Chapter 50
Ash reached for the silver needle. “That’s my lifeline.”
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Calvert held it effortlessly, but when Ash tried to grab it, she couldn’t get it to work. She frowned slightly, realizing he wasn’t easily tricked and his strength matched hers.
Letting go, Ash coolly asked, “Alright, what’s it going to take for you to give it back?”
Calvert pulled the needle away, studying it closely. “This looks familiar. Did we cross paths before you came back to the Turner family?”
“Never met you before,” Ash replied without hesitation.
“Then I’ll keep this as a keepsake,” Calvert said with a faint, cold smile. “It’s not often someone manages to hurt me.”
Ash rolled her eyes and thought, ‘Is he still hung up on that tiny scratch? It’s probably healed already. Talk about dramatic. Realizing she wasn’t getting the needle back, Ash didn’t press the issue. They had a whole year of their fake relationship ahead – plenty of time to retrieve it.
Calvert noticed a flicker of scheme in her otherwise calm expression, surprised by her playful side.
“If you help me find Prunella, I’ll return this to you,” he said slowly.
“And why do you need her?” Ash asked.
“Grandma’s not well. She needs Prunella’s treatment,” Calvert answered, his tone straightforward.
Ash figured if the Snider family couldn’t handle Dorothy’s condition, it must be serious.
She hadn’t done acupuncture in five years – except once for Brooke’s emergency. If her master found out, there would definitely be consequences.
Ash shook her head. “We’re friends, but I don’t know where she is right now.”
Calvert studied her for a moment, not convinced by her hesitation, but he didn’t push. “I’ll keep my word. I’ll have that herb delivered to the Turner family. Meet me outside in a bit. Grandma wants to see you.”
With that, Cal
stood and walked out.
Watching him leave, Ash rested her chin in her hand, still puzzled by his motives. After all, he didn’t need to cover her purchase.
The auction had ended while they spoke. Winners were settling payments backstage. No one dared to back out, knowing the reputation of Prime Oasis.
The staff worked swiftly, and soon, the place was nearly empty.
“Mr. Snider, should we package that herb with the nourishing pill?” Madeline asked respectfully.
“Separately,” Calvert said flatly. “By the way, Ms. Turner is my fiancée. Put all her future expenses at Prime Oasis on my tab.”
Madeline was stunned. She could not believe that her close friend was engaged to her boss. The news was mind–blowing.
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Chapter 50
Noticing her shock, Calvert narrowed his eyes and asked coolly, Is there a problem?”
Madeline snapped out of it and quickly smiled. “Not at all! You and Ms. Turner make a perfect couple. It’s like fate brought you together.”
She genuinely believed only someone as exceptional as Calvert could match someone like Ash.
Calvert’s lips twitched slightly. He thought Madeline misunderstood, but he wasn’t one to explain himself.
Outside, Jade was waiting. She noticed Ash hadn’t gone to pay for anything and was pleased, thinking Ash had already forgotten Brooke’s birthday. She already couldn’t wait to see Ash make a fool of herself on the day.
With that in mind, Jade felt better about the hefty price she paid for the ancient painting. She was convinced Brooke would reward her generosity.
Spotting the driver, Jade smiled as she got into the car. “Shall we get going, sir?”
“Mrs. Turner said to wait for Ash,” the driver responded matter–of–factly.
Jade glanced outside, wondering if Ash had lost her way. Moments later, she saw Ash and Calvert walking out together.
Pretending to be surprised, Jade quickly stepped out of the car. “Calvert, what a coincidence seeing you here!”
Calvert barely acknowledged her with a nod.
Still trying to keep up appearances, Jade turned to Ash. “Let’s head home, Ash. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Ash gave her a cold stare, clearly annoyed. She knew Jade wouldn’t have waited if Calvert hadn’t been around. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have ditched Ash before the auction.
“No need,” Ash replied, linking arms with Calvert. “I’m going to the Snider Manor with him.”
Seeing Jade’s face fall, Ash smirked and leaned closer to Calvert.
Trying to recover, Jade looked at him hopefully and said, “Calver, I visit your grandma often. I’ve got a little gift prepared. Mind if I join you?”
Without taking his eyes off Ash, Calvert replied flatly, “Grandma only invited Ash, not you.”
And with that, he walked away with Ash, leaving Jade fuming in silence.
Once they were out of sight, Ash quickly released Calvert’s arm. Thanks for playing along,” she said with a wink, slightly surprised he hadn’t pushed her away.
She’d expected resistance, but aside from a bit of tension, Calvert had played the part perfectly, even shutting down Jade’s offer.
“Isn’t she your woman? You and me like that-” Ash trailed off, confused.
Before she could finish, Calvert cut in, “She’s not.”
“Huh?” Ash frowned, genuinely puzzled. She’d always thought Jade and Calvert were a couple.
Noticing her confusion, Calvert said, “She saved my life once when I was injured on a mission. I see her as someone who helped me, nothing more.”
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