A Week Later - Nova City
Ashley sat in front of a vanity mirror, surrounded by three maids who were busy carrying out the instructions of the makeup artists transforming her look. The exotic, beautiful salon was located within the grand Flynn mansion.
Ashley's Induction Gala, to be instated as the new CEO of Flynn Enterprise was just a few hours away.
Mikael Flynn had tracked her down to the hospital a week ago and had convinced her to follow him, which she eventually did. She figured she was better off with him than risk being found by Christian. Plus, Mikael swore he had nothing to do with her daughter's disappearance –not that she completely believed him anyway. But she didn't know how else to find out, than to be close to him.
It's afterall said to "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer".
Mikael had promptly set up an investigation team to search for Vanessa and a separate one to locate Madam Roseline, causing Ashley to further doubt his involvement. But again, she never could tell, and that frustrated her even more. This could be his tactic to have her lower her guards.
'Urrghh' she groaned silently, figuring she had no choice than to allow time reveal his true intention. Even though that was such a risky option.
As there was no documentation to prove Ashley's claim that Vanessa was indeed placed in temporary care, Madam Roseline was the only one who could explain what had happened to the original documents she had signed.
Gazing at her reflection in the large mirror, she almost couldn't believe the person staring back at her. The makeup artists had worked their magic, transforming her into someone almost unrecognizable.
It reminded her of the time when her beauty had been noticeable even from a distance, when Christian had first laid eyes on her and was charmed. But life happened, and the constant stress of fighting for her marriage, of trying to keep Christian's attention—had drained her completely.
The smoky effect around her eyes added a glow she hadn't seen in herself in awhile. But despite the flawless look, the sadness in her eyes couldn't be hidden by mere makeup. It seemed imprinted in her orbs, reflecting not only the struggles she had faced, but the battles she sensed ahead.
Ashley couldn't help but think she was making another bad decision. Doubting her B.sc in Business administration provided her the capability to lead a multinational company like Flynn Enterprise. The fear of failing twisted her stomach like a tight knot.
Though she once used to manage one of Christian's chains of restaurants, she was never ever commended. Instead, he always sang about how she destroyed everything.
Her lips twisted into a bitter smile as she recalled one particular sad memory.
"You destroy everything you touch, Ashley. Everything!" Christian's furious voice barked in her head. Ashley could almost feel him standing right in front of her with that scary scowl, repeating those exact words. She fisted her hands to stop them from trembling.
She could still remember that day vividly—the way he had looked at her with pure disgust. A simple mistake on her part had cost the branch she managed slightly more than they budgeted for a deal. Yet, later that same year, a recipe she developed earned the same company four times what had been lost. But Christian never forgot her mistake. Never let her forget it, either.
Ashley briefly shut her eyes, an attempt to block off the memory as she inhaled deeply.
Now she feared destroying what Mikael had obviously taken years to build, even though she didn't care much about the man. Ashley was still trying to wrap her head around the reason Mikael was willing to hand over his billion-dollar company to a total stranger and nobody like her.
To be more precise, she couldn't wrap her head around too many things, including Lorenzo Grey, whom she couldn't stop thinking of since their unexpected encounter. The urge to see him again, to find out why he'd left–lingered in the depth of her soul, like a soft whisper of temptation that she'd ignored since the past week.
Rubbing her temples softly, she wished for the thoughts to stop. They were flooding in faster than she could process. Lorenzo Grey was dead to her, and she preferred it to remain that way. She could never reopen an already stitched wound.
Ashley's palms turned sweaty, and she rubbed them together, trying to shake off the nervousness—and the feeling of wanting to run away again.
She needed this.
It was an opportunity to climb among the powerful, to build a future where Vanessa could be comfortable, when she's found. This was definitely not the time to be held back by doubts and fears.
The thought of Vanessa and what she might be facing at that moment terrified her to her bones. With the Hawks providing a false address for the adoption, she couldn't shake off the uncertainty about her baby's safety. The Hawks didn't even exist from what the neighbors told them.
Forcing her eyes open, she reassured herself that it was all just a mix-up, and Vanessa would be found soon.
But before then, she needed to stop being weak, to rise and become a force to be reckoned with. She wouldn't stop until she brought those who had rejected them to their knees.Taking another long, deep breath, she felt her nerves relax a bit.
The door opened, and Mikael's wife, Michelle entered. Ashley and Michelle hadn't spoken much since her arrival, as the former had mostly locked herself in the room given to her. Michelle filled with guilt, had given her the space she needed, and Ashley appreciated her sensitivity. But now, she figured she couldn't escape anymore.
"My dear," Michelle called, approaching her with calculated steps.
"Good evening, Ma'am," Ashley greeted calmly. The maids and makeup artists bowed slightly and left.
A deafening silence stretched before Michelle spoke again. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." Ashley replied, forcing a smile. "You look beautiful too, ma'am." She added genuinely. Clad in an expensive purple designer gown, Michelle didn't look anything like a grandmother.
A faint blush spread across her cheeks at Ashley's flattery. "You don't have to flatter me, dear. I know I'm an old lady, and my beauty has worn off."
Ashley laughed at her reaction, the first genuine laugh in a while.
Contrary to Michelle's words, she still looked young—really young, like a woman in her late fifties. But judging she was a grandmother to someone already in her mid-twenties, she should be definitely older. She reminded Ashley of Martha Stewart—same blonde hair, straight legs, fine body. Maybe it was just the perks of wealth, but Ashley chose not to argue.
Michelle took another step closer, her gaze unsteady. The playful air slowly dissipated, leaving a visibly tensed one.
"You know you can always say that you're not ready. Your grandfather will completely understand." She began, rubbing her arm nervously. Ashley was slightly taken aback, it wasn't the kind of speech she'd expected, especially knowing they'd sent out bunches of invitations already.
"We know you're still trying to digest everything, and I promise we're never going to rush you." Michelle continued, finding the courage to finally meet Ashley's gaze, noticing the moisture forming in her eyes. She pitied her.
Another step closer, and Ashley stiffened. "I promise we're here for you now, darling...you are not alone anymore."