Ashley's eyes stung with pins at Michelle's words, and she felt a metallic taste flood her mouth. She knew those tears were coming, and she hated it.
She tried to recall the last time someone had spoken to her with such softness and tenderness—it wasn't often.
"We'll do everything to find my great-granddaughter," Michelle promised. "I really wish we found out earlier... about you. And for that, I–I'm sorry." Her eyes held genuine sorrow.
Ashley couldn't hold back the tears any longer, before she knew it, Michelle closed the distance and wrapped her arms around her.
At first, Ashley froze, then slowly relaxed into the warm embrace. They both sobbed in each other's arms, and the whole experience felt strange to Ashley.
Having a shoulder to cry on was a luxury she wasn't quite used to, and Michelle crying alongside her was something she couldn't comprehend. She was used to the harsh reality of staying strong no matter what. She had learned with time that no one cared, except for Maddy then, but she was also gone.
But now...
The more she sobbed into Michelle's shoulders, the lighter she felt. It was as though the weight she'd been carrying for so long was slowly lifting. But she didn't want that at all.
The weight reminded her that she was suffering for being careless with her daughter, and feeling it trying to lift made her heart prick with a larger guilt.
Ashley blamed herself for Vanessa's disappearance. No matter how much she wanted to hate her kidnappers, she hated herself more for not making the right decisions. If she hadn't looked for an easier way out, Vanessa would still be with her. The thought only caused her tears to flow more freely.
Thankfully, her makeup was waterproof, so the time spent perfecting it wasn't wasted.
A voice in her head suddenly whispered a warning not to get too comfortable. Michelle's comfort, the kindness—it all felt too good to be true. These people might just be playing their roles too well, trying to get her to lower her guard. And even if they were sincere, she was still in their house because they wanted something from her. Either way, they're not entirely sincere.
"I'm sorry about that, Mrs. Flynn," Ashley quickly apologized, pulling away from the hug. "I hope I didn't stain your dress."
Michelle smiled faintly, though there was still sadness in her eyes. "No, you didn't. And why don't you just call me Grandma?" she added softly.
Ashley hesitated, pressing her lips together as she tried to process the request. Michelle saw the reluctance, but didn't try to push her any further.
Soon, they were informed their ride was ready, and the maids returned to help Ashley finish dressing.
Moments later, Ashley arrived at the prestigious five-star Avery Hotel in a beautiful silver Rolls Royce, with Mikael and his wife following in the car behind hers. They planned to make their entrance together.
As she stepped out of the car, the chauffeur holding the door open for her, she saw Mikael and Michelle waiting beside it. Michelle offered a gentle smile, while Mikael extended his free hand, his other hand still holding Michelle's.
Ashley took his hand, and the three of them proceeded toward the entrance, protected from the swarm of cameras by a few bodyguards.
As they entered the hotel, Ashley tried not to gape at the grandiose interior that immediately stole her breath.
Her heart raced as she scanned the crowd, most people mingling in pairs, and she couldn't help but wonder if the Harringtons were among them. The thought made her spine stiffen, especially after her encounter with Christian a week ago.
A pair of eyes silently watched Ashley from the crowd, lazily sipping from his glass as though he had all the time in the world to savor its contents.
"This is madness, dear brother." Raphael swirled the drink in his glass, his jaw tightening as he watched Ashley move through the crowd, her eyes darting as though she was searching for somebody.
Raphael has been expecting his brother since he arrived the party, and now he couldn't be more disappointed and irritated to finally see him in the company of the stranger he'd chosen over his own blood.
Over the years, Raphael had patiently waited for his turn to takeover Flynn Enterprise, securing allies, grooming his sons for leadership, waiting for his elder brother to die, just like his sons—only to be blindsided like this. He exhaled sharply, suppressing his anger as a waiter placed a fresh bottle of wine on his table.
"Absolute nonsense." he hissed, standing up. "Eric, look after that for me." He ordered his bodyguard before stepping away to make an important call.
Ashley's unease grew as they passed and greeted more people, her nausea intensified with each passing moment. She feared one of the numerous tuxedos might turn out to be the nightmares she was trying to escape.
This week had been particularly merciless, relentlessly raking up memories she thought she had tried to bury. Every day, it seemed as though fate was conspiring against her, throwing people into her path who reminded her of the painful past she desperately wanted to forget.
"Are you okay, dear?" Michelle asked, breaking her train of thought.
Ashley forced a smile. "I just get nervous meeting new people."
Mikael smiled reassuringly. "It's natural to feel that way. I'll have the driver ready to take you home once I introduce you to my partners."
Ashley nodded, her heart pounding at the possibility of Christian being among them.
Could it be a coincidence that Christian had found her the same day she met Mikael? Chaotic thoughts swirled in her mind until Mikael's words broke through her trail of thoughts again.
"For now, you'll need a plus one." Mikael said.
Ashley looked ahead and froze. Standing before her, exuding his usual charm and with an attention grabbing presence, was the one person she feared encountering more than Christian Harrington.
No. Not him. Anyone but him.