Ch. 81..85: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 81-85

Chapter 81: I know it’s too late

Beach

Ashley and Tristan had their romantic candlelight dinner at the beachside and were currently standing by the shore. The small wave flowed past through their legs as they intertwined their hands, looking at the deep sea.

The moonlight above them fell onto the glittery water. The cold breeze made them hold on to each other feeling their warmth. Nothing could be more serene than this moment.

"It feels so good" Ashley smiled and looked at Tristan who was already staring at her.

"And you look beautiful," he said bringing her hand close to his lips and kissing it.

Standing there for a while they both turned and walked back when Ashley felt a tuck in her hand and she stop turning back.

"Tristan..." Ashley gasped covering her mouth when she saw Tristan kneeling on one knee and his hand reaching out to her with a ring.

Scratching the back of his neck Tristan pursed his lips before saying," I know it’s too late, but I felt this was the right time to give it to you"

Ashley was lost with words and could only look at him with her teary eyes. Her lips trembled, looking at her husband who seem to be making her fall damn hard for him.

His unpredictable nature always made her heart pump with love, and she felt more effortlessly drawn to him.

"I know our first meet wasn’t that great, but you made it memorable for me" he winked and saw her gasp," You..."

"And that very moment made me realize what you mean to me" his words melted her heart and her eyes soften.

"You became the person who slammed opened the rusted door of my heart and made your way by showing me the real meaning of life. I know I am not the first man in your life but I want to be the last. I want to spend my entire life with you Mrs. Ashley Tristan Knight" he looked into her glittery eyes as she tried to suppress her sob.

"So... will you give me the honor to love you, cherish you, and spend my entire life with you," he asked and saw her nod her head like a kid.

Reaching her hand out, Tristan slid the ring into her finger and stood up before he pulled her and sealed her lips.

The kiss was full of love and commitment that sealed their fate forever.

*****

Karl’s apartment

After realizing his feeling for Gwen, Karl has been going crazy. He had his cell phone in his hand as he paced back and forth in his room.

"Will she call me today like always" Karl stopped and looked at his phone for the 20th time and sighed in defeat.

He was expecting Gwen to text him just the way she always does. But even after so much time passed she did even text or call.

Karl was getting restless with each passing second cursing himself for pushing her away when he too knew he had started to like her. His fear for the society came in between his feeling for her and now he regretted hurting her by drawing a line between them.

Biting his lips while thinking he finally made up his mind," I will call instead" he said and dialed her number.

The ring went on for a while when the call was received and he heard Gwen’s soft voice," Hello"

Karl’s restless heart calmed down the moment he heard her soothing voice. Now he understood why he like listening to her that much. She could ease his mind and heart with her nonstop banter.

"G-Gwen..." he called her by her name and found his heart skip a beat. This was the first time he didn’t associate with her formally. Her name came out of his mouth with utmost desperation in return to hear her voice.

Gwen on the other side pursed her lips as she tried to control her tears. She didn’t think he would even call her but the moment his name flashed on her mobile screen her breath hitched in fear. Fear of being rejected again by him.

She didn’t talk and just listen to him call her by her name. She felt her heart felt heavy the moment he called her name and she felt like crying all of sudden.

There was a silence on the other end and Karl felt his heart sink. ’Did she not want to talk to him now, he thought, which made him feel worse for hurting her.

Taking a deep breath Karl mustered up the courage to finally talk," Gwen, you don’t want to talk with me?" his voice sounded like a plea and cracked by the end of the statement.

He was feeling so helpless right now that he just wanted to see her hand and beg her for forgiveness.

"It’s okay if you don’t want to talk with me but at least don’t avoid me," he said desperately.

There was no way he could handle her ignorance after he realized what she meant to him. Gwen was the first woman who didn’t judge him by his position. She became friends with him and even like him but what he did, he rejected her.

Gwen gasped as she sobbed loudly and that alerted Karl that he panicked." Gwen are you crying" he asked.

The times he had seen her cry, Karl could easily get her by her voice.

"Gwen talk to me. Are you crying? Did I make you cry? Do you want me to end the call? Say something Gwen you are scaring me" Karl slumped on the couch like a defeated person and waited for her one word.

He wasn’t someone who paid attention to anyone’s feelings but when it came to Gwen she would turn him into a coward. He didn’t realize when she became his habit and how her emotion stir his emotions too.

Wiping the tears off her face Gwen finally opened her mouth to speak," Karl, why don’t you like me back" she asked innocently.

The moment she found that she had fallen for Karl there wasn’t turning back for her. She waited for the moment when the universe would line their ways and when it happened she kept falling for him every second.

"I was stupid to realize it soon" Karl closed his eyes and sighed. Finally, she talk to him and that was enough for him to collect his lost self.

"I was so stupid that I didn’t even give myself a chance to think out of the box. I was stupid to think our ranks would become a barrier for us" Karl now came to understand how stupid he was to say those words to her and push her away from him.

Gwen didn’t say her words as her mind had turned blank after listening to his words.’ Does it mean he too..’ she shook off her thoughts immediately thinking maybe she was just assuming.

She didn’t wanted to hope for anything and then fall on her face if he again rejects her. She wasn’t ready for that, it was painful to learn the person you like doesn’t like you back and Karl was the example of her unrequited love.

Karl again found Gwen turning silent and he continued," But now I don’t care. If this means you will never talk to me then I don’t want it. I like you Gwen and I am sorry for making you hurt and not realizing it early" he confessed finally.

Gwen’s eyes widen in shock and she sat frozen on her bed without any reaction on her face. ’What did he say’ she thought at the back of her mind when his voice broke her thought and she composed.

"Gwen say something?" Karl begged her to speak because now he wanted to hear her after he finally confessed his love.

"Huh! umm... Mr. assistant.. no... Karl. did you just say that you like me" she asked biting her lips hoping her ears weren’t ringing.

Karl chuckled at her words and pulled himself straight, attentively listening to her.

"Why are you smiling?" he heard her again and this time he laughed." You heard it right Gwen. I like you and I am sorry for not realizing before" his smile disappear recalling how hurt she looked when he rejected her.

He could erase that moment but now he wanted to make her happy and never let his insecure thoughts affect their love. He will make sure to keep that smile on her face and not hurt her again.

Gwen squealed and jumped down her bed like an excited kid," Say that again?" she asked him to repeat and confirm again.

Standing up Karl said," I like you, Gwen. Will you be my girlfriend" he was loud enough to make her hear him and he heard," Yes... Yes, I will" Gwen said it without any hesitation and started walking out of her room.

"I want to meet you now Karl," she said and he agreed to her before he picked up the keys and stepped out of his house.

Chapter 82: Think so low of me

[Mature Content]

Noah stopped the car in front of their building and watched Alice step out of the car avoiding his intense gaze.

After kissing him like a hungry lady, Alice felt like hiding herself away from him. She was so embarrassed by her own action and when he said she took advantage of him she felt like digging a hole for herself and vanishing from his eyesight.

Noah followed her while his lips kept smiling mischievously watching her avoid him. This was so fun to see the away arrogant Alice behaving like an obedient cat. He could help but smile at her action as they stepped into the elevator.

As soon as the door closed, Noah pulled her closer to him and pinned her on the wall shocking the shit out of her.

"N-Noah what are you doing?" she asked gasping and looking at him with wide eyes.

"Don’t you think you need to compensate for your action earlier Alice" his words widen her eyes even more and she saw him smirk.

"W-what action y-you are talking about. I don’t remember doing anything" Alice avoid meeting his gaze because now his intense eyes were burning holes into her body.

She never thought he would turn out to be so intimidating to her and now she feared she would end up making the same mistake and kiss him shamelessly.

Noah brought his hand under her chin and made her look at him," You don’t remember what you did back in my room" he asked and saw her shake her head not ready to acknowledge it.

Raising his brow he nod his head and said," Then I will have to make you remember how you kissed me" he said and slammed his lips on hers taking her by surprise.

His hands resting on her waist, Noah bumped deep into her body leaving no space for air and kissed her like there is no tomorrow.

Alice’s lips were so plump and soft that he couldn’t stop savoring them. Noah was a master with a kiss and now he wanted to demonstrate it with Alice, the woman who knocked his heart with her boldness.

Alice felt him pull her lower lip and she closed her eyes giving in to the kiss that she didn’t wanted to end. How can he be so good with this that she felt her knees fall weak but she stables herself and deepened the kiss.

They both were uncontrollable as lust took over their mind and they heard the ting sound. The elevator opened and they stepped out without leaving their kiss.

Reaching Alice’s door, they pulled back and she asked," Where do we continue? Yours or mine"

Both tried to grasp air as they continued panting after pulling apart." You want it" he asked just to make sure she wasn’t doing it because he initiated it.

Alice ignored his words and turned to unlock the door before she stepped in and pulled him by his collar and shut the door.

Pinning him on the door Alice began to unbutton his shirt and captured his lips. She didn’t wanted to stop, not now when she had already been high with pleasure.

Noah lifted her up and kissed her like a hungry beast, walking towards the couch and throwing them both on it.

His hand roamed all over her body, feeling her perfect curves while his mouth kept devouring her sweet lips. Both got lost in the pool of desire forgetting everything.

Both knew if this was lust or just attraction that made them act wild with each other but one thing was sure they loved what they were doing and that was enough to keep the flame of desire burning within them.

Noah let go of her lips and started kissing her face slowly trailing down his wet kisses from her jawline to her neck and then to her collarbone.

While his mouth was busy kissing every corner of her skin his hand went to undress her so smoothly that it didn’t take time for him to toss her clothes and leave her only with her garments on.

Noah removed his unbuttoned shirt and threw it away somewhere in the living area and again moved up sealing her mouth.

Alice had long lost the ability to think because she was loving his touch and tender kisses all over her skin.

Noah quickly unbuttoned his pant and removed it before he positioned himself in between her leg. His excited member throbbed getting ready to enter her.

Sliding down her panties Noah threw them and rubbed his deck on her entrance hearing a sensual moan in return.

Noah was about to enter her when he stopped all of sudden and looked at Alice in shock. Sensing his stop made Alice open her eyes and she looked at Noah," Why did you stop?" she asked and heard him say," Are you a virgin" his words struck her like a bolt and he pulled away.

Alice was surprised herself and the one who was shocked was Noah. Did he do a mistake by taking advantage of her just because they were high with desire?

Noah never considered it as his one-night stand. He liked her and wanted to make love with her, not f**k like did with the other woman.

Alice lowered her eyes and that gave him the answer he expected." I can’t continue" he said and started dressing up.

Passing on her clothes, Noah got himself dressed and he took a step to leave when Alice stopped him," You didn’t like what we did or I am not that attractive" her words made him snap to turn her and he watched her with surprise.

Alice didn’t know why she said that but when she kissed him, she expected him to stop her but when he did she felt happy. Even in the lift when she tried to avoid that moment, he purposely brought up the topic and even kissed her when she didn’t acknowledge it.

She didn’t know why his presence made her feel happy and she found herself forgetting about her past. The past was engraved in her heart but with him, she tend to relax.

Can’t she be with him without labeling their relationship? She wasn’t ready to give it a name yet but just wanted his company. She didn’t know if she felt towards him was lust or didn’t she liked him but one thing was sure and that was he managed to calm the demons in her that never let her sleep at night.

Noah was more than shocked by her words. How can she say that? Did she think so cheap of him that he would only see her as a source of lust and desire?

He was hurt by her words and felt like screaming, telling her that he liked her and she was the first one to make him feel that way.

Looking at her in disbelief Noah let out a chuckle," Did you think I kiss you and proceed because I wanted to have sex with you? Do you think so low of me Alice" his voice laced with hurt.

Alice show his painful eyes and immediately regretted her words. Why would she even do that, she cursed herself and took a step toward him but he stopped her showing his hand," I have had enough. I think you should sleep." saying he turned and walked out of her house leaving her stun.

Alice fell on the couch in defeat and kept staring at the closed door from which Noah just walked out." What have I done" she muttered in a whisper and a tear rolled down her cheek.

****

Karl drove his car and stopped in front of a park that was a few distances away from his residence.

The moment he stepped out his eyes fell on the who took stepped out of her car and the time seemed to stop for them.

Karl felt his heart pound inside his chest as they approached each other slowly when he opened his arm and Gwen ran, pouncing on him.

Karl lifted her, holding her tied in his embrace, and swirled her in contentment. He couldn’t believe how she would come to become a part of his life and he couldn’t even bear to stay away from her.

Just the thought of losing her to someone else made him realize his love for her and he didn’t hold back before he confessed.

Holding her for some time, Karl carefully made her stand and wrapped his arms around her waist not letting her go.

"Gwen... don’t get angry with me. I don’t like it" he said and rested their forehead together before closing his eyes.

Only he knew that one day of her ignorance made his heart burn and not to forget that Luke guy who kept flirting with her made his blood boil in anger.

Karl didn’t want to think that because now he understood his mistake and he didn’t wanted to repeat it. Now he didn’t care what the future hold for them because he knew he couldn’t bear to lose her at any cost.

Chapter 83: You are forgiven

"I won’t," Gwen said and watched him open his eyes, looking at her with pain.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t think about your feelings and hurt you with my harsh words" Karl genuinely regretted hurting her, but now he wouldn’t make her cry.

"You are forgiven" Gwen cupped his face and brushed the tip of their nose lovingly.

Karl could finally be at ease. His heart had been racing too fast, and he didn’t know what was he supposed to say. But the second he saw her step out of her car, he couldn’t hold back and widened his arm to engulf her in his embrace.

"Thank," he said, pulling back and staring at her face that kept smiling at him.

’How stupid of him to make her sad, he thought and held their hand, intertwining it.

" Do you want to eat Ice-Cream? There is one best shop which sells delicious ice cream?" he asked and saw her nod her head like a kid and turn away, walking towards the shop.

****

Enjoying the romantic dinner, Tristan and Ashley returned home. Getting changed, the couple hopped in the bed and kept cuddling.

Ashley was so happy she kept staring at the ring Tristan wore her. He had excellent taste, though. She couldn’t help but admire his minute detail when it came to her.

"If you want more of it, I can get them for you" Tristan held her hand, looked at the ring, and said.

"No, this one is the best. I don’t want any more" Ashley turned herself and looked at him," Tristan..." she called him, making him look at her.

"Hmm"

"I love you," she said and moved to kiss him.

It was the third time in the day she had confessed her love for him, and he didn’t mind listening to it his whole life.

Tristan kept looking at her as he stroked her face with the back of his finger. How amazing it was to be married to the one whom you loved. He couldn’t even think about life back then when he didn’t think of anything but his work and that one thing-

Tristan immediately brushed off that thought and looked at Ashley. She had no clue about it, and he didn’t intend to tell her. He was happy with the life he had chosen for himself and didn’t want to look back.

"Tristan", Ashley called him, breaking his thought.

"Hmm"

"I know I shouldn’t ask you, but-" Ashley bit her lips, hesitating. She didn’t know whether he doubt was right or maybe she was assuming it wrong but still, she wanted to ask.

Tristan frowned when he saw her take his permission before asking him anything.

She wasn’t an outsider or a stranger who couldn’t ask him anything. She was his wife and had absolute right over him.

"Ash, you know you don’t have to think before you say something. You are my wife, and whatever words came from you would be gladly accepted by me. So, don’t think, tell me" he brought her hand closed to his mouth and kissed her palm, making her even more nervous.

Taking a deep breath, Ashley looked into his eyes before she opened her mouth to utter," Were you behind Greg’s and Jane’s downfall?" she asked and found him stiff.

She didn’t know why but whatever was happening with Greg and Jane and how suddenly Greg was blocklisted by the agency and Jane was dropped from every campaign, Ashley couldn’t help but think it was Tristan behind all their hardship.

That day when she overheard him talking with someone, he called Miley, giving every piece of information he had with him, asking her not to tell her it was him. She had somewhat understood that even if she asked him to let her handle everything, Tristan would disagree and would somehow help her standing behind the scene.

Ashley’s eyes softened, and she cupped his face slowly, making him relax. She wasn’t angry with him because she knew all he did was punish them for harming her.

"Tristan... breathe," she said helplessly, brushed her thumb on his cheeks, and watched him flutter his eyes, looking down on her.

"You know I can’t stand those people who hurt you. I know I wasn’t present in your past, but now I am your husband. And, I can’t let anyone look down on my wife."

Tristan’s words were crystal clear, and it was confirmed that he wouldn’t let anyone go just like that unless he cared for them.

Ashley felt so relaxed in his embrace. She couldn’t ask for more because now she had a man who would be her shield in every hardship she faced.

Back then, she was alone to fight all the backlashes she faced. Greg would also come to blame her but never once heard her side story. He was so spineless that he believed the rumours Jane would spread using her mastermind.

She didn’t say anything and kept staring at him before she leaned and sealed his lips. She couldn’t hold back and reward him for effortlessly winning her heart.

"How did I get so lucky?" she asked, pulling back and watching his eyes shine.

"Shouldn’t I be the one to ask this" Tristan pulled her closer, resting her on top of him and asked?

Ashley thought for a while and then pulled out a smile before pecking his chin,"

Then we both got lucky", she said cheekily and rested her head on his chest with Tristan wrapping his hand around her, and they slowly fell asleep.

****

Knight mansion

Gwen’s room

Standing in front of the dressing table, Gwen looked at the mirror bringing two dresses close to her front, thinking which one would look good on her.

"I think this one will look better," she said, looking at the pink floral dress which looked decent on her." Or this blue one will go better with my earrings", she brought the blue one close to her and muttered.

It had been an hour since she had been confused about picking one good dress that she would wear and leave for work. But every time she set her mind to selecting a dress for her, she wouldn’t find it that attractive.

Gwen wasn’t picky, but now that she was dating Karl, she wanted to look good in front of him.

Last night was the best night for her. They finally confessed their love for each other, clearing every negative thought from their mind.

Karl was suddenly different after asking her to be his girlfriend. Not that she was complaining, but seeing him act clingy was strange.

"Argh... Gwen tries to focus on the dresses first," brushing off the thoughts, Gwen finally pinked the pink on and got ready before she stepped out of her room heading downstairs.

Gwen was going to have breakfast with Karl. They come to make a plan to have breakfast and lunch together since they can’t openly flirt in the workplace.

Karl was still sceptical about letting his boss know he was dating his younger sister. He wasn’t ready yet to disclose it to anyone and take the time to build up the courage.

Gwen, on the other hand, didn’t force him. She was happy that he finally acknowledged that he liked her, which was enough for now. They didn’t want to rush anything and enjoy their dating; when the time came, they would inform everyone about it. But until then, they had to keep it a secret.

Gwen walked through the living when she heard her mother’s voice, and she stopped." Gwen, aren’t you having breakfast" Grace asked, coming out from the kitchen and instructing the maids to arrange the plates?

Gwen shut her eyes, forgetting that her mother would come to ask her about this.

She wasn’t someone who would skip her food, and Grace was aware of her daughter’s weird eating habits. And now, Gwen couldn’t think of any excuse.

"Ugh... mom, I don’t think I will be joining you for breakfast today. I have a very important meeting to attend," Gwen lied politely.

She was good at this, and she wished her mother didn’t inquire more.

Grace watched her for a while before she nodded," Good to hear that you are giving your best" she smiled proudly, looking at her daughter.

"Okay then, mom, I need to leave now. Bye," she said, waving her hand, and walked out of the house.

Grace, who was smiling, watched her daughter step out when her smile dimmed and looked suspiciously." What are you up to, Gwen Knight."

Taking a deep breath, Grace recalled last night when she had seen Gwen step into the house late at night. She wanted to go and ask her, but Trevor stopped her, saying she should let her kids enjoy their life.

Grace understood his concern and did as he said. She wanted her kids to live everyday life away from the cruel world. She couldn’t do it with Tristan, but she only hoped Gwen and Gavin would live a life away from all worries.

Chapter 84: Ruin everything

Stepping out of the mansion, Gwen’s face bloomed when she saw Karl already waiting for her standing next to his car.

Running like a kid, she stood before him, smiling like a teenager and asked," How do I look?"

Karl’s eyes were always stuck on the main door, and when Gwen stepped out wearing that pink floral dress, he forgot to breathe. She looked like an angel just as she looked at him and flashed her million-dollar smile. ’How he wished to see that smile every day

Her beauty whipped Karl that he didn’t even realize when she ran and stood before him. Her sweet, shy voice broke his trace, and he looked at her.

"Karl... say something" she bit her lips nervously only to ignite Karl’s desire.

’Damn, is she trying to seduce me by her innocent act’ wiping away the sweat above his lips, he smiled and said," Beautiful, you look beautiful, Gwen" his words made her anxiousness disappear, and she smiled.

Karl opened the door for her before he walked to the other side and hopped into the car, driving away from the mansion.

*****

Alice’s apartment

The entire night again turned out to be sleepless for Alice as she couldn’t erase the hurtful look on Noah’s face. She wanted to punch herself for even uttering those shameless words.

Now that she thought about it correctly, Alice understood that he was upset because she thought they were having sex because of the building up desires for one another.

"Argh!!! Stupid Alice. How can you even think that way when he never once took advantage of their friendship" Alice knew Noah was a certified playboy, but with her, he never once expressed his thoughts of sleeping together.

He only wanted her friendship but never crossed the line with her then how come she acted all stupid and told that shitty words to him. ’You know how to ruin everything Alice’ she scolded herself and turned to look at the time and frowned.

"Why haven’t Noah here yet?" she thought for a while when the realization struck her like lightning.

"Did he break our friendship after whatever happened between us" Alice panicked and started blabbering nonsense?

"No! He can’t break our friendship just like that. How can he do this to me... I know I made a mistake by judging his actions but wasn’t she at fault? Then how come he did not scold her" Alice didn’t want this to happen, not when his presence played an essential part in her daily lie.

"No!.. I won’t let him ignore me," she declared, taking a pause and looking at the time." If he can’t come, then I will get there," Alice declared with determination and rushed in to take a shower.

****

Ashley’s apartment

Snuggling closer to Tristan’s warmth, Ashley slept in peace. She loved to be close to him and nuzzle deeper, inhaling his manly fragrance.

Slowly opening her eyes, Ashley saw Tristan already staring at her. He had woken up for a while but did have the heart to wake her up. She looked so beautiful when she was fast asleep, and he wanted to keep staring at her the whole day.

"Morning", Ashley muttered and saw him lean closer to her before he pecked her lips.

"How do I keep on holding myself from you? You are irresistible, Ash" Tristan let go of her lips and started showering small kisses from her jawline to her neck, slowly trailing down her collarbone.

Ashley closed her eyes, feeling his warm breath on her kiss and let out a moan. Her fingers dug into his silky black hair, and she tilted her neck, giving him better access.

Nibbling her skin, he moved toward her chest, slowly pulling down her nightgown.

Tristan sucked the skin on her chest, leaving a mark and was about to go down when his phone started to ring, and the couple was pulled out of their fantasy.

"F**k", Tristan cursed, pulling away and making Ashley laugh. He looked so adorable when he was irritated.

Hiding her flushed face, Ashley adjusted her gown and sat on the bed, looking at Tristan climb down the bed and head towards the balcony. Thinking it was necessary to call, she didn’t question anything and stepped down, tying her hair into a bun.

She had to reach the shoot a little late, but she had a place to visit before that. Miley came to find the address where that mysterious girl lived, but she was doubtful if they would get any clue from there.

[Outside on balcony]

"How long does he wishes to stay this time?" Tristan’s cold voice made Noah feel the chill of his iceberg tendency.

"I don’t know how long, but maybe he is planning to stay here forever" Noah, who was currently checking the emails, kept reading the anonymous text he received from an unknown id. He tracked the id and found it came from country X. It didn’t take time to realize who the person was and why he was even trying to play games.

Tristan held onto his phone tight and gritted his teeth," Make sure everyone is safe, Noah. I don’t want his evil eyes to fall on my family."

"Tighten the security into double and make sure you keep on tracking him. I don’t want any mistake" Noah agreed to his words and ended the call before looking at the screen and smirking.

Noah wasn’t just a developer but also a hacker and had been into this for a long time. No one was aware of it but Tristan and Karl. He kept it hidden just so no one would ever doubt him.

[You are trying to wake up the sleeping lion, but let me warn you, earlier he didn’t get bothered, but this time if you try to do anything stupid. Your entire territory would get a blast in no time]

"Send" Noah tapped the send button and was about to turn off the laptop when he heard his doorbell ring.

He opened the door and found Alice standing with a food bag in her hand." Tada... time for breakfast," she chirped, lifting the bag in front of his face.

Noah was still upset after whatever she said last night and was still sulking. He wanted to show her that her actions and words have upset him, but now he should stick to his anger when she starts acting all cute.

Shaking off his thought, he muttered,’ No, Noah, you can’t melt just because she is acting cute. She hurt you, and you should let her see that.’

Quickly composing himself, Noah pulled on a straight face and asked," But I don’t want to", he said, pulling the door to close it, but Alice was too quick to sneak in from under his arm.

"Alice... what are you doing?" Noah was surprised at how easily she squatted down and entered inside, walking straight towards the table as if she didn’t hear him.

Noah sighed and shut the door before he walked toward the table and watched her arrange the table for them.

"I wasn’t hungry," he said, folding his hand against his chest and arching his brow when she didn’t even lift her eyes to see him.

After setting everything on the plate, she smiled and said," I know you don’t like to eat breakfast alone."

"And why is that so?" he asked.

"Because just like me, even you enjoy your every meal with me" her words surprised him, and his hand loosened, falling to the side.

Alice watched him for a second but soon composed. Her guilt was killing her, and she didn’t want to dive deeper into the pool of regret that she would again pounce on him like a shameless person.

"So will you join me for breakfast," she said, pulling the chair for him and seeing him scoff.

" It’s my house, though," he said, ignoring her smile, and took the chair before she joined him.

It was strange for Noah even to imagine Alice would be so kind to him that she even brought them breakfast to eat. He felt like he had travelled to another world where Alice was a kind-hearted lady.

"Ahem..." Clearing her throat, Alice began to say something." Noah... I wanted to apologize-" before she could finish, Noah raised his eye and shot a glare that immediately sealed her mouth.

Alice had never felt intimidated by anyone, and Noah he wasn’t even in the league but now, she wanted to change her thoughts of him because this man next to her was throwing daggers at her like if she said a single word, he would burn her with his flaming angry eyes.

Closing her mouth Alice pursed her lips, forcing a fake smile and continued eating breakfast without uttering a word. She couldn’t bring herself to talk to him when he glared at her, and that was enough to crush her hopes for coming to his house.

Chapter 85: Just a pawn

Gwen and Karl were having their breakfast when he received a call from Tristan asking him to reach the office as soon as possible.

They were leaving the breakfast in the middle they had to rush back to the company.

"I wish to scold my brother now", Gwen cursed, stepping out of the car and turning to see Karl joining her.

"I think you should go in first. We can’t let anyone see us" Gwen’s face fell, but she couldn’t complain as it was right for them, at least now. Nodding her head, she turned towards the entrance of the building, and after some time, Karl, too, walked into the gigantic building.

****

Inside Tristan’s Cabin

"Did you find any suspicious cause behind them joining hands" Tristan’s sharp gaze met Karl’s cold one and watched him shake his head?

"No, there doesn’t seem to be any suspicion by their side yet. It’s just a proposal of the project that was offered to the Scotts, and they happened to like it, but his only wish was to consider Melanin-" Tristan frowned when he paused for a second before he continued," Because they want a partnership with us."

’So the Scotts are just a bridge to reach me indirectly.’

Now everything started to make sense. After whatever happened back then, that bastard wasn’t satisfied at all, and now he dares to step into his country so that he could target him.

Karl watched Tristan’s eyes turn darker, and he knew what was going on inside his mind. Being his assistant, he knew Tristan inside out, from his past to present, he was aware of everything, and this person entering his life back somewhat bothered his boss.

"Let’s see what he has this time. I know the Scotts are just pawns for him to enter this country or else with the history he has wouldn’t allow him even to let his shadow follow me" Tristan was calmed as an ocean, but his words held storm in them, and Karl was very well aware of what happened when this storm occurs.

*****

Reaching the mentioned address, Ashley stepped out of her car and walked toward the tiny house. It was even one story big, and Ashley doubted if anyone even knew the girl lived there.

Standing at the doorstep, Miley rang the doorbell. They stood there a minute when the door opened, and an old lady stood in front of them.

"How can I help you?" she asked, looking at the unknown faces.

Miley had come to find that the girl name Benny lived with her grandmother and had no relatives at all. She lost her parents when she was fifteen, and since her grandmother had been taking care of her.

"Mrs Albert?" Ashley spoke with the utmost respect and saw the lady nod," Yes, it’s me", the old lady said.

Looking at Miley with relief, she continued," We came here to meet Benny", she said and saw the old woman’s eyes widen in shock.

"Sorry, but she doesn’t live here anymore," Mrs Albert said and tried to close the door with trembling hands.

Ashley stopped her before she could shut the door on them," I know she is your granddaughter, and we want to know where she is."

Ashley genuinely wanted to find Benny so that she could expose Jane. She was the only one since there wasn’t any CCTV footage that would quickly prove Jane was behind all these conspiracies and made it look like an accident just so no one could doubt her.

Mrs Albert looked at Ashley and saw her mutter," Please..."

Before Benny left, she asked her grandmother to keep her departure a secret and never discuss it with anyone, not even those who would come asking her. But this woman in front of her didn’t look like a threat, and with much thought, she finally agreed to them and let them enter the house.

****

Inside the house

"What do you want to know about her?" Mrs Albert asked, looking at both the ladies anxiously. She could tell Benny had put herself into some problem, or why would unknown people come asking for her?

Ashley looked at the old lady, and she seemed to be nervous. She could tell the lady had no clue about Benny used by Jane.

"Mrs Albert, we need to know where Benny is and why did she leave all of a sudden" Ashley was calm and looked at the woman fidgeting her fingers.

"I know she must’ve asked you never to disclose her whereabouts, but please, Mrs Albert, she is the only source that can save me from facing another backlash."

Mrs Albert looked at Ashley carefully when she realized who she was. There wasn’t any news channel that didn’t flash her pictures or a magazine cover that didn’t have her face on it. She was a diva and the most famous person with everlasting beauty.

There was no way she wouldn’t recognize her.

Intimidated by her presence, Mrs Albert felt a little strange, but she soon composed herself and opened her mouth to speak," I am sorry, but I genuinely don’t know where she is. It had been a week since she left, and I haven’t even contacted me but-" she stopped remembering her words.

"But?" Ashley asked.

Mrs Albert looked at Ashley with worry and said," She asked me to shove every person who comes to inquire about her" Ashley was finally confirmed that the woman had no clue where Benny was, and she was asked to keep her mouth shut for nothing.

Ashley thought for a while when she looked at the old lady before reaching her hand to hold hers. Surprised by Ashley’s gesture, Mrs Albert gasped and tried to say something but stopped when she heard Ashley’s words.

"I genuinely need to know about Benny’s whereabouts, and if ever she calls you, please let me know."

Ashley was sincere with her actions and didn’t try to scare the woman. If she knew that the old lady was lying, she would have used another way, but Ashley felt terrible for the old lady because she was clueless about her granddaughters.

She knows Mr Albert won’t believe her unless she tells her everything. Taking a deep breath, Ashley recited the entire incident and how Benny became a pawn in Jane’s plan.

*****

Inside the car

"Ma’am, do you think Mrs Albert will inform us if Benny tried to contact her," Miley asked, still contemplating if the old woman believed them?

"She will," Ashley said and turned to look outside the window and closed her eyes.

The disappointed look in Mrs Albert’s eyes was enough for Ashley to trust the woman because she could tell that Benny was precious to her, and if something happened to her, then she wouldn’t forgive herself.

****

Reaching the agency, Ashley thought she would again stumble upon Jane, but to her surprise, she didn’t see her. She thought about what this girl was up to when she came across Gorge.

"Ashley..." Gorge said with a smile on his face and approached her.

Ashley felt like puking listening to his over-friendly gesture, and that smile seemed so wicked that she wanted to punch too teeth out. Gorge was in his fifties and had a young heart that kept yearning for young blood.

She was about to leave when he held her arm and stopped her," Why so hurry, darling", he said with a wicked smile that disgusted her.

His lustful eyes and gestures always made her feel disgusted. He was shameless that even after getting slapped by her, he still didn’t change his behaviour.

Jerking his hand away, Ashley shit him a glare," Stay away" gritting her teeth in anger, she warned him.

Gorge raised his hand like he was scared, but his act dropped immediately, and he smiled. The day he had seen Ashley step into a random person’s car, his curiosity to know this person increased.

Gorge had always wanted to bed Ashley because she had caught his attention from the beginning, but this arrogant girl never gave him the chance to even lay his hands on her.

He had given many new models a chance to sign contracts with the agency, but in return, he asked them to sleep with him. Some of them refused while some agreed, but Ashley, he could never get a hold of her even after trying every means.

Taking a step close to her, he leaned and whispered in her ear," You seem to like your man’s touch a lot but trust me, baby, I can satisfy you more than he can" he pulled back, making her look at him in anger.

Looking down at her chest, he arched his brow and walked with a smirk on his lips.

At first, Ashley couldn’t get his look, but soon she remembered something and dashed to her changing room, looking into the vast mirror only to find a mark on her collarbone.

"Argh!!... How did it skip my mind" looking at the red mark, she cursed herself for being careless and not concealing it.