Chapter 407 Running into Annie While Shopping
After hanging up with Samantha, Ashley sat in the living room for a while.
Five tall men in formal suits appeared at the doorway, each wearing wireless earpieces and looking extremely serious.
"Who are you?" Ashley asked.
"Mrs. Yates, we're the security team Mr. Yates hired to protect you."
"I see," Ashley replied.
Ethan certainly knew how to choose his personnel. These five intimidating men would deter anyone from even approaching her, let alone harming her.
"I'm going shopping," she told them. "Please keep at least ten feet away. I don't want you frightening my friend."
"Understood, Mrs. Yates."
Ashley headed out, the security team following as they left the Yates Mansion for the mall. What they didn't notice was Felicity watching from the shadows, her cold eyes fixed on Ashley with murderous intent.
Since escaping custody, Felicity had been lurking around the Yates Mansion, seeking revenge against Ashley. But Ethan's security measures had made it impossible for her to get close.
"Ashley, I won't let you get away with this," Felicity muttered, her face contorting with rage as another opportunity slipped away.
"You won't be able to touch her," a cold voice suddenly came from behind her.
Felicity spun around, alarmed. "Who are you?"
The man—Chris—gave her a chilling smile that sent shivers down her spine. He resembled a giant python, flicking out its dangerous tongue.
"I've been watching longer than you have—months without a single chance to get close to Ashley. You think one day of lurking will give you better odds?"
Ever since escaping police custody following his confrontation with Ethan, Chris had been stalking the Yates Mansion. Each day, watching Ethan and Ashley together had only deepened his obsession and resentment.
Felicity studied Chris with surprise. "Perhaps we should work together."
Chris laughed coldly. "I want to possess Ashley. You want to kill her. How could I let that happen?"
He advanced toward Felicity, his eyes burning with murderous intent. He might hurt Ashley himself, but he wouldn't allow anyone else to harm her.
Backing away, Felicity warned, "Stay back! I can help you get Ashley, but you must agree to my condition."
Chris raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.
"I'll help you capture Ashley if you take her somewhere Ethan will never find her. Seeing them apart and miserable will be revenge enough for me."
Chris smiled—a terrifying, sinister expression. "Deal."
Felicity swallowed hard, shaking at the evil aura emanating from him. But with his help, her chances of reaching Ashley had just improved.
"Here's what we'll do..." she began outlining her scheme as Chris listened with growing satisfaction.
At the mall, Ashley spotted Pauline waving to her at the entrance.
"Ashley, over here!" Pauline called.
Ashley approached her. "No work today?"
"I switched shifts," Pauline replied, linking arms with Ashley affectionately. As close friends, Pauline had helped keep many of Ashley's secrets.
"What gift are you thinking of buying?" Pauline asked. "I browsed around before you arrived and couldn't decide."
"I'm not sure either," Ashley admitted. "The Weiss family isn't exactly hurting for money. It's really the thought that counts."
"Let's shop around and decide as we go."
"Sounds good."
As they walked together, Pauline glanced at the five serious-looking men maintaining their distance behind them.
"What's with the entourage?" she asked.
"Ethan's worried about my safety. They're bodyguards."
Pauline looked envious. "Ethan loves you as deeply as ever."
Ashley smiled. "Enough about me. Are you dating someone? Last time I called, Ryan answered your phone. What's going on there?"
Pauline blushed. "We just made it official recently. I haven't had a chance to tell you yet."
"That's wonderful!" Ashley said happily. "Ryan's a police officer—honest and dependable. I'm glad you found each other."
Ashley leaned in teasingly. "Are you living together?"
Pauline's face reddened further as she changed the subject. "Let's check out that toy store over there, shall we?"
Seeing Pauline's embarrassment, Ashley let it go. "Sure."
Inside the toy store, they found mostly high-end electronic toys designed for children three and older.
"These aren't really suitable for a newborn," Ashley observed. "Let's look elsewhere."
"Agreed."
As they turned to leave, they nearly bumped into a familiar face.
"Well, if it isn't Ashley!" a voice came through.
Ashley looked up to see Annie, whose smile appeared forced, her eyes betraying unfriendliness.
Ashley raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding.
So Annie and George had broken up. In that case, there was no need to hold back anymore.
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