Michelle pulled Ashley outside before placing a car key in her palm.
She stared at it in confusion, thinking Michelle was too energetic for a grandmother.
"We got you a car, darling!" Michelle said, practically squealing with delight.
Ashley's eyes widened as Mikael added, "Your official car. Greg will be your personal driver." Ashley noticed a slight tremor in Mikael's voice, but she was too nervous to read much meaning to it.
Her heart pounded as she turned to see a sleek, brand-new vehicle parked a few steps away, with Greg rigidly standing beside it. He was as still as the car which shockingly happened to be the latest model of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Ashley's lips parted in shock. This was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
The polished black exterior gleamed under the morning sun. Ashley had thought it was one of the numerous luxury cars owned by the couple when they first stepped outside.
Michelle noticing her hesitation, spoke up. "Do you not like it, dear?" she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.
Ashley blinked rapidly, trying to suppress the sudden wave of emotion washing over her.
"No, I mean yes… I... I love it. I'm just really surprised," she said, forcing an awkward smile. Having never experienced such level of generosity, made her unsure how to react. "Thank you so much." She blinked a few times to stop the tears already clouding her vision.
Despite her joy, a nagging feeling settled in the depth of her chest. As much as she appreciated her grandparent's generosity, she couldn't shake the wariness creeping up her spine. Nothing in life came without a price. She still wasn't sure what her grandparents' grand gestures would cost her yet—and that scared her.
Or was it just paranoia? Were they truly just seeking her happiness? Not many had ever cared. Why should they?
She slowly approached the car in disbelief, feeling like she was in a dream—one that could end if she dared to believe it was real. Just like how Christian had turned into a monster after she'd foolishly thought he was her savior.
The Mercedes-Benz had always been Ashley's dream car, and she had imagined owning one someday. But never did she imagine it would be this soon. As she ran her fingers over the sleek surface, a memory flashed in her mind—one that still stung. She recalled the disappointment she felt when Christian had asked about her favorite car, back during their marriage. It had been a fleeting moment of excitement, a hope that maybe, just maybe, he had been planning to surprise her. But instead, he had gifted Kayla the very car she had always wanted, as a graduation present.
Mikael coughed, breaking Ashley's train of thought. She turned to him as he spoke. "It's your first day, and I know you're nervous, dear. I was too in my time." He smiled, his gaze distant, as if remembering. "But I've seen that you have what it takes to do an excellent job... and that's why I chose you."
Ashley was taken aback by his words, surprised by how much trust they were placing in her. All the years she had labored in Christian's company, no one had ever truly believed in her. But here she was, hearing such words from people who barely knew her. Even though they were her family, she was just starting to know them. Her tears threatened to escape, but she held them back by slightly tilting her head upwards.
******
At precisely 9:15 AM, they arrived at Flynn Enterprises in Ashley's new car. Greg had driven, and after pulling into an empty parking spot, Ashley stepped out, her dark hair swaying gently in the breeze as she craned her neck to take in the towering skyscraper before her
A flicker of uncertainty crept in as she stood there, fighting an internal battle. Would she truly fit in here? Was she deceiving herself by thinking she could run such powerful company?
Her palms grew sweaty with nervousness, and she rubbed them against her clothes, taking deep breaths repeatedly to calm her raging nerves
Ashley's thoughts were soon interrupted by a young, beautiful woman with pastel orange hair who approached her with confident strides. "Miss Ashley? I'm Claire, your personal assistant." She introduced herself with a professional smile. "I'll also be your guide until you're familiar with the company."
Ashley quickly gathered herself, slipping into the poised demeanor she had practiced. "Nice to meet you, Claire," she replied with a subtle smile. "I'd like to see my office."
As they walked through the building, Ashley resisted the urge to gape at its sheer sophistication and beauty. She had been to Christian's companies in the past, but nothing she had seen compared to this. When employees greeted her, she returned their greetings with a polite nod, focusing on maintaining an air of composure.
Inside the elevator, she watched the numbers ascend until they reached the fortieth floor—the CEO's floor. As the doors slid open, Claire led her to a sleek glass door, which opened automatically.
Ashley stepped inside, momentarily breathless. The office was nothing short of breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city's skyscrapers, sunlight streaming in to illuminate the modern yet elegant décor. A sleek wooden desk stood at the center, accompanied by a luxurious leather chair, and a beautiful black couch sat at the corner.
"Thank you," Ashley said, taking it all in. She set her handbag down on the desk, still trying to process the stark contrast between her old life and her new one. While she had labored tooth and nail in Christian's company, she had never had an office of her own. This was a completely different world for her—one that felt unreal.
Claire smiled warmly before adding, "My office is on the thirty-sixth floor if you need me."
Ashley turned to her. "Are there other offices on this floor?"
Claire shook her head. "No, the previous CEO preferred to have his space."
Ashley considered that for a moment before making a quick decision. "Then relocate your office here. I want you to be accessible."
Claire blinked, surprised by the request, but quickly nodded. "Of course, Miss Ashley. I'll arrange for the move immediately."
Once Claire left, Ashley settled into her chair and began reviewing some of the documents she'd dropped. She wanted to familiarize herself with the company's operations as quickly as possible.
Minutes later, a knock interrupted her focus. Claire reentered, carrying a stunning bouquet of vibrant red roses and a small, elegant bag.
Ashley glanced up in surprise. "You have a package, Miss Ashley," Claire announced, setting the bouquet and bag on the desk.
Frowning, Ashley straightened. "Who sent it?"
"The delivery came through a rider, but there was no sender's name," Claire explained.
Ashley's gaze fell on the roses, their sweet fragrance filling the air. They were fresh, beautiful. Slowly, she reached out, brushing her fingers against the soft petals before shifting her attention to the bag.
"Thanks, Claire," she murmured, dismissing her assistant with a nod.
As soon as the door closed, Ashley hesitated for a moment before opening the small package. Inside, she found a selection of Godiva chocolates—her absolute favorite—and a box of strawberry-flavored cupcakes. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, followed by a rush of unease.
Only two people knew about her love for these particular treats.
Christian.
And Lorenzo.
Her pulse quickened as she reached for the small note tucked beside the chocolates, wondering which of them it had come from. With growing curiosity, she unfolded the card and read the neatly written words.
"I hope they're still your favorite, Sunshine. Enjoy your first day. Your not-so-secret admirer..."
Ashley's breath caught in her throat, knowing that only one infuriating man called her by that nickname.
Lorenzo Grey.
A scoff escaped her lips as she leaned back in her chair, staring at the note. The kiss scene flashed in her mind for the millionth time, and she silently groaned in frustration. How did he even know she had work resumex today? And why couldn't he just leave her alone?
But as much as she wanted to dismiss it, an unsettling warmth spread in her chest. Because despite everything, despite the years that had passed—he still remembered her favorite treats.