Chapter 13
“Why not?” the thug sneered, his smile laced with malice. “You threw that glass at me, didn’t you?”
I nodded. “It wasn’t intentional. Sorry about that.”
“Damn it! Do you have a death wish?” he roared, raising his baton menacingly.
Macy and I dodged swiftly. Spotting a beer bottle on a nearby table, I grabbed it and hurled it at him without hesitation.
The other thugs had been watching with amusement, but the moment we fought back, they sprang into action, gripping their batons and charging at us.
Fortunately, Macy and I weren’t easy targets. Skilled in self-defense, we held our own in the scuffle. By the time the police arrived, everyone had sustained minor injuries. The officers rounded us up and took us to the station for questioning.
Though we were the victims, our retaliation meant we weren’t entirely off the hook. After providing our statements, we had to wait for someone to bail us out.
Macy was an orphan, and I was her only close friend in J City. With no one else to call, she relied on me to find a way out.
I wasn’t particularly social, dividing most of my time between work and home. Left with no other option, I decided to call Jared for help.
After a few rings, the call connected, but there was only silence on the other end. The awkwardness made me hesitate before I finally spoke. “Dr. Crest, I’m sorry to bother you at this hour. Can you do me a favor? I’m at the police station and need someone to bail me out.”
Still, there was no response. Anxious, I quickly added, “Dr. Crest, please.”
A deep voice finally came through. “Scarlett Stovall!”
My breath hitched. Isn’t that Ashton? Why is he answering Jared’s phone?
I was both startled and apprehensive. “Ashton, you—”
“Where are you?” he cut me off, his tone cold and clipped.
I could sense his displeasure through the phone.
“Metropolitan Police Station,” I answered cautiously.
The call ended abruptly.
Macy, who had been watching me, shook her head. “Why didn’t you just call Ashton directly? Now look what’s happened.”
I massaged my temples. “He was drunk when I left the villa. I assumed he’d be asleep by now, so I called Jared instead. I had no idea he’d answer.”
Thirty minutes later, Ashton arrived at the police station, flanked by an entourage. His commanding presence turned heads instantly. Dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, he exuded an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.
With his name frequently gracing financial headlines, it was no surprise that nearly everyone at the station recognized him. Officers rushed forward to greet him with utmost respect.
Macy nudged me with her elbow, whispering, “Okay, I get why you’re so obsessed with him. He’s a walking masterpiece. Women must be throwing themselves at him. And yet, you’re the one sharing a bed with him every night.”
I shot her an unimpressed look. Not long ago, she was urging me to get a divorce, and now she was gushing over him?
Women are truly fickle.
With a few swift signatures, Ashton secured our release.
As we stepped out of the police station, an officer who had arrested us earlier offered some advice. “Next time, if you encounter trouble, don’t take matters into your own hands. Just call the police immediately.”
Macy and I exchanged glances before flashing polite smiles. “Thank you, officer. We’ll keep that in mind,” we replied in unison.
As soon as we turned to leave, Macy muttered under her breath, “Yeah, right. If I hadn’t fought back, the police would’ve been collecting my corpse instead.”
I was about to respond when a sudden chill crept up my spine. Sensing something, I glanced over my shoulder.
There, standing beside his sleek black Jeep, Ashton watched us in silence. His black suit blended seamlessly with the night, making his intense gaze all the more intimidating.