Chapter 25
Things would only get more complicated if he found out the truth. The situation between the three of us was already messy, and bringing a child into the mix would only make things worse.
Leaving seemed like the best option—a clean break for everyone.
As I parked outside the villa, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. The thought of getting Ashton upstairs in his current state made me hesitate. After a brief moment of contemplation, I stepped out of the car, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door. “Ashton,” I called softly, tugging at his sleeve.
His eyes fluttered open at the sound of his name. His face was slightly flushed, a clear sign of how much whiskey he’d consumed. He scanned his surroundings before his gaze settled on me. “You brought me here?”
I nodded, unsure whether he was still drunk or already sobering up. “Come inside. It’s late.”
Dawn was already breaking. My body was weary, and being pregnant, I simply didn’t have the energy to deal with him much longer.
He sat up straighter but made no move to step out. His dark eyes looked unusually calm, but I knew better than to trust his demeanor. He was unpredictable, especially when alcohol was involved.
After a pause, I tried again. “Do you need me to help you out?”
Ashton leaned back and murmured, “I think I’ll stay here and bask in the sun for a while.”
I blinked. Sun? Now? Was he serious?
Exhaling, I decided not to argue. “Alright. Take your time.” My body ached, and I couldn’t afford to stand out in the cold with him any longer. I turned and headed inside the villa.
I collapsed into bed, but sleep didn’t come easily. The silence outside gnawed at me. What if he wandered off and got himself into trouble? After an internal battle, I sighed and forced myself out of bed.
To my relief, when I reached the living room, I found Ashton sprawled on the couch, fast asleep. Finally, I could rest.
By the time I woke up, it was already noon.
Remembering my appointment with Caleb, I hurriedly freshened up and rushed to the office. When I arrived, he was already waiting.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Dr. Ludwick,” I said, slightly out of breath.
He smiled understandingly. “Not at all. I appreciate you making time for this.”
After settling down, we signed both the completion and transfer agreements. As we wrapped up, Caleb extended an invitation. “It’s already noon. You probably haven’t eaten yet. How about grabbing a meal? My wife has been wanting to thank you personally.”
I considered it for a moment but noticed Stacey hesitating as if she had something to say. Sensing urgency, I smiled at Caleb and declined. “Thank you, Dr. Ludwick, but I have some things to take care of. Let’s schedule another time.”
He nodded and left after exchanging pleasantries.
Once he was gone, I turned to Stacey. “What is it?”
“Mr. Fuller wants to see you in his office, Ms. Stovall.”
I frowned. “Did our department do something wrong?”
Ashton rarely called me in for personal matters while at work, so this had to be business-related.
Stacey hesitated before answering. “Finance spoke to Mr. Fuller about the deal with Dr. Ludwick. He didn’t seem pleased and asked to see you.”
I sighed and nodded. “Alright.”
When I reached Ashton’s office on the top floor, the atmosphere was as cold and intimidating as ever. The space was immaculate, yet unwelcoming. The meeting room door was shut.
Joseph, his assistant, noticed me. “Mr. Fuller is in a meeting with Mr. Quinn and Dr. Crest. It should be about half an hour.”
I nodded and made my way to the couch. Glancing at my watch, I realized I had rushed out without eating. Now, hunger gnawed at me.
Joseph placed a glass of water on the table before me, his expression unreadable. “Please wait, Ms. Stovall. Mr. Fuller won’t be long.”
Taking the glass, I decided to break the awkward silence. “Has Mr. Fuller been drinking frequently, Mr. Campbell?”
Macy had mentioned that Ashton had been visiting her bar more often than usual, and I wanted to know why.
Joseph hesitated slightly before responding, “He hasn’t been in the best mood lately.”
I frowned. “Why?”
It couldn’t be just about the child. It was always Rebecca.
Joseph averted his gaze and cleared his throat. “I’m not sure.”
I scoffed internally. He was lying.
Fatigue crept in, and before I knew it, I drifted into a light sleep. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of voices stirred me awake. I forced myself upright, preparing to face whatever awaited me in Ashton’s office.