Ch. 441..445: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 441-445

Chapter 441: I doubts it’s the same person

After enjoying their candlelight dinner, Ashley and Tristan spend some time sitting on the shore.

Grabbing a fistful of sand in her palm, she slowly released it.

"I always like making sand castles. I remember once Dad took me on a small vacation to this beach somewhere in Country P. I must be around three by that time and I pestered Dad to help me build one castle"

Tristan turned his head and heard her attentively.

Smiling at the memory she continued," I wouldn’t have troubled him if I haven’t come across a family where this girl was helped by her parents to build one castle for herself. Watching them take care of her made me miss my mom"

Dad always told me how fun-loving and cheerful person she was and how she would like to spend her vacation on that beach" Her eyes glimmered, dusting her palms together before she looked ahead.

The sound of the waves felt soothing to her that she closed her eyes and tried listening to it even more.

"Do you want to go there?" Tristan asked wrapping his arm around her shoulder and watched her turn to look at him.

Bobbing her head she said," I wanted to take our children there. Spend some time with them playing in the sand, building castles, and enjoying our time together making memories"

Smiling at her words, Tristan agreed. "We will do as you say," he said and they both looked at the vast sea.

Time passed by when suddenly they both looked at each other. Before anyone of them could understand, the couple sealed their lips kissing each other under the moonlight.

"I just don’t want to go home" Tristan mumbled pulling back and watched her smile.

Being here with Ashley was so calming that he wanted them to stay here for longer.

"But we have to. Remember we both are busy individuals" she said pinching his cheeks.

"Still, I want to stay here with you" Tristan whine like a child and this time Ashley stopped smiling.

She came to realize Tristan was being way more clingy than before and now even started acting stubborn.

"You know that’s not possible"

"Why not?.. I have already booked a room for us. Come let’s go" Without waiting for her reply, Tristan force them up and dragged her inside the resort attached to the beach.

He had already planned on spending some time with her alone, so he even booked a suite for them beforehand. There was no way he would let her refuse.

As the couple made their way toward their room, Ashley senses something strange and quickly turned around.

"What happened?" Tristan asked following her gaze and looked at her.

"Why do I feel someone is following us?" she muttered, doubting their surrounding.

Tristan frown on her seriousness and once again looked around. "But there’s no one," he said but deep down he too felt something was strange.

He was just putting on an act and when Ashley didn’t say anything he changed the topic. "Let’s get in"

Sensing his change, she bobbed her head and they both made their way inside the suite.

*****

[Inside]

"Yes, I am sure. Someone is tabbing us. I doubt it’s the same person who snapped our pictures posting it online" Tristan instructed Jack.

Though Tristan refused on tailing them, Jack being the cautious one decided to follow them along with their few men.

Currently sitting inside his car, he was busy talking with Tristan when his eyes caught the sight of someone mysterious, sprinting out of the resort. His eyes widen in realization and he quickly informed Tristan.

"Boss, I think you are right," he said, staring at the person who hop onto his bike and swiftly drove away.

"Follow him" Getting Tristan’s orders, Jack quickly started his car and followed the person

He wasn’t able to see his face, but the way he was riding his bike alarmed Jack.

The person on the bike noticed a car following him and the moment, he saw the person inside, his eyes widen in shock

"Why is he following me" he recognized the person and immediately speeded his bike, accelerating as fast as possible

"I can’t let him catch me" the man muttered as he kept glancing back and forth on the road and the mirror. He needs to play him if he doesn’t have to get caught, the man thought.

Jack on the other hand understood his trick and it only ended up confirming his doubts. ’So his boss was right. This person was following them’ he declared pressing the acceleration, driving at the maximum speed.

He couldn’t let that person sneak away and has to captivate him. With this thought, Jack swiftly passed the car tailing the bike. His eyes then caught the sight of the signal from a distance and his lips curled into a victorious smirk.

"How will you run now" he muttered with confidence eyeing the bike that slowed down a little.

Jack was ready to overtake him, but before he could take a step, the biker accelerated his bike and trespassed the road breaking the signal, fleeing like a rocket.

Screech!

Putting on the brakes, Jack stopped his car and watched the bike speed away. Stunned by his fearless step, Jack could only watch the bike retreat with shock.

"Damnit!" slamming the steering wheel, Jack cursed and quickly pulled out his cell phone and made Tristan a call.

"Boss, he fled" his anguish voice made Tristan fume. He could sense the defeat in Jack’s voice.

"Never mind, he will show up once again. Just be prepared" he said calmly and hung up the call before turning towards Ashley.

"Did they catch him?" she asked.

"No!.. he fled," he said.

"So my doubt was right" she muttered feeling conflicted. For some reason, she couldn’t believe someone tried following her so closely that she didn’t even notice that person.

Watching her spacing out Tristan quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and made her face him.

"Don’t think too much. I have already asked Jack to be alert the next time. I am sure this person whoever he is will come again" Tristan assured staring at her.

Ashley simply bobbed her head before resting her head on his chest and slowly snaked his waist.

Chapter 442: Old foe

Reaching the destination, the biker then stopped the bike in front of a one-story house and quickly walked inside the house

Turning on the light, the person halted his steps when his eyes fell on the woman sitting on the couch.

"What are you doing here?" Removing the helmet, the person finally showed her real appearance making Jennifer scoff at her.

" I was waiting for you, Mel. Since you ended my call mid-way, I just thought to check on you to confirm that you aren’t double-crossing me" Jennifer said only to see her roll her eyes.

"If you keep on pestering me like this, how am I going to concentrate," Mel said tossing away the helmet and slumped on the chair next to her.

Mel was already tailing the couple when she received a call from her. Fortunately, her phone was silent, but then she noticed the couple stop while standing outside their suite and it alarmed her.

The reason why she ended her call was because she sensed the couple was doubtful about their surrounding and before they could get hold of her she quickly left the place.

But she never thought, Ashley’s bodyguard would hunt her all of a sudden.

Jennifer frowned at her rudeness. "You should mind your words girl. Did you forget I am paying you for this" she spat.

"What would I do with your money when my life is in danger? Your call almost made me catch" Mel snorted.

When Jennifer could understand what she was trying to say, Mel told her everything.

Mel Stewart was a former model of Fresh Face Agency, but her career dropped when Ashley took over her fame replacing her in every campaign and modeling project.

Ashley’s carrier skyrocketed after a few assignments, but she lost everything. Everyone started following her to sign up for new modeling campaigns, making her the brand ambassador of all the newly launched brands.

She became a very well-known face of the modeling world and soon everyone forgot her. The few years of fame vanished in the blink of an eye when Ashley took over her blooming carrier.

After everyone abandoned her, Mel tried to try her luck in the movies, but no one wish to cast her. She was so desperate for a break that she didn’t mind sleeping with the producers, but in the end, they only used her.

Her life turned upside down as she had nothing to do, but Ashley was getting praise after praise for her looks and charm. She even started dating Greg one of the rising male models.

But then she found, Greg was cheating on her with her best friend Jane. She tried blackmailing Jane into exposing her relationship with Greg. She wanted money to survive and Jane being the daughter of a well-known businessman could easily provide her.

Her threat worked on the lady and she started giving her money to shut her mouth. Mel thought everything would be fine unless Jane doesn’t back down, but her greedy self started to want more.

The day before Ashley found out about them, she had asked Jane to give her double the amount she was providing her to keep her mouth shut. But she refused.

She said she wasn’t scared of her anymore and soon they were going to reveal Ashley about their relationship. Her words left Mel distraught as she lost the only source of living.

Mel was so pissed that she decided to revenge her ignoring her warning of surrendering her to the cops. Her useless life had made her a mad woman who didn’t want anything but to avenge those people who snatched everything from her.

She just wanted to see both Ashley and Jane suffer, but before she could disclose the news, someone had already helped Ashley find out about Greg’s and Jane’s affair.

In the end, she couldn’t do anything and once again her life turned back to zero. As days went by she heard about Jane and Greg’s destruction. She was happy but she couldn’t stop herself from getting curious to know who the person was behind their dismay.

It was after months when suddenly she stumbled upon Jennifer inside a grocery shop where she worked as a cleaner. Surprisingly she happened to recognize her. It was after a few days she happened to come looking for her at the same store where she offered a deal to her.

She only wanted her to work for her and in return, she would help her live a decent life without letting anyone learn about it.

At first, Mel was reluctant to accept the offer, but the greedy part of her overshadowed her rational mind and she soon gave in.

"How long did he track you?" Jennifer’s anxious words snapped Mel out of her thoughts and she stared at her from the corner of her eyes.

"I tricked him. So it’s impossible for him to find me" she said and watched her slump back on the couch in relief.

"We have to be careful," she said as Tristan’s image crossed her mind.

"Hmm... but what will you do if one day, Ashley comes to find out about your secret. Do you think she will be okay with it"

It wasn’t that Mel was regretting helping Jennifer, but she was also aware of the danger that came along.

Now that Ashley had a husband like Tristan Knight, was it easy for them to sneak away from his gawk-like eyes?

"Don’t worry. I have everything under control. You just keep doing what you are asked to do and make sure to be careful" Jennifer warned and watched Mel close her eyes.

There was no wrong with what Mel said, but she couldn’t lose her fame because of her. She was just trying to defame her so she would get all the attention she needed to boost her ever-glowing acting carrier.

Once Ashley was out of her league, she would be at ease.

*****

[Suite]

"Umm... Tristan...." Ashley moaned when his mouth started sucking her nipples.

As promised Tristan didn’t waste a second and pounced on his wife, ready to please her. He knew just like him even she had been craving an activity.

Her fingers slowly immersed into his hair and she arched her chest, clutching onto his head, feeling a wave of pleasure rush through her entire being...

While the couple was in the middle of making love, Tristan’s phone rang, stopping their action in the middle.

"Is anyone tired of living" Tristan cursed pulling away from her and turned to pick up the call

The moment his eyes fell on the caller id, his face contorted.

Chapter 443: Re-schedule

"Karl, do you want me to ground Gwen for life" Tristan was so annoyed with his assistant cum friend calling him in the middle of the night, interrupting his time with his wife.

She was still underneath him laying naked, while he was busy scolding Karl. The moment he heard her chuckle his head shot into her direction, and he watched her smile.

Feeling wronged, Tristan made a crying face before averting his attention toward Karl.

Karl on the other hand was baffled by his outburst.

’ Why is he dragging Gwen into their conversation’ he thought feeling conflicted about how he would resume his talk, but then suddenly something struck his mind and his face turned pale.

He opened his mouth to speak when Tristan cut in. "Now tell me why did you call me" his pale complexion turned worst as sweat broke on his forehead listening to Tristan’s cold voice.

"Ahem... Boss, someone posted another article about you two, and this time the pictures are of you both spending time on the beach"

Tristan’s face crumpled at his words and his hold around the phone tightened." How long it has been since the article was released" he asked maintaining the same cold expression.

Ashley noticed the change in his face and sensed something was wrong.

Tristan on the other hand pulled away from her and climbed down the bed, before wearing his boxers and walking out of the balcony.

By the time he was done talking with Karl, Ashley patiently waited for him inside, but she didn’t sit ideally. Grabbing her phone, she started surfing the internet and came across another article about her.

As she went through it, she noticed the pictures of hers and Tristan from tonight being posted under it. Her eyes instantly turned cold and she looked at the time stamp on when the article was posted.

"Five minutes ago" she muttered under her breath.

Ashley was now getting curious about the person who was keeping a tab on her every move. If she could describe it in a better way, it wasn’t just her but also Tristan whom she was keeping an eye on.

She couldn’t understand why was someone so interested in her life that, he intended to follow her every now and then.

If it was just a random article she would’ve avoided it, but the person was snapping their every move, it only meant that he was aware of them being married to each other for a long time, and now with this specific news, he was trying to taint her career.

Sitting on the bed, deeply immersed in her thought, she failed to notice Tristan’s return. When then she felt the space next to her shrink, she snapped out of her thoughts turning her head to the side.

Tristan was about to speak when Ashley stopped him. " I know everything" he heard her say and the next second heaved out a sigh.

"I have asked Karl to find the detail of the person who posted the article," he said pinching the bridge on his nose.

Tristan couldn’t understand why was someone trying to target them, by posting random things about their married life. So what if they were married and his wife decided to step into the acting field after marriage?

Wasn’t she already successful in her carrier even before marrying him then why are they trying to bring her down by writing rubbish about her?

When Tristan wasn’t able to hold back his anger, he suddenly declared." Let’s schedule our interview with Fox Feed Media for tomorrow itself."

His words made Ashley look at him with awe, but soon she relaxed as she was also going to propose the same.

"Hmm... let’s do it" she agreed and watched him take a deep breath before resting his forehead on her shoulder.

Ashley smiled and placed her phone back on the table before she patted his back lovingly.

"Should we continue what we stopped" Her hand caressing his back stopped and she watched him pulling back.

His face seemed to be in pain and she understood what he was going through. Without wasting a second, she silently gave him a nod, and the next second she was pulled by him for a breathless kiss.

Ashley didn’t oblige and gave in to her husband’s demands and the couple ended up satisfying each other the entire night.

*****

The next morning when Linda came to have breakfast with Charles, she didn’t seem herself. The paleness on her face left him questioning and he couldn’t stop himself from inquiring.

"Linda, my child. Are you okay? You haven’t touched the food yet" his worried voice broke her thoughts and she turned her head towards him.

She was yet to heal from the loss of her child, but she also knew if she keeps on looking sad and lost, her grandfather might get suspicious about her.

"Hmm... no Grandpa. I am fine. It’s just that I don’t have any appetite for now"

After Charles came to know about her and Karl’s relationship. He confronted Linda about it and she happened to tell him how everything started.

Initially, Charles was enraged by the information, but when she told him that Karl was ready to take responsibility for his actions, his anger lowered a little.

Using his sources, Charles dug for more information about Karl and came to learn that he was preferred by the Knight family a lot. They treated him like their own and this one piece of news completely vanished his doubts.

It was then, he expressed to her to meet him in person, but even after two days, he didn’t get any response from her, and that made him wonder whether the boy was retreating from his responsibilities.

Clearing his throat, Charles brought up the topic once again and asked, "When are you going to introduce me to Karl"

Those words from him made her look at him in shock, but soon she bobbed her head and said," Soon. I have already informed him that you want to meet him. He has asked you to pick up a suitable time"

Charles was amused by her words and felt relaxed. The doubts in his heart were erased and he quickly responded," Ask him to meet me for lunch"

Linda snapped with her eyes growing wide, but watching his face, she silently bobbed her head.

"Okay, I will let him know," she said and got up from the breakfast table, walking away to make a call to Karl.

She decided to take leave today as she didn’t feel good, but she knew Karl must already be at work. Looking at the time, she quickly dialed his number.

After three rings Karl finally answered her and she went on telling him about his meeting with her Grandfather.

"Okay, I’ll be there for lunch," he said and ended the call.

"What did she say?" Gwen who was with him asked.

"Her Grandfather wants to meet me for lunch, at her place," he said twirling the cell phone in his hand and bit his lips.

Karl was thinking about how he should take Charles into confidence when Gwen said," I know what you are thinking" Her words made him look at her and she continued.

"Bring something for him and sound more convincing. In that way, both her grandfather and Linda won’t doubt your intentions"

Karl found her words convincing. Giving her a nod, they both continued with their work with Karl then leaving for the Acme Mansion

Chapter 444: I agree

Meanwhile, Karl reached the Acme Mansion bringing some gifts along. He found that Linda’s grandfather was fond of sweets so he brought some dessert along.

As his car parked in front of the house, Karl didn’t step out immediately. He chanted some words for himself and cleared the uneasiness in his heart.

He didn’t know why this meeting with Linda’s Grandfather gave him a weird feeling. He was going to meet him for the first time but he also had this underlying feeling that something was awaiting him inside.

Taking a few more minutes, Karl cleared his thought and then walked out of his car.

****

[Inside]

The entire living hall was filled with dreadful silence with Charles Acme, Linda’s grandfather sitting right in front of him on the chair.

Deep inside Karl was getting nervous by his deep penetrating gaze. He had heard from Linda that her grandfather knows everything, but now when he looked at the old man, he felt otherwise.

’What is this old man thinking’ he pondered gulping the glass of water in his hand before placing it back on the table and finally looked at him.

Karl didn’t want to show any sign of nervousness. He knew he had to maintain his composure to execute his plan.

He was sure the old man had no idea that his granddaughter was secretly meeting her boyfriend who she termed as an ex in front of him and not only that, she was also pregnant with his child.

She was the mastermind behind their messed up life and there wasn’t a gleam of regret in her heart. She was so selfish to drag him into this muddle almost ruining his life. But thankfully, he was soon able to see through her lies and started to work on finding out more about her on the sideline.

If he wasn’t able to convince Gwen, he wondered what would have happened to him.

Charles examined Karl from the moment he stepped inside the house. He had been maintaining his expression, the entire time. The confident aura he emitted made him rest assured.

"I am glad to hear that you agreed on taking responsibility for your actions. If not, I would have turned your life into a living hell" Charles’s firm voice made Karl join his brow.

He could sense that Linda’s grandfather was just like her dominating and overbearing to the point that he wanted to snap back at him exposing his granddaughter’s lie.

But he stopped himself as he didn’t have any proof against her and all he had to do was to listen to him with his head down.

While Charles was busy scolding Karl, Linda was silently observing him. She could see the sincerity in his action and all her worries flew out of the window.

What happened if she lost her child? If she managed to bind Karl in wedlock, she will soon slip into his pant and can have a baby of them.

The thought of getting intimate with Karl suddenly excited her. She had already seen his physic that night, but because Ryan was with her she had to suppress her urge to touch him.

At that moment she had a fleeting thought in her mind as she wondered how it would be to sleep with him for real, but she brushed off her urge as she had things to work on.

But now when she was back thinking about the same, Linda was suddenly having a change of heart. She was now doubting her love for Ryan. She thought about whether she truly wanted to be with him or not.

"How about we don’t waste any time further and pick a suitable date for your wedding"

The word wedding snapped both Linda’s and Karl’s attention towards Charles. The old man didn’t want to waste any time and just wanted to see his granddaughter marry the father of her child.

Karl on the other hand felt like his heart dropped in his stomach. He wasn’t expecting Charles to bring up the topic of marriage at their first meeting. He thought he would ask him to be with her throughout the pregnancy meantime he would start gathering proof against her.

But now with him being firm with those words he spoke, Karl was finding it difficult to sit on one spot.

"What happened? Are you scared now?" Charles noticed the change in his expression and asked.

"Grandpa... I think we shouldn’t rush for marriage so soon" Linda quickly butted in but deep down she was smiling as her plan worked very well.

She knew her grandfather wouldn’t stay still after finding out she was pregnant and will soon ask Karl to marry her.

For him, it was Karl who took away her virginity after getting drunk and forcing himself on her that night. So matter how much she would try to defend him, he was never going to listen.

"Soon! You are saying that you want to walk around with your bump growing and let people assume anything about how you got pregnant. Do you want to degrade a little bit of our reputation by giving birth to a child without wedlock" Charles flared.

Linda was trying to put on an act. She wanted to let Karl think, she was defending him, but little did she know, Karl had already seen through her fakeness.

After whatever she did, he couldn’t believe anything she says or do. She knew this was going to come. Her grandfather would ask him to marry her, but still, she was being pretentious.

’Does it mean it was all her plan all the way long’

A sudden realization hit Karl and his eyes widen in shock. He sat there with his mind process through all the things that happened to him and he finally understood everything, he looked at Charles.

"I agree!" his words caught both of their attention and soon Charles’s face broke into a smile.

Linda sat stunned listening to his words, but soon realization hit her and her lips curled into a winning smile.

Chapter 445: Interview

Meanwhile, Ashley and Tristan reached the Fox Feed Media building where the chief executive himself came to welcome them. They were lucky not to get sued by Tristan Knight for publishing news about his personal life without his permission.

They were so excited with the response that they failed to see the consequences coming along. But fortunately, Tristan spared them and in return asked them to interview them with proper information.

As the executive guided the couple to their interview room, Ashley and Tristan maintained their composure, from time to time smiling at each other in assurance.

Since it was the first time Tristan was about to reveal his identity in front of the world, Ashley was nervous. Deep down she blamed herself for letting him break his principle and coming out in her support publicly.

"Please have a seat Mr. and Mrs. Knight" the man said and soon the couple took the seat.

Top journalists from their company were assigned for the interview.

Tristan was very clear when he proposed them a direct interview. He didn’t want any mistakes from their end as it going to be a live one.

As everyone settles in their respective seats, soon the camera turned on and the interview soon began.

It was an unexpected conference so when the couple went live many people connected them as soon as possible.

It was rare for a businessman like Tristan Knight to come live on a new channel and that too with his girlfriend, model cum soon-to-be actress Ashley Brown.

The interviewer introduced the couple warm-heartedly and soon the interview began.

"As you both must be aware that there is news about your relationship making headlines for a few days. I would like you both to comment on it"

Since Ashley was used to giving interviews, she turned towards Tristan and watched him smile. It was his way of telling her to go ahead.

Getting his approval Ashley then turned her eyes toward the camera. Her entire aura changed as she faced the camera and spoke.

"The rumors circulating around her are true" her declaration left everyone watching the interview stunned.

But the one who was more than stunned was Jennifer and Mel. The moment Mel heard about the interview, she quickly turned on the television.

Her eyes fumed when she watched the logo of the same media channel she sold Ashely’s and Tristan’s photos. She couldn’t believe they would end up interviewing them, but she wasn’t surprised at all as the media company works this way.

She remembered how they ruined her life by posting rubbish about her and soon her entire life changed.

"Damn this bitch. How come she remains unfazed even when her image is at stake" Jennifer scowled watching Ashley confidently answer the question.

Back on the screen, Ashley smiled and continued, "It’s been months since we thought of making our relationship public. But since my husband prefers a private life and so do I we decided not to ponder much.

As you all know, scandals have been a part of my journey, and I have been serious about them, but now that my life is not the same as before and I have a person I love the most. How can I let anyone talk badly about him"

Taking a small pause Ashley declared," Tristan and I have been married for a year now. Even before I opt to step into films. I have always been skeptical about how will I handle this new journey but thanks to my husband who didn’t let me doubt myself and supported me all the time" Ashley said with a proud smile, making Tristan’s chest fill with happiness.

Though she had always expressed her love for him, watching her talk about it openly to the world made him feel like a proud husband.

No amount of happiness could match this one in particular.

Turning around Ashley then clasp their hand together before bringing to closer to her lips as she kissed them.

"And I will always be grateful to him despite whatever the rumor claims" Tristan was so touched by her gesture that he couldn’t himself from expressing his thoughts.

"If it wasn’t me who had pursued her, I wouldn’t have found such a wonderful wife. Her giving me her heart was the most precious treasure of my life and I want to cherish it with all I have" Tristan declared leaving the audience watching it surprise.

All the rumors about their relationship and Ashley seducing Tristan flushed away the moment declared his love for his wife and how it was he who courted her.

As the couple kept on giving the interview, all the comment sections started bombarding with people commenting how the couple genuinely looked like being in love overshadowing all the rubbish talks spread about them.

They also explained why they kept their marriage a secret all the time and asked the audience to respect their privacy.

As soon as the interview finished both Ashley and Tristan left the company. Their interview was like a tight slap for the media company that dared to defame them. But now they had to face the outburst of the people who dared target their favorite icon.

****

Inside the car, Tristan kept on smiling watching the interview again and again especially the part where Ashley confess her love for him. He had been dying to tell the world that she was his wife and now finally when she herself declared it, he was on cloud nine.

Eyeing him from the aside, Ashley couldn’t help but smile. Reaching out her hand she caressed his hair as if she was pampering a child.

"Are you happy now?" she asked.

"Hmm.. a lot," he said bringing the same hand closer to his lips and kissed gently.

He was so happy that he wanted to celebrate it, but he couldn’t as Ashley had a shoot that afternoon. But he promised he would make it up to her once she returns.

As the couple was enjoying some quality time before their departure, Tristan was busy wondering about the discussion he had with the chief executive of Fox Feed Media.

"It was an anonymous mail we received. The sender is still unknown" his words kept repeating his mind.