Ch. 16..20: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 16-20
Chapter 16: Least she would do
"You brat. you don’t know what wrong you did," Noah lashed out at Gwen
"Umm... no.."
"Good, then wait for him to come after you," saying. He ended the call leaving Gwen clueless.
Gwen pulled back the phone and shrugged her shoulder. Why was he so angry with her? She thought and closed her eyes, taking a nap.
****
Hyatt Residency
Ashley laid on the bed doing nothing as it was her day off with nothing to do for the entire day. She knew her manager must have suppressed every news about her making her look like the victim and letting the world know why her breakup was.
Ashley had ignored Greg’s call since the morning as she didn’t want to associate with him anymore. She knew he wanted to scold her for whatever she had done to him, but she didn’t care.
It was the least she could do for him, and the major was yet to come. She had already decided she wouldn’t let Greg live in peace after whatever he did to her.
If she weren’t that blind, she would have shown him his exact place way before.
Thinking about what she would do to spend her day, she took her cell phone out and opened her social media account.
Going through her picture along with Greg, she felt her squeeze. The way Greg looked at them in every picture showed his love for her. But all that was a lie he created for her to believe in.
Ashley deleted their every picture and even removed it from her contact so he wouldn’t find any way to reach for her.
She wanted to spend some time alone and recuperate from her heartbreak. She tried to clear her mind and forget what she had seen when she met Greg.
"No, I wouldn’t let his thought invade my peaceful life" making a call to Miley, she asked her to a flight to country Z as she wanted to go on a vacation and return after the news of her breakup story surpassed.
She knew she had given Jane her words about meeting her, but she wasn’t that saint who would just let her have her way. Jane had already fooled her, and now it was her turn to come for her.
Ashley had never met a woman so b****hy as Jane, who tried to seduce the man her friend was in love with. She never thought she would be backstabbed by her lover and friend, leaving her humiliated to such an extent.
"Let’s play with the mouse before attacking her" Ashley lazily threw her phone on the couch and yawned.
After eating so many noodles, she felt sleepy. Her flight was at night, and she had eight hours to prepare herself and pack her stuff.
Quietly lying on the couch, she closed her eyes when Tristan’s thoughts crossed her mind.
Snap opening her eyes, she sat back when she realized she hadn’t gotten a message from him that morning.
’But wait, why are you even waiting for his message’ she thought, dropping her shoulder down.
"I thought.. he would just randomly text me or call me just like he did in the morning" Ashley kept remembering her father’s words about Tristan and how he was confident enough that Tristan would be the guy who would love her.
She didn’t know how far his words were going to be accurate but spending just a short time with Tristan made her think about their relationship.
Ashley wanted things to progress naturally and not just get forced because their parents wanted them to be together.
She wanted to know him better before she made up her mind, which was why she wanted to agree with her father’s words.
She pouted at her phone, hoping for his call, but that didn’t happen, leading her to be disappointed.
"I guess I am hoping too much," She laid back and closed her eyes, drifting to sleep.
****
Tristan had been grumpy the whole day as he couldn’t concentrate on his work because of Ashley’s ignorance.
He hoped to hear back from her, but that heartless woman didn’t even take the initiative to call him. Even if she couldn’t call him, he hoped she would text him, but that didn’t happen.
Sitting inside his car, Tristan massaged his temple to ease his foul mood when Karl’s words got his attention.
"Boss, I came to learn that Miss Brown is planning a trip to country Z for vacation" Karl’s words surprised Tristan, but he immediately composed himself.
Tristan knew he was acting out of character since the morning, and he didn’t want his employees to get shocked after shock.
"How did you-" he stopped when he realized he had asked Karl to keep him updated about Ashley’s whereabouts.
Nodding his head, he said," Make arrangements for my trip, too and make sure no one from my family comes to know about it."
Tristan didn’t want to push things between himself and Ashley and wanted to take small steps at a time. And for that, he had to keep his family away from this, especially his mother and sister, who were 24*7 stalking his activities.
Karl nodded his head with a light smile and drove the car.
As soon as Tristan reached home, the first person he went to meet was his sister.
He knocked on the door once and opened the door entering inside. He looked around the space and heaved a sigh.
"I knew she must have run away just to spare herself from getting scolded by me," Tristan fumed in anger and walked out, closing the door.
He was about to return to his room when he saw Gavin walk toward him.
"Hello, big brother.. how was your day" he smiled, looking at Tristan, who ignored him and walked past him.
Gavin left alone, turned, and followed him like a puppy.
Entering the room along with Tristan, he was about to ask when he heard Tristan’s stern voice," I heard you didn’t get a good score in your semester Gavin."
Gavin’s mouth shut, and he gulped hard. He didn’t know his ever-so-busy brother would be keeping a tab on his academics.
"I think I should take my leave" Gavin slowly turned back and was about to sneak out when Tristan’s stern voice stopped him.
"Wait there.. and don’t even think of sneaking away" Gavin’s step halted when he heard his brother and, in hesitation, turned to face him and lowered his head.
Tristan didn’t mind Gavin being too carefree but wanted him to focus on his studies. Enjoying life was okay, but you shouldn’t ignore your studies.
Looking at his brother, standing with his head down, Tristan felt his little being of anger fly away.
He never liked scolding his siblings because he loved them more than anything else. They were very naughty, but he knew they loved and respected him very much.
"Are you just going to stand there and lower your head? Aren’t you going to justify your mistake" Gavin knew he had skipped his studies this time? He focused on his physic, but how was he supposed to tell his brother that he wasn’t interested in joining their family business and choosing his career path?
Lifting his head, Gavin watched Tristan looking at him with cold eyes. He knew only his brother would support him in whatever decision he took, and for that to happen, he had to be courageous to talk to him.
"B-brother, I don’t have business management as my career path. I want to serve the country by joining the military force" Gavin himself didn’t realize he had finally said it.
He had been so hard to get better with the career his family had chosen for him, but even after trying so hard, he couldn’t bring himself to learn it. He was more into sports and liked to keep his body active by doing stuff that would make his body strong.
No family member ever thought of following a career apart from their family business. Still, Gavin wanted to do that and was very keen on joining the military and serving the country.
Gavin saw Tristan looking at him without saying a word, and the little bit of confidence in him began to decline.
"Have you made up your mind" after a few minutes of silence, Tristan finally opened his mouth.
"Yes.. "
"Good to know that. Start preparing for your training. I will talk to mom about it" listening to Tristan’s assured words, Gavin beamed with happiness and ran towards Tristan, who broke into a smile and hugged his brother.
"You should have said it earlier, Gavin. It wouldn’t have wasted your time in doing something you weren’t interested in" Tristan wanted his sibling to follow their intuition and never feel the burden of being forced.
He did the same, and he wanted that for both Gavin and Gwen too.. but how was he supposed to convince his mother to agree with Gavin’s decision.
Chapter 17: I hate stalking
After talking with Gavin, Tristan got changed and headed toward the dining. It was like a ritual for every house member to be present together for dining.
Snow and Herd liked to have their children and grandchildren together and had set up this rule, and everyone needed to follow it.
Everyone sat taking their respective chairs while Tristan’s eyes looked for Gwen wasn’t present even now.
"Mom, where did Gwen go," he asked with concern and saw Grace shrug her shoulder.
"She was in her room a while ago," he heard Grace say.
Tristan, genuinely worried about his sister, turned his head towards Gavin, who was, as usual, sitting next to him on the right.
"Gavin, do you know where Gwen is?" he asked low.
Gavin shook his head vigorously and started averting his eyes from Tristan’s piercing.
Tristan, who found something fishy, turned his attention to his plate and started eating the food.
While everyone inside the house was busy eating dinner, Gwen hid inside her closet, slowly opened the door, and peeked into her room.
"Sigh!!! Finally..." opening the door entirely, Gwen stepped down and ran towards her door, locking it from the inside.
After Noah’s puzzling words, she pestered them by calling and texting him, which made him spill everything. She didn’t expect Noah to be such a blabber mouth who wouldn’t be able to keep anything inside his stomach.
She initially wanted to go and beat the shit out of Noah, but when she was about to leave, she heard Tristan’s car entering the mansion gate, and just like a coward, she ran back inside her room, hiding inside her big closet.
"How should I ignore, brother? I am sure he will come to find me again" Gwen knew she had made a big mistake by keeping a tab on her brother’s life.
But what was she supposed to do when her boring brother was spending his life just by working his ass hard and suppressing his feeling for Ashley.
Pacing back and forth inside her room, she heard a knock on the door and her body froze.
"Who is here now?" she thought, looking at the door with horror all over her face.
In her life, Gwen had never felt so sacred, but the thought of facing her brother was shaking her entire being. She knew he was the sweetest guy in the world, but when that most adorable guy turned into Dracula, every sweetness within him turned sour.
Her wide, fearful eyes looked at the door when she again heard a knock that flinched her breaking her frozen state.
"Gwen, it’s me, Gavin... open the door.." she heard Gavin whisper against the door, and her body finally relaxed.
Realizing it was Gavin outside, her legs automatically started to run towards the door, and she swiftly opened it.
Gwen’s face bloomed into a big smile as she opened the door, but that smile vanished when she saw who exactly stood in front of her.
"B-brother," her eyes popped wide, and her lips trembled to look at Tristan’s blank, expressionless face.
Gavin waved his hand from behind as Tristan blocked his entire frame behind him.
Gwen, who wanted to go and punch her brother, stopped herself from breaking his jaw when she heard Tristan’s stern voice.
"Move aside," he said, and just like a robot, Gwen took a step back, letting them both inside the room.
As Tristan walked, her eyes fell on Gavin, the culprit who fooled her with his lie.
Gavin shrugs his shoulder at the ’I will kill look’ face Gwen gave him and quietly follows his elder brother.
Turning towards them, he found them glaring at one another when he cleared his throat, breaking their electric gaze.
"From how long have you both been spying on me" Tristan wasn’t a fool not to notice how this naughty kid tried to know about his life.
Bother Gwen and Gavin felt their jaw drop the moment Tristan expose them.
Gwen was the one to compose herself from the shaking and closed her mouth and said," W-what are you asking, brother. You know I hate stalking.." her fake act of being a good girl didn’t impress Tristan. He twitched his lips, looking at how masterful his sister had become when fooling anyone.
"Y-yes, brother, you know we both are so busy that we don’t even get time to check our social media account," Gavin played dump, waiting for Tristan to believe in them.
Tristan nodded his head and rubbed his chin. He knew they both were never going to open their mouth. He very well knew how to make them surrender.
"Fine, since you both don’t want to accept, then I should go and tell mom about you were threatening Noah and you skipping your glass" he turned and was about to leave when both his legs were held.
Smirking, he turned and saw Gwen and Gavin kneeling before him, joining their hands.
"Brother do you want mom to beat the shit out of me," Gwen said, pleading with him.
"Yes, brother.. you know mom will appoint a guard around me so she would know about my whereabouts" Gavin, who didn’t want to be treated as a kid, immediately apologized, hoping to stop Tristan.
Tristan arched his brow, looking down at how overdramatic both were, but he also knew they would continue to do it if he didn’t make them realize their mistake.
"I will spare you both only on one condition," he said, folding his hand close to his chest and seeing them nod their head immediately.
"We will do as you say, brother, but please don’t let mom know anything... please," both said together.
Tristan shook his head, chuckling at their scared faces, and said," Fine.." He motioned them to get up.
"You, Gwen, since it’s your final year, I would like you to do an internship in our company. Karl will help you with it," he said, looking at Gavin.
"And you start with your training. I don’t want you to waste your time this time" Tristan knew both his brother and sister were naughty, but when it came to their liking, they were the beast who liked to chase their dream without getting blocked.
After taking Gwen and Gavin’s classes, Tristan returned to his study as he had some pending work to take care of before he went on a vacation.
If he had not asked Karl to keep an eye on Ashley, he wouldn’t have found that she was planning a vacation.
"How can she not even think about me" he muttered and started working.
****
Jane’s apartment
"What? She canceled the meeting," Jane roared, shouting at her manager, and ended the call in a fury.
Jane fumed in anger when Ashley extended their meeting after a week. She wanted to warn Ashley to stop targeting Greg because he chose her instead of her.
She knew she had provoked Ashley by seducing her man, and now she was taking out her anger on them professionally.
Throwing her phone away, she fumed angrily when Greg entered the room and saw her in a foul mood.
"What happened, darling," he said and sat next to her.
Jane looked at Greg, who had no clue she was planning to meet Ashley without him knowing. She wanted to warn her that now that Greg was her man, she just targeted him because he chose her over her.
"Umm. It’s nothing, just a work-related issue. I will be out for an outdoor shoot for two days. I don’t want to part with you," she said, leaning close to him and sealing his lips.
Jane had very smartly played her card when she seduced Greg. She knew Greg was a weak man when it came to beauties and would always flirt around them. And that was the point she took advantage of and drifted his attention from Ashley to her.
Greg was so smitten by Jane’s beauty that he didn’t think twice before he cheated on Ashley. After getting the name and fame, he found a way to part with Ashley as he didn’t want to stick with a clingy girl who never once let him touch her.
Being in the modeling world, he had come to find her as a traditional person in a matter of love which pissed him to an extent.
Pulling back, Greg stood up and carried Jane in his arm, taking her to the bed. He didn’t know if he loved her, but he was sure that she had satisfied him the way he wanted, which Ashley failed to do.
****
It was early in the morning when Ashley left for country Z. She had made sure no one knew about her because she wanted to be away from the limelight.
Feeling exhausted with the stuff around her tired her, and she wanted a break from everything.
It was a long flight of eight hours, after which Ashley reached her destination. She had booked a room for herself in the resort, away from all media attention.
She remembers once she had told Greg about this place where she wanted them to come and have some alone time.
"Finally, I reached this place," muttering, she walked inside the lavish resort a few miles away from where she lived.
Chapter 18: I’m better off alone
Entering her suite she ran and slammed her body on the bed bouncing on the mattress finally feeling relaxed and peaceful away from the chaos.
"Hah.. how I wished to stay here forever" it had been years since she wanted to on a solo trip.
Earlier it was Alice who was her partner in crime but after she opened her studio even she became busier just like her.
Never mind now that she was alone she was going to enjoy her time forgetting about her stupid ex.
Climbing down from the bed she walked towards the balcony and leaned a little ahead holding the railing as she closed her eyes feeling the cool breeze pass through her.
"You shouldn’t lean so much!!" a male voice came from her side and she snapped open her when she realized whom it belonged.
"You!!" Ashley widen her eyes when she saw Tristan waving his hand towards her from the balcony next to her suit.
"Yes. it’s me and by the way, don’t move so much or else you might fall" he said pointing down which she did saw and gulped.
’It’s too high’ she muttered and looked back at Tristan who wasn’t in his suit anymore.
He wore a casual t-shirt with Demin’s shorts while he stood with all his glory resting his arm on the railing casually.
’Why is he so handsome and wait... what is he doing here
Ashley knitted her brow when she saw it was Tristan who was standing in front of her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked forgetting about hello and hi and just barged him with questions.
"Okay, now that’s a formal greeting" Tristan saw her gawk at him but not with a surprising look instead she frown.
His lips curled up on her cute little frown.
Ashley arched her brow and saw him chuckle. Why did he always chuckle looking at her, she didn’t know but that pissed her.
"Will you believe me if I say I followed you" his eyes didn’t waver as he talked to her with firm emotion in his eyes?
Ashley felt her heart skip a beat with the way his eyes bore into her.
’D-did he seriously followed me here’ she thought and before she could voice it she heard him chuckle.
’Offo... his chuckle and those teeth I want to punch them’
"Did you believe that I followed you to country Z, then you are wrong Miss Brown. I came here for vacation but I didn’t expect you to be here too" his mocking words made Ashley fume even more.
"Don’t be in illusion that I will believe in you, Mr. Knight. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting you here.. so just got a little surprised" she sneered and turn to leave without arguing anymore when she heard him say...
"I won’t mind if you join too. I mean since you are here alone then I don’t mind being your travel companion" Tristan’s words made her halt her step and she turned to look at him with narrow eyes.
"How do you know I came here for vacation?" Ashley knew apart from Miley no one else knew she was out touring another country then how come he knows about it.
Tristan pursed his lips and cursed himself for talking without thinking.
’Will she see me as her stalker’
Letting out a chuckle he stared back at her again," Do you see people roaming around here are working, No right.. then how do expect me to think you are here to work" Tristan played it well and saw her frown disappear.
"People come to stay in a resort so they could enjoy their alone time and relax and about you. I don’t see your manager tailing behind you. So I guess you are not here to work"
Ashely found his words convincing and what was thinking about him following her. No way.. why would he do that when he didn’t even call her after that morning talk.
She had started to feel that he cared for her but she was wrong when he didn’t even call her again.
Shaking off her thoughts she looked at him and said," NO.. there is no need for you to babysit me. I’m better off alone" saying she entered her room and slide the glass door pulled the curtains, and turned to huff in annoyance.
"Stupid can’t he be nice to her" huffing she walked towards the bathroom to get freshen up.
***
After Ashley left Tristan too walked back inside his suit and made a call to Karl. Except for Karl no one from his family knew Tristan wasn’t on a business trip but was following Ashley.
"Make sure she learns everything," he said and ended the call.
Tristan had appointed Karl to guide Gwen when she joins the company as an intern and learn the basics. Karl was the only one whom he would trust for Gwen because only his straight poker face would stop her from doing any mischief.
Tristan had no clue what was he going to do alone because he never had a vacation even once in his entire life. Being a nerd had never made him step out from his reserved shell and now he was finding it difficult to something best out of his unplanned vacation.
Letting out a sigh he headed to take shower and then think of something better to start his trip with.
*****
Outside the Knight mansion, Karl waited for Gwen to come out so he would take her to the company. He was surprised when suddenly late at night Tristan asked him to guide Gwen with her internship in his absence.
He knew Gwen was not quite like his boss but was considered a hurricane who liked adventures even in her daily life.
While Karl waited for her outside the mansion, Gwen started her day with a blast excited to finally step her foot into the company. She had always been curious to learn about business as Tristan was her inspiration and she look up to him a lot.
When Tristan asked her to join their company as an intern she was flying high with excitement. As she was in her final year they had to do an internship in a company that would score them good grades in the finals.
"I didn’t know you would be so excited to join the company" Grace who knew Gwen had never taken anything serious felt strange when she saw her ready on time.
Gwen rolled her eyes and ate her breakfast without answering anyone. She was spared by her almighty brother not spilling her behind-the-scenes play. If ever her mother comes to find out about her nosy behavior she would not think twice before sending her to boarding.
"All the best honey" Trevor who joined them wished Gwen and saw her running out of the house in hurry.
"I am late. I am late.." she kept muttering and ran out when her eyes saw Karl standing next to their car.
"I am so sorry Mr. assistant for making you wait" Gwen panted and stood in front of Karl who watched her as if she was the seventh wonder of the world.
Gwen had always seen Karl tailed behind Tristan and she knew that he was a man of few words but the most loyal person her brother trusted.
Getting no answer from him she shrugged her shoulder and walked aside opening the car’s door.
"Can we leave" Karl turned his head and saw her open the door for him which made him realize how stuck he was when he saw her dashing towards him like an angry bull?
Rushing towards her he bowed his head and held the car’s door," I am sorry.." saying he closed the door and walked to the other side opening the door for her and asking her to step in.
Karl who had never been close to any women found it strange to talk with them. All his life he had been working hard which didn’t give him the time for his personal life.
Closing the door he walked towards the driver’s seat and stepped in starting the engine.
Inside the car, there was a pin drop silence as Karl kept his eyes on the road while Gwen who felt itching to open her stopped because she felt like the man next to her wasn’t interested in talking.
Without holding any longer finally Gwen decided to break the ice," So Mr. Assistant how long do you plan to keep quiet"
Gwen’s words made his hold on the steering wheel tighten and he turned his head to see her twitch her brows.
"Huh!!.."
"I know you are being formal but keep it aside because I don’t like formality" Gwen let go of that awkwardness and turned her head and started to chat with him.
"So Mr. Assistant, how are you going to assist me," she asked knowing that the man who barely spoke one or two words how was going to guide her throughout her internship.
Karl quickly averted his eyes from her and pull back his attention on the road again and spoke," Ma’am boss has asked me to let you learn the basic craft of how we work which also includes you working with other employees while keeping your identity hidden.
"Hmm.. interesting, even I don’t like constant attention" Gwen agreed with her brother’s decision and decided to act along until he wasn’t ready to introduce her.
Karl who looked at Gwen from the rare view found her in deep thought. He didn’t know what was he supposed to talk to her again kept quiet and let the ride pass.
Chapter 19: Interesting women
Alice yawned and climb down from the bed because just like the other days even today she couldn’t fall asleep. She didn’t remember when was the last time she had fallen asleep without any trouble. Long back maybe.
Walking like a dead fish she headed towards the kitchen of her apartment and made some coffee for herself. It was the best remedy she could find to keep her eyes open the entire day.
Placing the cup on the table she pulled out a chair for herself and began to scroll down the messages on her phone.
Sneering she shut down the phone because most of the messages were from her mother who kept pestering her to return home and apologize to her father.
"My foot, I am not going to bend down when he doesn’t even remember that he has a daughter"
Alice wanted to become a photographer but her father Christin was against it. He wanted her to take over their family business but she rejected being a part of it.
Her mother Jenny tried to convince her but she couldn’t give in because she knew once she step her foot into the business world then her father will tie her with someone who would enhance his company even more.
She didn’t want to be a scapegoat in her father’s business politics and let her father use her for his benefit.
Emptying the coffee cup she decided to head to the grocery store as she had a day off and her fridge was empty.
Alice and Ashley never like to rely on anyone when it came to filling their stomach. Being away from their over-pampered family had made them independent enough to look after them on their own.
She step out of her residential building and headed to the parking lot.
Alice didn’t like to drive much as she feared her lack of sleep would make her dash to someone’s car or worse any person.
Praying mentally she hopped into the car and drove herself to the supermarket. Since she had decided to cook for herself she was going to have a feast.
Turning on the radio she increased the volume of the song and drove the car.
As her mind was getting high with the music, she increased the speed of her car when suddenly the signal turned red and she stopped her car with a jerk.
"Thud..." getting the feeling of someone hitting her car she turned her head and saw a Black Mercedes stopping right behind her car.
"What the fuc-" Alice cursed loudly as her blood began to boil in anger.
Getting out of the car she ran back and saw her car had been dashed.
"You bastard..." she marched towards the car which collided with her and shouted slamming the window.
"Get out you blind. Can’t you see and drive.... open the door" Alice was pissed because she didn’t have a proper goodnight’s sleep and now this.
Being careful yet she dashed to her car but this time it was the other party at fault.
She wanted to spend her day in peace but now she wouldn’t because of the damage her car had gone through.
"I said open-" Alice yelled and was about to slam the window when the one-way glass slid down and the handsome face came into her view.
’Holy moly... who is this handsome man’ Alice’s mind got freeze for a second when she heard the commotion of people around her that pause her dirty thoughts.
"Y-you get out and look what you have done to my car" Alice was in fighting mode and wasn’t going to let her pervert mind get in between just because the man was hot.
Noah tilts his head peeking from the window when he slowly opened the door and steps out of his car.
He glared at Alice and then walked to see how much of her car was damaged.
Alice who saw him walked got her eyes stuck on his muscular back. As his mind began to run wild she heard the man say,
"You call this a major damage... A SCRATCH..." his manly voice broke her trance and she looked at him with confusion.
Noah waved his hand asking her to come which Alice did and looked in the direction he pointed his finger.
" Ahem.."
Alice wanted to hide somewhere away from everyone because she accused him of something which wasn’t that big.
Noah who saw her smirked when he saw how embarrassed she looked because of the mess she had created.
He would’ve helped her because the girl was damn sexy but he couldn’t because she yelled for something so lame.
Just a scratch and she was yelling at him like he had broken her headlight or something.
Alice felt her confidence decline in speed and she forces a smile to hide her embarrassment," Hehe. I think I forgot to wear my glasses before heading out.."
Noah rolled his eyes at how easily she flipped her fierce behavior into an innocent one within a second making him the culprit here.
"Hehe. Nothing major happened to my car. Everything is fine" Alice cleared the people who started to gather because of her loud yelling.
As soon as the crowd disappears slowly Alice let out a sigh.
Turning back toward the man whom she blamed for nothing made her feel worse but before she could apologize to him for her actions she heard him.
"Here take this.."
Noah took out some amount of money and forwarded it to Alice," Get your car serviced" he said with a blank face that shocked her.
Alice who saw his indecent way of talking with her made her fume in anger and she couldn’t hold it.
"Do you think I wanted your money that’s why I created this fuss" Alice felt like punching his face which wasn’t handsome anymore?
His way of talking with her changed her mind towards him and now she wanted to beat the shit out of his blank face.
Noah arch his brow when he saw how insensible she was. Wasn’t she yelling at him for the damage he did to her car? Then why isn’t she taking it?
He roamed his eyes on her entire face and found her attractive but her mouth wasn’t that alluring. She was loud when she spoke. He quietly took a note of it.
"Look miss I know it’s my mistake so I am just paying for it" he ignored her blurt words and still went ahead to mend for the mistake he committed.
Alice hated those men who like to show up their wealth and the person who stood in front of her was the same.
"No need- keep your money with you and make sure you drive keeping your eyes wide open" saying she turned and stormed back to her car driving it away from there.
Noah was stunned by how fierce the lady was which made him more excited about her.
"Interesting women"
****
Inside the suite, Ashley walked out after taking the shower and got ready to start her day. She was excited to first look at the entire resort which was labeled as the best resort for holidays.
Stepping out of her room she was about to lock walk when the door next to her suite opened and Tristan stepped out.
"Oh my god.. what a surprise, we met again" Tristan faked his excitement which made Ashley roll her eyes.
Was he always that over dramatic, she thought.
No, because the day she met him for the first time, he was dominating and the second time she met him he was generous but now he was annoying her.
Ignoring him she walked through the hallway and stopped in front of the elevator.
Ashley wanted to be as far as possible from him because she didn’t want to spoil her mood by getting mocked by him.
"You look beautiful" an air blew near her ear that made her flinch back turning her head to the side and she saw Tristan standing next to her.
He had his hands tucked in his pocket while his bright smile bloom his entire being making her irresistible to avert her eyes from him.
’Are you thinking of kissing him’ the evil demon on her right shoulder poked her breaking her gaze away from him?
’No. I can’t get swayed by his charms’ she said brushing the evil demon that flew away from her.
Ashley didn’t want to admit it but that one night she spent with him had already bore a seed in her heart that was growing slowly.
She was never held so protectively by anyone before but the way his warmth made her forget her pain she felt like sticking to him even more.
’Why was he affecting her so much she couldn’t help but ask herself.
While she kept talking to herself the lift reach their floor and the door opened.
Both Tristan and Ashley stepped in together and the door closed. Their suites were on the last floor of the resort’s tall building and it took them a while to reach the ground floor.
Ashley ignore him as much as possible because his hot breath was still lingering next to her ear which turned her body to heat up.
Tristan on the other hand was enjoying being close to Ashley. He wanted to do everything to make her agree to their marriage and for that, he had to use his charms on her.
Even if she keeps ignoring he was still going to make her feel his presence around her. He knew just like him even though she was smitten by the night they were tangled in each other arms.
Though he wasn’t intoxicated like her when they kissed he had begun to lose his mind completely giving in to her demands.
Looking at the screen Ashley tap her feet waiting for the elevator to take her down so she would walk away from him.
His manly fragrance was knocking her senses making her remember the night she had sex with him.
"God please help me or else I will pounce on him" she muttered under her breath.
Chapter 20: Mr. Assistant
"Ding..."
As soon as the door of the elevator opened Ashley strode away from there leaving Tristan behind.
Tristan watched her run as a cat smirked at how cute she looked even when she was trying to avoid him.
Ashley kept walking ahead without paying attention to whether Tristan was trailing behind her or not. She didn’t want to come close to him because his presence was messing with her thoughts and she feared she would again make the same mistake she did when she was drunk, but this time, it would be a sober one.
It was already noon and Ashley was damn hungry. She initially had thought to ask the room service to provide her food in her suite but then she skip it thinking about her being on vacation here.
She walked towards the reception and inquire about the dining area. Knowing she turned and collide with a firm chest hurting her head.
"Ahh.... can’t you see-" her voice died as soon as she looked at who was the person she hit.
"You shouldn’t be in hurry Ashley" Tristan with his million-dollar smile touch her head and brushed it gently freezing the person in front of him completely.
Ashley for a second forgot she had to avoid Tristan but then again he began with his gentle and caring gestures that turned her mind blank.
’Was he always this charming’ she thought as she couldn’t get her eyes from his alluring beauty.
His long eyelashes blinked as he kept caressing her head while his lips kept talking which went over her mind.
Being in the modeling field she had seen many handsome men who would make any women drool with their masculine bodies. But this particular man beat them all.
Tristan looked at Ashley who was silent all this while he spoke with her, shook her body lightly breaking her trance and she moved back quickly.
"I-I am okay," she said tucking her hair strand behind her ear and turning to leave when Tristan stop her from holding her hand.
"We are heading the same way. Why not go together" Tristan asked and saw her nod her head.
Ashley’s mind was so messed up that she didn’t find a reason to ignore them when he talk so sweetly with her. Where did the bold and fierce Ashley go when it came to him.
His powerful aura was taming her fierce persona and just like an obedient puppet, she agreed to him.
Tristan and Ashley walked along and reached the dining area where she couldn’t see a single person.
"Why isn’t no one here?" Ashley looked around and only found the staff present inside the dining hall.
"Welcome Sir, Welcome Ma’am" Ashley saw the manager of the resort greet them.
"Have you done the arrangements?" Tristan asked the manager and saw him nod his head?
Ashley who had no clue what kind of arrangement Tristan was talking about felt like ignoring them both and just going and having her lunch.
As she was busy thinking of ditching Tristan she heard his voice that broke her trance.
"Let’s have our lunch"
"Huh.." Ashley who thought she would be alone on this journey found Tristan tagging along.
Holding her hand he took her towards the table which was specially prepared on Tristan’s orders for them.
"I thought we were supposed to be having lunch on different tables " Ashley was surprised when she found this was the arrangement Tristan was talking about with the manager.
"How can I let you alone when you have me" he winked and pulled a chair for her which Ashley took without asking anything further.
Ashley was surprised to see how properly the table was prepared. Her head turned when she inhaled the fresh aroma of the mouth-watering food that one by one staff brought to their table placing them on it.
"Now I am sure you were following me" Ashley would have ignored his words earlier but now she was sure he was keeping a tab on her.
Tristan gulped when he saw her narrow her eyes on him. That sharp gaze of her wasn’t scaring her because of getting caught but instead it was heating his body.
"Ahem. I think we shouldn’t waste any more time and let’s just dig in" Tristan avoided her gaze and asked the staff to serve them.
Ashley averted her gaze when the aromatic fragrance of the food hit her nostril and she forgot everything.
The food that was set on the table was all that she liked and without hesitating anything she started eating.
Tristan felt satisfied that she loved whatever he had ordered for her. He had known all of her likes and dislikes and he was grateful that he knew about it or else he wouldn’t have been able to see that content look on her face.
*****
Karl stopped the car and stepped out to open the door for Gwen but even before he could reach there Gwen had already hopped out.
"Mr. Assistant did you forget I am just an employee here" Gwen playfully reminded him and walked ahead leaving him behind.
Karl could only shake his head at her extra excited behavior and follow her silently.
Gwen had never once stepped her foot in the company nor did they attend any business party. Their identity was kept wrapped just to not let the media invade their private life.
Grace and Trevor wanted all their three kid to live a normal life without being tagged with snapper all along. Tristan too had a normal life until he decided to take over the CEO’s position but Gwen and Gavin didn’t want to reveal their identity yet.
Reaching the last floor of the building Karl guided Gwen toward the office area where all employees worked.
Karl had done every arrangement when he received Tristan’s order. He knew since Tristan had given Gwen’s responsibility to him he wanted to live up to his expectation.
"Miss Gwen this is your table and you would be assisting me from today onwards" Karl who switched into his professional mode looked like a more serious and determined person.
Gwen who was too surprised at how professional he seem was quite impressed with his change. The man who kept his mouth shut throughout their ride to the office was now in his work mode which looked cool in Gwen’s eyes.
"Okay.. sir" she stretched the word and purse her lips suppressing her smile and took the seat.
****
Alice reached back home after bringing every necessary thing from the supermarket and started to arrange them in her fridge.
She would never be available at home as she always spend her time in her studio completing her shoots or traveling around. In her profession, she had clicked with many celebrities which was a big thing for a newcomer like her.
She had been into photography for four years and she had learned so much from her work that made her a high-rated photographer.
"I think it’s enough for a month" picking a can of beer from the fridge she closed the door and walked into her living room.
She had been thinking about not getting a single call or message from Ashley since yesterday.
’Where did the girl disappear’ she thought and made a call which she didn’t receive.
As she was about to call Miley her phone rang and she immediately picked it up, "Where have you been Ash. I have been calling you for so long"
Ashley who was back in her room made a call to Alice as soon as Tristan entered his suite.
After finishing lunch she excused herself as she wanted to rest. Tristan too agreed to her and they headed back to their respective suites.
As soon as she stepped in she pulled out her phone and saw Alice’s missed call. Without wasting any time she immediately called her back.
"I know you would be shocked but I am here in country Z enjoying my vacation," Ashley said and pulled the phone away from her ear.
"WHAT!!.. how can you leave me alone Ash. You Bit*h. I thought we were friends and yet you decided to ditch me"
Ashley knew this was going to happen but what was she supposed to do when she all of sudden came up with this idea to sneak away from Jane.
Bringing back the phone close to her ear she kept hearing Alice rant without any break," ALICE.. listen to me first" her loud voice made the girl finally reduce her voice.
"Good... now will you let me speak," she said and heard her hum.
Sighing Ashley told her everything that happened after she dropped her at her studio.
"Now why does she wants to meet you. Is she trying to humiliate you even more or does she wants you to help her so-called boyfriend.." Jane who didn’t like Jane’s closeness towards Ashley had sensed her to be a double face woman who tried to cling to Ashley just because she was more successful than her.
"I don’t know but I am not going easy on them this time. They provoke the wrong person Alice and they have to face the consequences" Ashley must have been sweet with her because she was her friend but not now. This time she wanted them to see how it feels when you break someone’s trust when they genuinely believed you.