Chapter 584 I Believe Him
"Your Highness, you're always telling me to go away! How ungentlemanly of you!" Vivienne exclaimed.
Standing beside Ethan, she surveyed the room, noticing the many staff members watching the scene with astonishment. Her gaze lingered on Isabella and Ashley.
With only these two women among the staff, Vivienne wondered which one might be Ethan's companion. Ashley maintained a composed expression as she glanced briefly at Vivienne before returning to organizing her desk.
Isabella, however, wore an amused expression, clearly enjoying the drama. Her eyes flickered toward Ashley with surprise, a gesture Vivienne misinterpreted entirely.
In Vivienne's mind, Ashley, with her Aivalian features, couldn't possibly be the prince's ideal partner. Isabella, on the other hand, with her classic Ferndale beauty and doll-like features—exactly the type men preferred—seemed the more likely candidate for His Highness's affections.
While Vivienne's mind raced with assumptions, Ethan snapped, "This is a workplace. Who let you in here? Stop disturbing everyone and leave immediately."
Undeterred, Vivienne linked her arm through Ethan's and announced, "Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Vivienne, General Mae's granddaughter. I'm currently pursuing the man I love. Please forgive any inconvenience this causes!"
"Be quiet! Guards, escort her out!" Ethan commanded, wishing she would never set foot in the palace again. He hadn't even had a chance to explain the situation to Ashley, and now the misunderstanding was growing worse.
Hearing Vivienne's declaration, Ashley paused momentarily before breaking into a subtle smile.
"Your Highness, you can't get rid of me," Vivienne continued confidently. "I've already spoken with His Majesty, and he's practically approved me as his daughter-in-law."
Ethan's face darkened, a vein visibly throbbing at his temple.
Ashley turned away, covering her mouth to hide her amusement. This naive girl clearly misunderstood whatever King Garrett had said to her.
"Get out!" Ethan signaled to a guard, who promptly escorted Vivienne from the room.
Ethan cast a concerned glance at Ashley, seeing only her back as her shoulders trembled slightly. 'Is she crying?' he wondered.
Noticing the curious stares from everyone around, Ethan announced coldly, "She was talking nonsense. Don't believe a word she said. Everyone back to work."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After one last look at Ashley, Ethan reluctantly departed.
The moment he left, Isabella hurried to Ashley's office. "Ms. White, don't be upset. Please don't cry. Your man is noble, handsome, and talented—of course he attracts women. But you must trust him."
Isabella placed a comforting hand on Ashley's shoulder. When Ashley turned around, however, there were no tears—only barely contained laughter.
"Ms. White, you're not crying?" Isabella asked, bewildered.
Ashley smiled. "Why would I cry?"
"Your man is being pursued by another woman. Aren't you upset?"
"He's pursued because he's exceptional. I might feel a little jealous, but not upset. Besides, that girl's personality is too flamboyant. Even if Ethan weren't with me, she wouldn't be right for him. Why would I cry over someone so irrelevant?"
Isabella was stunned by her perspective. "I'm truly impressed by you!"
"Aren't you afraid she might actually win His Highness Prince Totti's heart?"
Ashley smiled, her eyes sparkling with confidence. "I trust him."
Isabella felt a moment of admiration for Ashley's composure and wisdom.
"By the way, Isabella, I need your help with something."
"What is it?"
"I'd prefer to keep my relationship with Ethan private while working here. You're the only one who knows about us, so I'd appreciate your discretion."
"I understand completely. You don't want people looking at you differently. Your secret is safe with me."
"Thank you. I'll treat you to dinner after work."
"I'd love that."
The women exchanged smiles, an unexpected friendship blossoming between them.
"Hello ladies." A staff member knocked on the door. "Are you settled in?"
"Yes, we are," they answered in unison.
"I'll show you around the palace—where you can and cannot go. Remember, this is a royal residence with protocols to follow, not like the outside world."
"Understood."
The male staff member, in his forties, gave them a comprehensive tour. After walking through several areas, he explained, "These are the spaces where we can move freely. The rest are off-limits—getting caught by the guards in restricted areas would be most unfortunate."
"Got it."
As Ashley and Isabella were heading back to their work area, they heard someone call out, "Aunt Pearl, what are you doing here?"
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