Chapter 471 Danger Approaching
"You..." Ashley stared at Ethan in astonishment.
Never had she imagined that a day would come when a man would weep over her injuries. Didn't he claim not to love her? Why then this display of concern?
Despite her confusion, Ashley's heart hammered in her chest, the rhythm wild and strong.
Faced with Ethan's promise, she lowered her gaze, her ears burning. "Thank you."
Ethan wiped away his tears and laughed self-deprecatingly. "I apologize. Seeing your wounds, I momentarily lost control of my emotions."
"You're more sensitive than I thought," Ashley remarked.
"There are many sides of me you can discover in time," he replied.
Ashley wondered silently why she should want to know more about him. Their eyes met across the space between them.
Her heart skipped several beats, and she quickly turned away, feigning pain. "Gentle... it hurts..."
"Turn around," Ethan said softly. "I need to treat your back."
Unable to move properly, Ashley relied on Ethan to help position her. Her once flawless back was now marked with lash wounds. Each application of medicine was accompanied by his gentle breath cooling the sting.
With her back to him, Ashley's face flushed uncontrollably. Though neither spoke, the atmosphere between them grew undeniably intimate.
Finally, after more than an hour, her treatment was complete.
"Remember, keep the wounds dry," Ethan instructed.
Ashley nodded, noticing he seemed reluctant to leave. "Thank you... you can go now."
Ethan gazed at her longingly. Her eagerness to dismiss him brought a bitter smile to his face. She truly had no desire for his company.
A thought occurred to him—opportunities must sometimes be created.
"Andy and Nate want to video call you," he offered. "Since your phone is broken, you can use mine."
In truth, her phone was fine—this was merely Ethan's excuse to stay.
Missing her children, Ashley agreed. "Alright."
Ethan's lips curved upward as he dialed Atticus on WhatsApp. The call connected quickly. "Sir, it's rather late. Is something wrong?"
"Could you put Andy and Nate on? They want to speak with their mother."
Moments later, Atticus handed his phone to the boys, who were still awake. Delighted to see their mother, they spoke excitedly:
"Mommy, I miss you," Nate said.
"Mommy, I heard the palace has many rules. Are you adjusting well?" Andy asked.
On screen, Ashley showed only half her face, concealing her injuries.
"I'm fine, Andy. I'm adjusting well," she assured them. "While I'm away, you two must look after each other."
As mother and sons chatted about everyday matters, Ethan watched from nearby. In this moment, it was as if Ashley were his wife, and he the adoring husband observing his beloved speaking with their children.
The scene was heartwarming—yet danger lurked unseen.
Meanwhile, Marc's trusted assistant Sam traveled under cover of night to the most dangerous dock in the region. The dock's master—a man who had bloodied his hands countless times—was known to locals as "Devil Jacques West."
Jacques was a ruthless businessman who would undertake any venture for the right price.
"Jacques, an emissary from Marc seeks an audience," announced a guard.
Jacques smiled scornfully. "With palace politics in turmoil and Marc stripped of his position, he must be seeking my help."
"Shall I..."
"Send him in."
Sam was escorted into the cabin where Jacques sat swirling red wine in a crystal glass, regarding his visitor with contempt. "Your name? Your business?"
"Mr. West, I am Count Marc's subordinate, Sam. I come bearing my master's message."
"Speak."
"My master's daughter Mary has been imprisoned. He requests your help in securing her release. Whatever your terms, he will meet them."
Jacques chuckled. "How powerful must I be to rescue someone who's offended His Highness Prince Totti?"
Sam fell to his knees. "Please, Mr. West."
"A messenger's plea holds no weight," Jacques scoffed. "Tell Marc if he wants my help, he must come personally. And I want one hundred million dollars. Don't claim he doesn't have it—I know what bribes he's taken."
When Sam delivered this message to Marc, the Count slammed his fist on the table. "That bastard Jacques demands one hundred million!"
"If we use our emergency reserves, how will we survive?" his wife fretted.
"We have no choice. Only Jacques can save Mary now."
"Why must it be him? Can no one else help?"
"Jacques controls a black market network the palace has failed to eliminate for years. His influence extends everywhere. For the right price, he can accomplish anything."
Marc narrowed his eyes. "Quickly, exchange clothes with me. Cover my escape. I'll negotiate with Jacques personally."
Disguised as a servant, Marc slipped away during the changing of the guards. He sped to the docks where he knelt before the crime lord, offering one hundred million dollars with trembling hands.
Jacques counted the money with satisfaction. "Marc, I accept your business. Wait here. Your daughter will join you shortly."
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