Said 5

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on November 6, 2024

Chapter 5

Bailey bit back the words that were about to spill out. She reminded herself that Ash, as the owner of Dream Couture, was likely to rub shoulders with high–society people.

Shaking her head, she chided herself, “No way, you’re not that kind of person.”

Ash chuckled, playfully pinching Bailey’s cheek. “You know me too well. Otherwise, you might’ve fallen for Samantha’s drama

Afraid of offending her friend, Bailey quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, Jewel. I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

“It’s fine.” Ash interrupted gently. “We’ve been friends for years. But from now on, don’t call me Jewel anymore, okay?”

Before Bailey could wrap her head around this, the Turner family’s butler approached with a slight bow, “Miss Turner, Mr. Franklin Turner requests your presence.”

Bailey,

“Okay. Ash replied and had someone look after Bailey,

Even after Ash walked away. Bailey was still floored – the bombshell that Jewel was actually the Turner family’s young lady left her head spinning.

Meanwhile, outside the hotel, the Moreno family’s earlier scene had left them feeling embarrassed, with sharp gazes cutting into them from all sides. Heads hung low, they tried to enter the venue but were stopped by security.

Lorelei, already fuming, lost it. “What do you mean we can’t enter? We’re on the guest list!”

The man who had escorted Ash inside earlier came out, a slight smirk on his face. “You offended our young lady. That’s why you’re not welcome at today’s party”

He summoned more security to surround them, instructing. “If they try to force their way in, throw them out on the spot. Red–faced, the Morenos hightailed it out of there. Dexter slunk back to their car while Samantha looked on with green eyes as Ash walized into the grand hall, admirers in tow.

In a fit of frustration, Samantha stomped her foot, losing her balance. With a cry of pain, she tumbled over, her 590- thousand dollar dress tearing on the rough pavement. Her anger towards Ash intensified as she realized her chance to show off was ruined before it even began.

As the party reached its peak. Franklin took the stage to speak. Just as he wrapped up introducing Ash and she started heading for the stage, the lights suddenly went out

Chaus broke out in the darkness. Screams and shouts filled the air as people stumbled around i

in a panic.

Ach, pushed around by the scared crowd, tried to make her way to her grandfather. Out of nowhere, a strong hand grabbed her wrt and pulled her away.

Before the could react, the was being led through the darkness by someone who seemed to know the hotel inside and out. When the lights flickered back on, the ballroom was a mess. Franklin, shaken up by the commotion,

had been taken upstairs

Mooke was the first to n

notice Ashy was masing. Where Ashi)

asked, her voice shaky

They looked everywhere, but Ash was healere to be found Copian grumbled, “She’s probably never dealt with anything ke this before Whe knows where she’s lading

18:36 Wed, Nov 6

Chapter 5

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“Shut up,” Josh snapped, smacking Caspian’s head. “Keep looking. If your grandpa finds out about this, you’re in hot water He added as he turned to Lachlan, “Get someone to show the guests out.”

Brooke sfood off to the side, on the verge of tears. “My dear Ash she whispered, “Tve only just found you. Are you leaving me–again?”

Jade, unable to stand seeing Brooke so upset, tried to comfort her. “Mom, don’t worry. I’m sure she’s okay”

“Of course you’re not worried. She’s not your daughter!” Brooke mapped, immediately regretting her words but too upset to apologize.

Jade flinched, her expression a complex mix of emotions.

Calvert, standing behind her, gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze “Why don’t you go check on your grandpa? There’s not much more you can do here?

ta

Jade nodded, giving Calvert a quick hug. I’m so glad I have you Calvert,” she murmured.

As the last guests cleared out, Ash was still

still nowhere to be found. Even the security cameras drew a blank on her exit.

Calvert, pulling away thoughtfully, figured hotel staff must’ve had a hand in it. His eyes landed on a bracelet tossed in the corner one he kinda remembered Ash wearing. It was lying near a staff–only door which was left slightly open, backing up his hupch.

At first, Calvert thought about letting the Turners deal with the mess. He was gonna call off the engagement soon anyway. But then Jade popped into his mind. If Ash didn’t turn up tonight, tomorrow’s news would paint Jade as the suspect.

For Jade’s sake, he decided to poke around, clutching the bracelet as he made for the staff–only door.

Meanwhile, Ash came to in a moving car, her head fuzzy from whatever they’d doped her with. As she shook off the fog, the bumpy ride told her they were heading to the boonies.”

When she tried the door, the man beside her pressed a knife to her throat. His breath was hot on her ear as he growled, “Stay

pul

Ash tensed up. her mind in overdrive. “Who are you? What’s this about?” she asked, fighting to keep her voice level.

The man sneered. “You know damn well. The Turner family’s princess must be worth a pretty penny. Play nice, and you won’t get hurt.”

His words set off alarm bells–how did he know she was the Turner family’s young lady when it wasn’t public knowledge? This reeked of an inside job. Ash let out a chilly laugh that caught her captor off guard.

“What’s so funny?” he snarled, pressing the knife closer.

“How much did she pay you?” Ash asked coolly.

“Mind

your own business!” the man spat.

Ash raised her hands in apparent surrender. As the man eased up, she turned to face him. I’ll triple your pay to let me walk,” she offered, her voice low and tempting.