COMMENT
Chapter 10
Ash’s acupuncture treatment gradually eased Brooke’s symptor, and her breathing became steady.
Normally, a simple pill would have sufficed, but without her br.delet, Ash had to resort to acupuncture–breaking her five- year hiatus from the practice
As Ash put away the needles, she helped Brooke sit up. How are you feeling, Mom?”
Brooke nodded, surprise evident in her eyes. “I had no idea you knew acupuncture,”
Tve browsed some medical texts, but I’m not an expert. Just picked up the basics,” Ash replied modestly, averting her gaze.
Brooke knew that Ash was being modest. Her congenital heart condition could be severe when triggered, and Ash’s single needle had brought her back from the brink. Clearly, Ashi’s skills were impressive.
Sensing Ashi’s reluctance to discuss it further, Brooke changed the subject. “Ash, why did you push Jade earlier?” she asked, her tone gentle but probing.
Ash met her gaze calmly. If I told you I only give her a light push, not nearly enough to knock her down the stairs, would you believe me?
Withouyhesitation, Brooke nodded. “Yes, I trust you.”
Brooke’s unconditional faith touched Ash deeply. For the first time, she felt the warmth of having a family, of being truly accepted. “Thank you, Mom,” she said, her gratitude genuine.
“Have some
- I’ll go check on jade. Ash said. She was determined to make an ellort for Brooke’s sake as long as Jade behaved herself.
At the hospital, Ash paused outside Jade’s room, overhearing he plaintive voice.
“Calvert, I’m fine. It wasn’t Ash’s fault. I just lost my balance” Jark said,
“Lost your balance? She clearly did it on purpose! Caspian chired in, his voice sharp with anger.
Ash took a deep breath and knocked before entering. Caspian bustled at the sight of her, his face contorting with rage. “Who invited you here?”
Tcame to see how she’s doing, and also–Ash began, but Caspian cut her off, stepping aggressively towards her.
Playing the good guy now? He shoved her roughly. “If it werent for you, Jade wouldn’t have fallen. You’ve brought nothing but trouble siner you came back. We should never have found you. Get out!”
AcCaspian raised his hand again, Ash’s reflexes kicked in. She caught his wrist, twisting it back painfully.
Caiguan’s face contorted in agony. “Let–let go, he stammered, fear replacing his auger
Jade’s expression changed, realizing Ash’s fighting skills Ash. I apologize for Caspian. He didn’t mean any harm,” she said hastily, moving to get out of bed.
Suddenly, Jade fell to die flour with a land thud.
Calvert inediately scooped her up gently placing her back on the bed, “Stay put F’ll handle thus,” he said softly, his eyes lingering on her face before turning to Ashe
her face belote
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Chapter 10
He then gripped Ash’s wrist, his voice cold as ice. “Had enough drama?”
He squeezed her wrist mercilessly, but she deliberately jabbed his wound in retaliation. Calvert hissed in pain, releasing her as if burned
Ash let go of Caspian and turned to Jade, her expression unreadable. ‘I’ll give you one last chance, Jade. Did I push you down. the stairs, or did you fall on your own?”
L..Jade bit her lip, her eyes wide and innocent as she glanced between Ash and Calvert.
Caspian glared at Ash, moving protectively towards Jade. “Don’t be scared, Jade. Calvert and I are here. She can’t do anything
to you.”
Jade cautiously looked up at Ash, trying to read her intentions. She couldn’t quite figure out what Ash was up to and wondered if Ash’s confident demeanor meant she had proof of the fall.
Recalling that there were no cameras near that part of the staircase, Jade was convinced that Ash was just bluffing, trying to trick her into confessing.
Softening her voice, Jade said. “Ash, let’s just put this behind us. Jknow you didn’t mean any harm.”
Ash nodded, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. “Alright, I gave you a chance, but you chose not to take it.” She then took out her phone and sent a video to Calvert and Caspian.
Calvert’s brow furrowed, his eyes darkening as he watched the footage. And the room suddenly fell eerily silent.
Sensing something was wrong, Jade nervously asked, ‘Calvert, what’s the matter?”
“See for yourself, he said, his voice tight as he tossed the phone to her.
Jade’s face paled as she saw the footage of her deliberate fall. She never imagined Ash would have planted a hidden camera. on her. Panicking, she tightened her grip on Calvèt’s hand. “Calvert, let me explain. It’s not what it looks like-
Calvert retrieved his phone, his voice icy. “You know how much hate being lied to.”
The fact that it happened in front of Ash only fueled his anger. He wrenched his hand free from Jade’s grasp and strode out
of the room
Jade tried her falling trick again, but this time Calvert didn’t even look back.
“Calvert, please don’t go Jade cried, her voice breaking as she reached out towards his retreating figure.
Ash glanced at Jade, internally scoffing at the display, and left without a word.
As soon as the door closed, Jade’s sobs echoed in the room. Between gasps, she turned to Caspian. “I didn’t mean for happen. I was just jealous of how Mom and Dad treated Ash. That’s why I came up with this plan. I-
“I know,” Caspian said, hugging her tightly. It’s all Ash’s fault. You know I’ll always love you
this to
When Ash walked into the elevator, she sensed someone following her. As she turned, a figure rushed in, pinning her against the wall Calvert’s fate loomed close, his eyes blazing with anger
Happy now he growled, his breath hot on her cheek.
Ash met has piercing gaze with a cold laugh “I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Snider.”
rit this what you wanted? To drive a wedge between Jade are so I’d marry you instead? His voice dripped with
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Chapter 10
contempt.
Stummed for a moment, Ash then chuckled, “Wow, your imagination knows no bounds.”
“Are you denying it Calvert leaned in closer, pressing her again the cool metal of the elevator wall.
@xx. 40%+
Ash jerked her chin away, but Calvert gripped it firmly, forcing her to look at him. Flis voice low and menacing, he said, “Drop the art. Even if I don’t mar
