Chapter 541 How Shameless

"They went on vacation?" Liam seemed surprised briefly, then nodded. "That's probably for the best, given everything that's happened. They needed to clear their heads."

Ashley looked concerned. "What exactly happened, Liam?"

"What should have been a joyous occasion—Landon and Samantha's wedding day—nearly turned into a disaster because of one spiteful woman. Thankfully, we managed to salvage the situation."

Ashley's brow furrowed. Despite her memory loss, she felt genuinely worried about family troubles.

Samantha quickly reassured her. "Don't worry about it, Ashley. It's all behind us now. When are you coming home? I've missed you terribly."

Ashley glanced at Samantha with confusion. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

Samantha and Landon exchanged bewildered looks.

Liam jumped in. "Ashley, this is your best friend, Samantha. She's Landon's wife now—our sister-in-law."

"I lost my memories years ago," Ashley explained softly. "That's why I never came looking for any of you."

"So that's what happened," Landon said, his expression softening with understanding.

"Oh, Ashley, you've been through so much," Samantha's voice cracked with emotion.

No wonder she hadn't returned home despite being safe—she simply couldn't remember them.

"I'll send my private jet immediately," Landon declared. "We need to see you in person."

"I'd like that," Ashley replied warmly.

After chatting a while longer, they ended the call just as the nurse arrived to care for Liam.

Checking the time, Liam said, "It's getting late, Ashley. The nurse can take care of me now. You must be exhausted—let me arrange for someone to drive you back to Ethan's place. You can return in the morning when Landon and Samantha arrive."

Ashley considered this for a moment before agreeing. While she wanted to help, staying overnight in a man's hospital room wouldn't be appropriate. She said goodbye to Liam and left in the waiting car.

Starry Ridge Estate

Ethan quietly backed out of the children's bedroom after finally getting them to sleep. Suddenly, his phone rang, and he quickly muffled it to avoid waking the kids.

"Hello?"

"Your Highness, the hospital just notified me that the paternity test results for you, Andy, and Nate are ready."

"Good. Bring them to me first thing tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After ending the call, Ethan went to his bedroom and grabbed sleepwear before heading to the bathroom for a shower.

Meanwhile, a shadowy figure—Mary—had sneaked into the house. After searching several rooms, she found the master bedroom and spotted Ethan's jacket draped over a chair. With a sly smile, she undressed and slipped under the covers.

When Ethan emerged from the bathroom, water droplets trickled from his hair down his chest in a way that exuded undeniable masculinity. After drying his hair, he approached the bed and noticed a suspicious lump under the covers.

"Pearl?" he called out, automatically using Ashley's name.

"Yes?" came a muffled sound from beneath the blankets.

Ethan frowned. That didn't sound like Ashley's voice.

Yet who else would be in his bed? In his home? Could Ashley be trying to surprise him—perhaps create a romantic moment?

With that thought, he smiled playfully. "Pearl, why are you hiding under there? Don't smother yourself."

Ethan reached out to embrace the figure, but something felt immediately wrong about the touch.

The woman reached out to turn off the light, plunging the room into darkness. She then rolled toward him, pressing herself against him and becoming increasingly forward.

Mary's mind was racing triumphantly, 'Your Highness, I'm finally going to be your woman!'

She kissed him hungrily, but after just a few moments, Ethan knew with certainty something was wrong. This definitely wasn't Ashley.

He abruptly switched on the bedside lamp. Mary's face appeared in the sudden light, her cheeks flushed.

"Your Highness, I've missed you so much."

Ethan's eyes widened with fury. "Ina! Have you lost your mind? Get out of here immediately!"

Just as he spoke, Ashley's voice came from downstairs, "Ethan? Who are you talking to?"
The Thousand and First Fall into Love
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