her apartment, cops were already waiting for her arrival, and as soon they saw her car, they quickly caught hold of her.

Jane was shocked to see the lady cops drag her mercilessly and push her inside the cop’s car without listening to her ranting.

"I didn’t do anything. Where are you taking me" Jane kept yelling, but no one listened to her cry, and the cops took her.

****

Inside the car

Tristan pulled the partition and blocked the front view before he pulled Ashley on his lap and kissed her desperately.

Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss as her fingers slowly played with his silky hair.

After a long passionate kiss, they finally pulled apart and looked deep into each other’s eyes.

"You did great, Ashley" Tristan brushed his thumb on her lips and kissed her but pulled away quickly.

He was inside his office when Karl informed him about Ashley being live on the news channel. He quickly turned on the television screen and saw Ashley. He thought she would handle this matter privately as she did earlier, but I guess his wife had other plans.

He was amazed by her fierce and elegant way and how she ruthlessly exposed Jane without pity made him feel proud. Tristan left his work halfway and reached to meet Ashley as she was the only person he wanted to be.

Ashley smiled and nuzzled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

"Thank you" her words made him arch his words, and he pulled her away.

Ashley chuckled, watching his cute face when she thanked him." Why would you say that? Isn’t it my responsibility to protect my wife from evil" he whined like a kid, and she couldn’t stop smiling.

"Yes, it is, but still, I wanted to thank you" she ignored his words and again leaned down, resting her head on his shoulder.

This time Tristan didn’t say a word and circled his arms around her waist and stayed like that holding her closer to him.