Chapter 8
Helen scoffed. “She is merely an ingrate. Dad treated her well over the past few years for nothing.”
“Stop it!” Charlie glared at her before turning to me with a helpless sigh. “It’s late. Your grandpa’s funeral is already over. Go home now.”
“Thank you, Uncle Charlie.” I nodded politely. Charlie and Helen were both in their fifties. Though they never had children, they lived comfortably on the shares they owned in Fuller Corporation.
Helen could be sharp-tongued, but deep down, she wasn’t a bad person. Their marriage was strong, envied by many for its unwavering companionship.
As they walked away, I remained standing before George’s grave, lost in thought. His passing signified not just the loss of a guiding figure in my life but also the unraveling of my already fragile relationship with Ashton. Without Grandpa’s presence, there was nothing left binding us together.
I’m going to lose him, after all.
“Grandpa, take care. I’ll visit you later,” I murmured before bowing deeply. Turning on my heel, I was startled to see a familiar figure standing not far away.
When did Ashton arrive?
Dressed in all black, his expression was stormy as he stared at George’s gravestone. His posture was stiff, his eyes unreadable. What was he thinking?
The moment his gaze met mine, he spoke curtly, “Let’s go.”
I hesitated before stepping forward to stop him. “Ashton, Grandpa is gone. You should let it go. He sacrificed a lot for you over the years…” My voice faltered when his expression darkened.
I braced myself for his temper, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned and walked away.
Following him out of the cemetery, I realized the sky had turned completely dark. The driver who had brought me here had already left, assuming that I would leave with Ashton.
Left with no other option, I got into his car. The drive was silent, the tension thick between us. I clasped my fingers together, wanting to ask about Rebecca, but seeing Ashton’s hardened expression, I hesitated.
Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, I spoke. “How is Ms. Larson?” I didn’t push her, but she had fallen right before my eyes.
The car came to an abrupt halt, tires screeching against the pavement. The sudden stop threw me forward, my breath catching in my throat. Before I could react, Ashton leaned over, pinning me in place with his piercing gaze.
His face was inches from mine, his expression cold and dangerous.
I swallowed hard. “Ashton…”
“How do you want her to be?” His voice was laced with mockery. “Scarlett, do you actually think I won’t divorce you just because of the box Grandpa left you?”
My heart skipped a beat. He had found out so quickly.
Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze head-on. “I didn’t push her. And I have no idea what’s inside that box. I never planned to use it to threaten you. If you want a divorce, fine. Let’s get one tomorrow.”
Outside, the sound of rain splattered against the windshield. The silence inside the car was suffocating.
Ashton was clearly taken aback by my sudden agreement. His brows furrowed before he let out a cold laugh. “Rebecca is still in the hospital. Are you so eager to divorce me just so you can walk away unscathed?”
I clenched my fists. “What do you want me to do, then?”
His lips curled into a smirk as he straightened in his seat, fingers tapping rhythmically against the steering wheel. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll take care of her.”