Ch. 181..185: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 181-185

Chapter 181: [Bonus Chapter]Scolding himself

Gwen was rendered speechless when she heard Karl read her mind. She had been fidgeting her brain, thinking about what must’ve happened between the couple that Tristan didn’t bother to inform about his sudden departure.

"Hello! Gwen are you there?" Karl’s voice snapped her out of her trance and she shook getting clear-headed.

"Ahem... ha Yes I am listening?" Gwen answered once she registered his tone.

"But how do you... know about it," she promptly asked.

Taking a deep breath, Karl told her everything that was happening at the head office branch and how her brother was giving tough times to all the employees.

"Things seem to be off between the two. No doubt Ashley was surprised when I told her that brother went on a business trip"

Karl just hummed recalling Tristan’s gloomy face as he kept sulking on the plane as if he was cursing someone in his mind.

"We have to do something Gwen or else I doubt anyone in the company would have their job by then" his words made her gasp in shock," Is it that bad?" she asked getting worried.

"Your brother has already given them an ultimatum and I am sure by now everyone must be rampaging their brain to come up with ideas and save them from the devil’s wrath" Karl could only hope Tristan would calm himself and think wisely rather than letting his anger cloud his intellectual mind.

****

Inside the cabin, Tristan kept tapping his finger on the table, stopping his hand to reach his cell phone which was resting just a distance away from his palm.

"Why are you so restless Tristan? See she doesn’t even bother that you didn’t meet her before leaving.

’But you didn’t tell her about your departure’ his subconscious mind spoke from behind.

"So what, she didn’t even come to find me after she didn’t see me in our room. She let me be alone" Tristan complained to himself.

Last night after the fight, Tristan dashed into his study as he wanted to calm himself. The way Ashley caught him made him lose his temper. Yes, he used sex for diverting his mind from the situation because he didn’t want her to find out about it.

But in the end, Ashley saw through his action and last night he was caught by her.

"She shouldn’t have to be this harsh with her words. How can she ask me to stay away from her problems? She knows I can’t do that" defeated by his heart, he let go of his ego and picked up the phone to call Ashley but stopped her tearful face flashed in front of his eyes.

"I screwed everything" upset with his action Tristan threw the phone aside and ruffed his air in anger.

He knew he shouldn’t have dragged the topic this far but he couldn’t stop himself when she pointed him to making rough love to her just a replacement to cover up his problem from her.

Sighing in defeat Tristan covered his face and screamed," You brainless man. How are you supposed to face your wife now" after allowing his ego to step between their relationship, Tristan now regretted being a jerk.

Karl, who was standing outside his cabin heard everything Tristan said. His boss was the smartest person, with whom he had spent most of his childhood but sometimes, even people with smart brains make mistakes.

Tristan Knight who never like making mistakes did the grave sin of hurting his wife and now he was scolding himself inside that closed room where no one could see him or listen to his rant.

Shaking his head Karl left from there. He walked back to talk with him about what was bothering him even though Gwen had already told him everything but now, he changed his mind.

Tristan bought this for himself and now, only he can mend his mistake. He would speak between the couple as now it was time for Tristan to finally face everything.

****

Ashley dove to the agency to meet Finn. Yesterday, she sent him a few scripts which she found interesting, and today she came here to finalize the one that he picked out of the selected one.

"Since it’s one of the beauty brands you promote. It won’t be hard for you to get into the character" Finn explained everything to Ashley good mentor and hoped she wouldn’t find it hard to gel in.

He knew Ashley, picked up the script which had less dialogue and he didn’t mind it since it was her first commercial ad. He didn’t want to pressurize her and let he be at ease.

"The shoot will begin the day after tomorrow but before that I want you to go through the dialogues just so you can clear your vocal without fumbling" Ashley paid attention to every instruction Finn gave.

Now that she had finally taken a huge step, Ashley didn’t want to disappoint Finn.

Once Ashley understood Finn’s every word, she walked out of the cabin with Miley.

"I won’t be answering any calls for at least two days. Make sure you take care of it. I want to prepare myself" instructing Miley, she walked out of the agency building.

Stepping inside the car, Ashley asked the driver to take her to Brown’s mansion. She had already informed Grace about her stay because Richard had been nagging her to come and meet him.

All these days she neglected his request but now that Tristan ditched her, she wanted to clear her mind and her house was the best place where she could ease her heart.

*****

Brown Mansion

Soon Ashley’s car came to a halt once she reached the mansion. It had been months since she had last visited her own house and now she wanted to enjoy her stay as much as possible.

Stepping inside the house, Ashley heard her father’s authoritative voice as he instructed the servant about her visit. He wanted things according to his daughter’s liking so he asked the head chef to prepare cuisine according to her taste.

"Dad, you are scaring them" Ashley approached her father with a broad smile and hugged him.

"I am not scaring them. I was just telling them about your likes and dislike" Embracing her Richard kissed her head and pulled away.

"But don’t they already know?" Ashley asked in confusion when she looked around and found a new face.

Ashley smiled looking at two ladies who stood in front of them with their heads down. It seems like they were new here.

"I know, but these two are new here and aren’t familiar with certain things around so, it’s better if they are warned" Richard smiled answering Ashley, and then looked at the maid before instructing her a few things and then excused her.

Once they were left alone Ashley dragged her father and made him sit on the couch before she wrapped her arms around his hand and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You are becoming very bossy dad. Raising your voice isn’t good for your heart. Do you want to increase your pressure level" she said pulling away and watched him purse his lips

Chapter 182: Tori

While the father and daughter duo were busy in their conversation a pair of eyes was secretly looking at them.

"Tori, what are you doing there come, help with the cooking" Piper the head chef called the girl who was new in the Brown house.

She had just joined a few days back replacing the assistant chef as she had to leave for her hometown due to some emergency.

Looking at the head chef annoying Tori made her way deeper inside the kitchen. Standing next to Piper, Tori helped her cut the vegetables.

"I didn’t know Master Richard had such a beautiful daughter," Tori said.

"Hmm... she is not a beautiful lady by face but also by heart"

Piper had been working for Richard for more than twenty years. She had seen Ashley grow up without a mother figure but, Richard made sure Ashley didn’t lack both her parental love.

"Then it will be fun to know her more" Tori mumbled as her eyes turned dark and she lifted the chopper before slamming on the board a little louder making Piper flinch.

"Tori... did you say something?" Piper asked when she heard her whisper something but it was too low for her to listen.

Snapping out of her trance, Tori looked at Piper in surprise but soon composed as she forced a smile," No... I didn’t say anything" looking away she continued her work.

Piper looked at her in confusion before she averted her attention back to the cooking.

****

After talking with Richard, Ashley stepped into her room to get fresh up. Keeping her phone on the table she walked inside the bathroom to take a shower.

Once she was done, Ashley stepped out, getting change, and sat on her bed. All this while she had been thinking about Tristan who completely ignored her existence and that made her heart squeeze in pain.

"Did he take my words so seriously, that he doesn’t even want to talk with me" Ashley looked at her phone, hoping to get a call from Tristan but till now she couldn’t see it coming.

She admits that she went too far in the argument but, who was at fault? If he hadn’t kept his mouth shut, she wouldn’t have felt ignited.

"Fine.... even I won’t call him. If he wants to act childish then it’s fine with me. Even I don’t miss him" she muttered turning off her phone and laid on the bed facing the other side and huffed like an angry kid.

While Ashley was determined not to let her guard down, Tristan on the other hand sat on his chair carrying a gloomy face as his mind kept drifting towards his wife.

"Do you think boss will like the ideas or should we just pack our stuff?" one of the employee whispered to the one next to him looking at Tristan.

After two hours again the meeting was called and everyone inside tried their best to come up with a better plan and strategies for the betterment of the company. But now, Tristan’s lack of attention made them gulp hard.

While twenty pairs of eyes were currently observing the CEO’s reaction the one who was sweating profoundly was the presenter who was at present explaining his strategic plan.

’God...please help me. I don’t want to lose my job’ he silently prayed but deep inside he felt like crying because it had been more than two minutes since he had finished giving his presentation yet the CEO remained to stay silent. And that was making his leg wobble in fear.

Tristan was looking at the projector screen absentmindedly thinking whether he should just call Ashley and apologize to her for last night when all of sudden he banged his hand on the table scaring the shit out of his employees.

"Peter... keep it up. I liked your idea" he said and then turned to Karl continuing," Karl start working on it and make sure Peter’s every word is taken into consideration.

Peter who stood there dumbfounded, watched Tristan walk out of the room after praising him for his idea, stumbled back holding his heart as he slowly found his soul returning into his body.

Just like him, even the others were sitting on the edge, ready to get snapped by Tristan again finally breathe fresh air once Tristan agreed to their idea and walked out of the room without giving any other ultimatum.

*****

Outside

Tristan took a long stride bringing his phone close to his ear making a call to his beloved wife and entering his cabin.

Tristan frowned when he heard Ashley’s phone was turned off. He then went to call Miley asking her whether she was with her but from her, he learned that Ashley had left for her father’s house after her meeting with Finn ended.

Tristan didn’t want to prolong their fight because now he understood his mistake and he didn’t want to keep Ashley in dark. He so wanted to get back to her and take her into his arms apologizing for being so immature.

Asking Karl to book the quickest flight, Tristan boarded the plane traveling back to country Z and making up with his angry wife.

*****

Evening

Alice walked out of the studio and stepped into her car before she drove back home. On the way, she decided to stop at the grocery store to get some stuff for dinner.

Today she wanted to cook for them so she specifically picked those vegetables that were required for the recipe.

Taking the things she paid the bill and stepped out of the shop heading towards her car when her eyes caught the sight of Dylan and Avera.

By the looks, it felt like the couple had a fight as Avera kept crying while Dylan as usual stood unbothered in front of her.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Alice unlocked her car’s door, placing the bags on the back seat, and shut it close before she went to open the door to the driver seat.

Unknowingly her eyes again went to see the couple on the other side of the road but she found no one. Unbothered, she stepped into the car and started off the engine before driving away from there.

Reaching home, she opened the door and stepped in. Placing the bags on the kitchen island, Alice went to her bedroom to clean herself before she began preparing dinner.

Alice wasn’t a fan of cooking but sometimes when she wanted to have homemade food she would make something simple that was edible to eat.

After almost an hour Alice was done with the food and she looked quite happy with the way the dishes looked.

"I hope Noah would love it" she muttered removing the apron and walked out of the kitchen when she heard the doorbell ring.

Thinking it must be Noah, Alice sprinted getting excited to open the door, and when she did the smile on her face dropped and her eyes widen.

"Avera..." Alice was surprised to see Avera standing in front of her with her entire being all mess. It looked like she had stopped crying after her fight with Dylan.

"Can I come in?" Avera asked without raising her head. She looked miserable after crying buckets.

Alice blinked her eyes slowly composing herself and invited the unwanted guest inside her apartment.

Asking her to take the seat Alice walked into the kitchen bringing a glass of water along and passing it to Avera.

Taking the seat next to her on the couch, Alice watched Avera drink the water before she kept the glass back on the table.

Leaning leisurely on the backrest Alice folded her hands and waited for the girl to speak. It was quite surprising to see Avera like this but what surprised her more was why would she come to her instead of going to her place.

Looking down Avera kept fidgeting with her fingers. It was obvious that Alice wasn’t expecting her but she had no other option but to come and talk to her personally.

Taking a deep breath Avera turned herself to look at Alice and after a lot more encouragement she did but the words she was about to speak were too hard for her to elaborate.

"I-I know you weren’t expecting me here, at your place Alice but..." Avera passed feeling embarrassed about how she would convey the words she kept holding in her heart.

Alice just kept her gaze fixed on her trying to understand her action. The way she kept rubbing her palms showed how much anxious she was to even speak this many words to her.

"But, it’s only you who would help me" Alice knitted her brows by the end of her statement she quickly questioned," How can I help you"

What kind of help was Avera expecting from her, Alice couldn’t understand. She had been observing her from the moment she stepped foot inside her house.

Was it related to the fight she had with Dylan? Was she here to ask for help from me just to make up with Dylan?

’Oh, girl if she thinks it would happen then there was no way’ Alice scoffed getting disgusted by just the thought of her talking with Dylan.

Chapter 183: Mini spy camera

"Can you ask Noah to stop targeting Grey Internationals" Avera’s words took Alice by surprise once again?

’What was she thinking Alice shook her head leaning forward to listen to Avera correctly.

"W-what did you say?" she asked again.

Alice had no clue what was Avera talking about. Noah targeting Dylan’s company came like a total surprise for her but why would Noah do that, she thought and then asked the same.

"And why would Noah do that?" Alice felt like there was some kind of misunderstanding. If Noah was targeting the Grey then she would’ve known about it.

After the kidnap incident, Noah promised he wouldn’t associate with Dylan and she expected the same because, after that day, she didn’t hear anything from Dylan’s side.

Avera frowned when she saw Alice act dumb," Why are you acting clueless?" she asked.

Avera thought Alice was aware of what Noah Wayne was trying to do with Grey Internationals. If not for his constant targeting Dylan wouldn’t have been this stressed with the constant decline of their shares in the market.

Wayne has been taking every proposal from Dylan leaving him with nothing but small business.

Alice didn’t like the way Avera talked with her. Why would she act dumb when she had no clue what was happening to Dylan and why Grey International suffered losses?

But then when she pondered on Avera’s words she thought why would she lie about it? There was no way for her to come and ask for help if whatever she said wasn’t true.

Thinking for some time she looked at her and said," If whatever you said is the truth, then first I have to talk with Noah. I can’t just meddle in his work just because you ask me" she said it clearly, loud enough for her to understand.

Avera didn’t insist further and nodded her head. Wiping her tears off, she sighed and stood up to leave.

Taking a step towards the main door Avera stopped as she held the knob and turn to see Alice," I know everything that happened between you and Dylan years back and I am very sorry for it but now, everything has changed, you too changed then why not forget everything and let live out lives"

Avera loved Dylan way too much to even neglect his mistakes. She was so blinded by her endless love for him that she didn’t mind his past with Alice. All she wanted was to live a happy life with him.

Alice scoffed at her words. How easy it was for Avera to ask her to forget everything. But how would she understand her misery as she wasn’t the one who went through all the traumatic incidence?

"You would never understand Avera. That one incident changes everything but that doesn’t matter because it wasn’t you at my place" Alice felt pity for the girl to be so blinded by her love for Dylan that she didn’t know how low she seemed while she said those words.

Avera smiled sadly and turned around, opened the door, and left. As soon as the shutting sound of the door was heard, Alice heaved out a breath. She didn’t realize she had been holding it for a long time.

Alice was way past that traumatic incident but the pain was still there somewhere in the corners of her heart and it would take some time for her to finally heal.

*****

Ashley stood by her balcony looking at the starry sky above and closed her eyes. As the cool breeze passed through her, she remembered her times with Tristan.

How he used to embrace her whenever she would stand by the balcony just like this and look at the view ahead. His embrace would always warm her heart and she would feel like melting into it.

As she reminisces their moment subconsciously her hands circled around her as if she was sensing him closer to her. She didn’t thoughts her feelings for Tristan were so deep that started imagining him next to her.

"Such a fool," she said sadly and opened her eyes, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

"You are just too stubborn as me Tristan" she muttered wiping off her tears and stepping inside her room, heading to the bathroom to clean her face.

Once she was done Ashley walked out of her room, and headed downstairs to the dining area.

Richard was already waiting for her, smiled when he saw her approach him." Missed your room so much that you don’t want to come out" he said signaling the maid to serve them the food.

"It had been days since I haven’t been in my room date. Period, I really missed my bed" she said playfully and they both soon began eating the food.

Richard kept glancing at Ashley every now and then. Though she looked fine from the outside but her eyes spoke something else. Why did they look tired even after she had so much sleep?

"I was expecting Tristan to come along with you but unfortunately he couldn’t. How long is he going to stay in country M" Richard started a conversation changing the dull air.

’How would I know when he didn’t even bother to inform me about his leave’ Ashley said to herself without voicing her thought.

"He will be out for a few days dad" she lied.

Ashley didn’t want her father to know about their fight so she lied. It was better if no one find that they had a tiff. He had been so happy with her arrival and now, she didn’t want to worry him.

Richard nodded her head, believing her words and they both soon finished the dinner. They then headed to the living hall as the father and daughter duo chatted with each other and then bid goodnight as they walked to their respective room.

A few rooms away in the maid’s quarter, Tori was lying on her bed. It had been weak since she entered the Brown mansion as per her boss’s instruction.

Gabriel had planted his allies everywhere, keeping an eye on Tristan’s every move. Tori was one of them. She was asked to keep an eye on Ashley’s family, knowing every little thing about her.

With her skills, she managed to enter the house, after she threatened the assistant chef to vacate her position or else her entire family would suffer the consequences.

Scared, the woman took a step back allowing Tori to make her way easily.

Pulling out her personal cellphone, she informed Gabriel about Ashley’s visit to her house. Once she was done informing me about every detail, Tori ended the call.

She then walked to her bedside and kneeled pulling her bag out of the bed. Opening the bag, she took out the mini spy camera she bought along, and securely hide them inside her clothes before she stepped out of the room.

Since it was dark outside, she assumed everyone had already slept. Taking the opportunity, she began her work and in no time she installed the camera in the entire house.

Once, she was done, she turned them on with every minute detail being tapped by her boss.

"Done" she typed the message before pressing the send button and then walked back to her room after she completed the task.

*****

Noah returned home and the moment he stepped foot inside the house, his nose was hit with the aromatic fragrance of food.

"Did you make the dinner?" amazed by the smell, he asked as he watched Alice walk to him and hugged him the next second.

Noah was now getting used to her gestures and hugged her back burying his face into her neck.

"Is there any occasion?" he asked pulling back from the hug.

Alice shrugged with her arms around his waist and said casually," I thought to make something for you. I am not sure if you would like it but still... I hope it isn’t that bad"

It was the first time, Alice had cooked for Noah or else it was him, who would bring them takeouts. Now that she had prepared everything she couldn’t wait for him to taste it.

Getting freshen up Noah and Alice sat on their respective seats and started eating the food. Taking the first bite Noah closed his eyes as the delicious taste of the food melted his taste bud and he let out a moan.

His sudden reaction made Alice fix her eyes on his face as she watched him lick his lips. Subconsciously, Alice bit her lower lips as Noah’s moan caught her off guard.

A lustful gleam passed through her eyes but she soon composed her thoughts from drifting elsewhere and watched Noah open his eyes after he finished the first bite.

"The food is exceptionally delicious Alice. I just can’t describe how tempting it is to my taste" Noah genuinely appreciated her cooking. It was exactly just the way he liked, less spicy and more appetizing.

Satisfied by his answer Alice smiled and they both finished the food in no time. Placing the utensils in the sink, Noah stepped out of the kitchen and walked toward Alice who was currently cleaning the surface of the table.

She was so engrossed in her work that she didn’t realize when Noah approached her from behind until his eager crotch bumped into her butt.

"Umm." a muffled moan escaped her mouth and she let the cloth in her hand fall down before Noah swiftly turned her around to face him.

"How would you like me to reward you," he asked with his deep penetrating voice that completely put on a spell on Alice’s mind.

Chapter 184: If not Noah... then who?

"Noah, we just had dinner" Alice tried to keep herself from losing it all but every passing second within his hold was making her melt.

Moving closer to her face, Noah watched her eyes wander on his face and his lips curled up," Then how about we digest it? One round wouldn’t mind right" the tip of his nose touched her face as he inhaled her odor.

Alice closed her eyes, as her breathing hitched at the closeness. She wasn’t new to this type of feeling but every time Noah would try to seduce her she would get intimidated as if it was the first time.

Alice drew a deep breath when Noah’s hand slid into her pants taking her by surprise. She was so hypnotized by his spell, that she forgot the man was a living seducer and had many ways to get into her pants.

"Ahh..." gripping her palm on the edge of the table Alice stabilized herself when Noah started brushing her clit from the fabric above.

Amazed by her reaction, Noah smirked and continued rubbing her private part until she began to wet.

Alice dropped her head back and began moaning, feeling the tremendous sensation pass through her body. Noah was purposely teasing her making her want more of him so, she would drop her guards and beg him to take her.

"Noah... please" she mumbled but her mouth was shut when Noah pulled her by her neck using his other hand sealed her lips.

The kiss was so passionate that Alice forgot what she was supposed to say. All she could do now was, enjoy the pleasure Noah was showering her with.

Giving in, Alice wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Nibbling and sucking her lips Noah made Alice gasp and took the chance to invade her mouth.

His tongue kept exploring every inch of her sweetness, as they both grunted and moan at the same time. Sliding the helm of her panties Noah slid his finger inside her core heaving out a whimper, from her mouth as he kept assaulting her lips.

Noah was thrusting deeper into her clit making her reaction to her climax and in no time, a hot liquid flowed on his fingers, letting Alice experience her orgasms.

He then slid down her pants in one quick move and lifted Alice making her sit at the edge of the table. Widen the space between her two legs Noah pulled down his pants and position himself allowing his crotch flung out pointing at the pink petals.

Slowly rubbing, the tip of his hot hardness Noah entered Alice in one smooth move. Quivering in light pain Alice wrapped her arms around Noah’s neck and pulled him for a kiss.

Noah moved his hips pounding inside her core, as the couple synced in rhythm. The table on which Alice sat rocked at every rough bang. Fastening his pace Noah used immense force until they both reach their climax.

But before Noah could empty himself inside Alice, he pulled back and let himself out.

"Why did you do that?" Alice asked in between her panting. She thought just like the other times Noah would release himself inside her but he didn’t.

"It’s too early for you to get pregnant. I am not ready to share you with anyone" giving her a peck Noah helped Alice stand up.

Once they were both done adjusting their clothes, Noah walked into the kitchen to wash the plates.

Alice too finished off her work and joined Noah inside the kitchen helping him wipe the plates.

"I thought, with the amount of time we had sex, you wouldn’t mind if I conceived" her words made her arch his brow.

"Are you ready for a child and don’t you think it’s too early for us to be parents? We are still at the beginning of our relationship" Noah said casually and pulled away his attention from her resuming his work.

Alice pouted with a frown on her forehead and asked," Does it mean in the future we are not going to have one" she didn’t know why she would ask that when she herself agree with Noah but still have a child of her own gave giddy feeling to her.

Noah didn’t think, Alice would take his words wrongly. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to have kids but right at this moment, he wanted Alice all by himself. And they still had a long way before they could reach that stage.

Washing off the last plate Noah kept in aside and wiped off his hand before he turned and held her shoulder. The cute frown and pout on her face made her look like a kid, but to make her get out of the grumpy space he had to break her cutes.

The next second he brought his hand close to her forehead and flicked it," Ah..." rubbing her skin Alice glared at Noah only to find him smiling at her.

Before she could march him with a punch he pulled her close into a hug blocking her from taking any action and kissed her head to calm her annoyance.

"I didn’t say I don’t want a child in the future. Of course, I would love to have a kid whom we both will produce but right now at this moment, I just want you all by myself" this time she didn’t wriggle and calmed in his embrace.

Her face soften and a smile curled on her lips as she slowly hugged him back," I thought you never wanted to have children with me" her words made him pull away.

Noah was surprised to see she think this way of him," There would be no one who would bore my child Alice. Just as you are my star, our child would be my sky"

Listening to his words Alice felt her eyes well up. The way his eyes conveyed the sincerity of his words was enough proof that Noah would never leave her alone.

"I love you" the confession came straight from her heart.

Noah bit his lips lowering his head, feeling shy suddenly. He can be a flirt but never in his life he had heard such a heartwarming confession that conveyed deep emotions.

"You are making me blush, Alice" his ears turned red as he hugged her hiding his flush expression.

Cupping his face Alice made him look up and kissed him," Noah... why are you so cute"

Clearing the kitchen island they both walked out of the kitchen and entered the bedroom.

"By the way, Avera came this evening to meet me," she said looking carefully at Noah’s reaction, and slowly hopped into the bed.

"Why?" he asked in return.

"Don’t you know it already" Alice wasn’t expecting Noah to be this calm after knowing what was the reason for her visit here.

Why would act so normal as if he had no idea about anything he was doing with Grey’s company.

Noah frowned at her remark and he didn’t hesitate to ask, "How would I know why she was here?"

Noah felt like Alice was purposely trying to connect him with something he wasn’t aware of. How would he know why Avera came to her? Wasn’t she her friend? he thought as so she drew away her attention from him.

Alice was now confused. With the looks on Noah’s face, it seemed like he had no idea what was Avera’s intentions on coming here. But the way she desperately asked her to help her showed how badly her relationship with Dylan was affected because of the issues he was facing.

Noah had his eyes on Alice. She went silent all of sudden. What has gotten into her, he asked himself and snapped his finger in front of her face, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Hello.... what’s wrong. Are you going to talk" he asked finding her behavior strange.

Alice looked at Noah in a daze. If Noah wasn’t the one behind Dylan’s suffering then... who is trying to target him.

There was no way Noah wouldn’t have panicked after she brought up Avera’s topic. She was now confirmed. someone was trying to use Noah as a shield to target the Greys.

*****

Morning sun rays came basking inside Ashley’s room and stirred in her sleep. She didn’t want to leave the bed but knowing how Richard would keep waiting for her at the breakfast table, she didn’t want her father to wait.

Turning to the other side, Ashley opened her eyes avoiding the sunlight but what she got to see in return made her vision clear and she yelled," Tristan...."

Her scream bolted Tristan out of his sleep making him flinch in fear and the next second his entire body landed on the ground.

THUD!!

Chapter 185: Of course it’s over

"Yes it’s me, Ash" Tristan rubbed his bump lazily and got up, sleeping again on the bed.

Wrapping his arm around Ashley he buried his face in the crook of her neck and muttered," Don’t shout, I’m still feeling sleepy"

Tristan returned back from country M, in the early morning and headed directly to the Brown mansion.

Ashley wanted to push him away but he was too strong for her to move. She was upset that he left without informing her and now he is here, sleeping next to her.

If he didn’t want to talk with her, then why was he here now? After ignoring her all this time why was he here?

"Let me go," she said, trying to remove his hands from her but, he tightened his hold around her.

"No, I won’t" Tristan didn’t let her jerk off his hand and moved closer until his breath fanned her neck.

Ashley stiff when Tristan slowly pecked her skin. Closing her eyes, Ashley tried her best not to melt in his action, but the words he said next surprised her.

"I am sorry" his sound wasn’t that loud but it had a tint of pain in it.

Sensing her body relax Tristan pulled away and looked at Ashley who turned her head to face him.

"Don’t be mad, please" the pain in his blue eyes was so evident that it stab her heart.

"Tristan..." Ashley blinked her eyes when they started burning with tears.

The way he looked at her with yearning, showed how much he missed her. She lifted her hand to cup his face but stopped when she recalled their fight.

She waited for him to show up but he chose to avoid her and in addition to that even left for a business trip without letting her know.

Her eyes instantly turned cold and she pulled back her hand. Looking away from him she blinked her eyes clearing the tears that were surging up and said," You should have thought before acting immaturely"

The indifference in her voice made Tristan feel more guilty. He was always cautious about his actions, but that day after she walked out of the room, he couldn’t contain his anger and ended up acting stubborn rather than sensible.

He knew he was at fault, yet he let his anger cloud his rational mind and he ended up doing things that only made things worse between them.

His hold around her loosen and the next second Ashley removed his arm. Getting off the bed, she headed straight inside the bathroom.

Tristan could only see her act heartless with him but didn’t he deserve it?

All she wanted was to share his problems with her but he choose to keep it to himself. Thinking, that she would leave him after learning his truth made him a coward and that fearfulness lead to an argument.

"Sigh... you bought it for yourself, Tristan. Now face her indifference" he said scolding himself and got off the bed.

*****

Karl’s apartment

"I should’ve seen this coming" Gwen felt bad for the couple.

Karl told her whatever he heard Tristan talk to himself inside his cabin and he was sure that it was related to his secrets which he didn’t want to open yet to Ashley.

"It’s high time, Tristan should make up his mind. It’s not something he would keep hiding forever" Karl knew his identity as Supreme mafia leader was kept hidden from Ashley but now that his enemies have again started lurking around him, it was time for him to take them into confidence.

He isn’t god to handle everything on his own. Sometimes even the most powerful person failed to protect things around him and Tristan, he had started to experience it.

Gabriel’s secret arrival made him restless. It had been a week since the launch party yet they weren’t able to locate Gabriel’s whereabouts.

Gwen agreed with Karl. She expects Tristan to tell Ashley everything before things get worst.

"Anyways, I am sure sister-in-law must be giving brother a cold shoulder. The way, he left without informing her has already upset her" Gwen stated the fact.

Karl could only sigh.

****

Tristan and Ashley got ready and headed to the breakfast table.

"Act normally. I don’t want dad to know about our fight" Ashley whispered stretching a smile, making sure Richard don’t find their behavior suspicious.

"Good morning" Richard’s pleasant voice greeted the couple as they took their respective seats.

Tristan kept his face neutral following Ashley’s words. He had already upset her, which was evident by the way she avoided him. But now, he doesn’t wish to upset her more.

He had already made up his mind to mend his mistake by wooing his wife to forgive him and for that, he had to keep following her every word.

"It was quite surprising for me to see you early morning. I thought you were out for a business trip" Richard’s words made Tristan pursed his lips.

"Yes, I was, but I ended up finishing the work way before the time and came back as soon as possible" Tristan said politely and then turned his attention to Ashley passing her a silly smile.

He couldn’t tell him that, it was his stupid decision to leave after having an argument with his daughter and then return when he realized his mistake. He so wishes to punch himself for acting childish.

Kicking his leg underneath the table Ashley shot Tristan a glare hinting to him to stop smiling. But Tristan was Tristan, instead of listening to the warning he decided to go against her words.

"I just missed my wife so much, that I had to finish my work and run back to her" bringing her hand close to his lips he kissed it.

Richard smiled watching the couple act all lovey-dovey that the doubt he had in his mind vanished.

Last night when Ashley came to his room. He found her spacing out of their conversation. He could sense something was troubling her because whenever he would ask her about Tristan she would brush off the topic and before he could ask, she excuse saying that she was sleepy.

Her strange behavior made him fall into a deep thought making him doubt whether there was any problem between her and Tristan.

But now, when he looked at them, everything looked normal. Maybe, he was thinking too much. The way Tristan was feeding Ashley, showed how much he loved his daughter and that was enough to clear his doubt.

Quickly finishing his breakfast Richard went inside his study. Finding no one around Ashley asked Tristan to stop his actions.

"There is no need for you to feed me. I can do it myself" taking the spoon from his hand Ashley began eating.

Tristan could only feel sad watching her return back to being cold once Richard was out of their sight.

"You never stopped me before, then why now" Tristan’s words made her stop eating.

Scoffing to herself she kept back the spoon and turned to see him with her blank face," Why do you care when you left me alone"

Ashley didn’t want to cry, but thinking about how he choose to let his anger come between them she felt bad.

After talking with Grandpa Dante, she realized her mistake of overreacting so much. She wanted to sort things between them, for which she expected Tristan to be present inside their room once she returns but what he did, he distance himself from her.

"I thought we were sensible enough to clear our misunderstanding, but your sudden departure made me feel like I was unwanted and you didn’t want to talk with me" this time she didn’t stop her tears roll down her eyes.

Tristan shook his head and held her hands into his," No... you are whole life, Ash. How can I not want you? I want you more than anything else"

Resting their forehead together Tristan apologized," I am sorry that my actions gave you the reason to make you feel unwanted. Punish me, beat me but don’t push me, Ash. I can’t live without you"

Tristan’s heart pained watching her cry. He never thought one day he would end up being the reason for her tears.

For the outside world, Ashley was a strong confident lady but in front of Tristan, she was a normal girl who became vulnerable at times.

"Did you know how much I cried" Pulling away Ashley whined like a child.

"Sorry" Tristan let go of her hand and cupped her face, wiping off her tears using his thumb.

"Why are you saying sorry" she again complained. They both were at fault, then why was he the one to apologize?

"I am sorry too. I overreacted that night forcing you to overcome your fear and talk to me instead. I should’ve tried to understand your reason to keep it away from me but I acted the opposite which lead to our fight"

Tristan smiled watching her scrunch her nose like a small baby.

"Does it mean our fight is over?" Tristan asked making her look at him.

"Of course, it’s over. I don’t like it when we don’t talk" Ashley declared, bringing her hand to his cheek as he wiped the lone tear that roll down his eyes.