Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Calvert with an air of elegance appeared before Ash, his expression indifferent.
“What’s up?” Ash looked up.
“About last night’s collaboration.” Calvert reminded her in a flat tone.
Dorothy not only wanted them to date every day, but she also wanted proof in the form of photos.
For the sake of his freedom a year from now, Calvert felt it was worth it.
“What do you mean?” Ash was puzzled. ‘So, agreeing to this meant we have to be glued to each other for a whole year? She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t sign a contract to be your servant”
Calvert remained silent, stepping, closer and wrapping a strong arm around her shoulder. He pulled out his phone and snapped a selfie, then sent it to Dorothy.
The faint scent of cologne filled Ash’s nose. She wasn’t used to being so close to someone she barely knew, and she instinctively thought about flipping him over her shoulder.
But realizing he’d be her boyfriend for the next year, she took a deep breath and forced herself to hold back. At least his scent wasn’t unpleasant, and he was easy on the eyes.
“Dorothy’s orders,” Calvert explained coldly.
Ash raised an eyebrow, ready to ask why he was so obedient, but then she noticed his stiff hands. After taking the photo, he sat down beside her, his icy face betraying a hint of awkwardness.
‘Huh, a new discovery: Ash observed him with interest and noticed his ears were slightly flushed.
What started as reluctance suddenly didn’t seem so unacceptable to her.She’d heard Calvert hadn’t had any other women around besides Jade for years, and it looked like it was true.
“Wow! You’ve been with Jade for so long, and yet you’re still so innocent.” Ash couldn’t help but tease. Then she remembered their current situation and smirked. “Or do you think it’s more thrilling to pretend to be a couple with me behind her back?
Calvert’s expression darkened at her words.
Seeing the amused look on her face, he leaned closer, reducing the distance between them. “Exactly.”
His blunt admission caught Ash off guard, leaving her unsure of how to respond.
But before she could think of a reply, he sat beside her, recalling what Jade had said about her being kept. A mocking smile crept onto his lips. “Your family really knows how to keep things interesting.”
Ash was speechless, wondering what she had done to offend him this time.
“This is ridiculous! Her earlier amusement vanished, and she turned away, not wanting to deal with him anymore.
Calvert felt a surge of irritation. ‘Is she really being kept for money?‘
“Detox me,” he said coldly, his expression returning to its usual icy detachment.
Ash almost laughed in disbelief. ‘He needs my help but acts so high and mighty? I am not here to serve him. Besides, ever
1/3
09:49 Poe, 11 Feb
Chapter 30
since I stopped using needles, I haven’t touched them again!
She had only done it in emergencies at the Turner family’s place, and later to detox herself. “Why should I break my principles for this jerk?‘
89%1
<+12
“Look, if you want something, you should have a better attitude, you know?” Ash replied lazily. As she spoke, she scrutinized
his face.
There was a thin sheen of sweat on his handsome features, and if she hadn’t looked closely, she might have missed it. His lips were dry, reminiscent of that time they were locked in the bedroom together, though his symptoms seemed milder
now.
Calvert took out a card, his voice icy. “Here’s 700 thousand dollars. Is that enough?”
Ash raised an eyebrow. He was returning the money she had just given the Moreno family, so it seemed pointless to refuse.
‘But why does he look so displeased?‘ She usually acted on impulse.
Seeing the glint in her eyes, Calvert couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. ‘So she is all about the money, huh?”
But the next moment, Ash’s voice held a hint of confusion. “Do I look like I’m desperate for money?”
Calvert studied her seriously: her flawless skin, silky shoulder–length hair, delicate features, and that ethereal aura… She didn’t look like someone who was short on money or someone who would sell herself for it.
He averted his gaze, realizing that people from humble backgrounds could be quite cunning and skilled at acting.
He had never imagined Jade, whom he considered a sister, would ever betray him like that. But he wasn’t the type to jump to conclusions. Who Ash was didn’t matter to him; after a year, they’d just be strangers.
Seeing Calvert’s noncommittal expression, Ash figured he didn’t quite believe her.
‘Whatever. Why should I stoop to the level of a petty, moody jerk?‘ Opening the window, Ash gazed out at the scenery.
Dean was driving the Snider family car behind them, looking puzzled.‘ Why is Mr. Snider squeezing into a car with Ms. Turner instead of using his own?‘
Just then, Dorothy called Dean to ask about their time together.
When she learned Calvert was indeed in the same car as Ash, she felt relieved. As long as she could see them married in her lifetime, she’d be satisfied.
“What’s wrong? Is it not enough?” Calvert’s cold voice interrupted her thoughts, scrutinizing her. “Or are you trying to play hard to get?”
Ash clenched her fists, mentally chanting to stay calm as if he wasn’t there.
Calvert took her silence as agreement and pulled out another black card. “Didn’t expect you to have such a big appetite. Here’s 3.5 million dollars.”
Ash paused for a second. ‘Is he really that clueless? Fine, if he is intent on throwing money at me, I’ll take it to avoid any further hassle.‘
She accepted it and tossed it onto the seat beside her as if it were just trash.
Calvert’s smirk deepened. ‘Not only is she playing hard to get, but she is also greedy.
2/3
x
༢.89%ཟླ
Chapter 30
Yet, after waiting a while, he saw she was still doing nothing. ‘Is she going to take the money without doing anything in
return?‘
0
Seemingly sensing his confusion, Ash rolled her eyes and said, “Have Dean take you home. The bracelet I left at your place has some drugs in it, worth way more than 3.5 million dollars.” With that, she signaled the driver to pull over.
Calvert’s deep–set eyes glinted with cold light as he stared at her.
Ash had lost all patience. She pressed the button to control the door and, before he could react, she shoved him out of the car and quickly shut the door.
Everything happened in a flash, and the driver hadn’t even processed what was going on before the door was locked.
“That is the future heir of the Snider family!‘ The driver was visibly shocked.
But Ash acted as if nothing had happened, her lips curling into a calm smile. “Let’s go home.”
