Chapter 593 She Encountered Danger
As Ashley blushed furiously, Ethan flashed his charming smile. "It's quitting time now. I've asked Ian to bring you a change of clothes."
"Hurry up," Ashley scolded. "I told you to wait, but you just couldn't... Now I've been in your office for over two hours, and everyone will think I really am the office flirt they say I am!"
Ethan had gotten carried away in the moment. Having recently undergone surgery, he wasn't supposed to engage in strenuous activity—she had done most of the work. The memory of their passionate encounter made Ashley's cheeks burn.
Ethan pulled her close. "You're my wife. If anyone dares call you promiscuous again, they'll be fired on the spot."
He pressed a button on his wheelchair and reached for his phone to text Ian. Just as he finished, his mother Doris called.
"Hello, Mom."
"Ethan, are you done for the day? There's an impromptu gala tonight. I've asked Ian to bring your tuxedo. Change and I'll pick you up."
"Alright."
Turning to Ashley, he asked, "Darling, will you accompany me tonight?"
Ashley shook her head. "I can't. I need to work on the Panacea formula. Atticus's father is critically ill, and I want to develop the medication as quickly as possible."
After a moment's consideration, Ethan replied, "Very well. Wait for me at the apartment. I'll come home later."
"Okay."
A knock sounded at the door. "Your Highness, I've brought your clothes," Ian called.
Ethan guided Ashley to sit in his office chair, where the desk concealed the stains on her clothing, before allowing Ian to enter.
Ian nodded politely to Ashley, then asked Ethan, "Your Highness, I wasn't aware Ms. White would be attending the gala. Should I arrange evening wear for her as well?"
"That won't be necessary. She's not coming," Ethan replied.
Ian nodded. "Very well. Here are your clothes."
After placing the garments down, Ian departed.
Only then did Ashley dare to stand.
"Darling, you're pressed for time. Let me help you change."
"Gladly."
Ashley took great care in helping Ethan dress, having become quite adept at it. Throughout the process, Ethan cooperated fully, though he occasionally stole kisses when she wasn't looking.
Ashley gave him a playful glare. "Darling, you're all set. You look incredibly handsome in this tuxedo."
"My dear, I'm attending a gala without a date. Aren't you worried some other woman might steal me away?" he teased.
Ashley arched an eyebrow. "Darling, didn't I satisfy you earlier? Do you really have the energy for an affair?"
"You've become quite naughty. This is your 'punishment'," he murmured, capturing her lips in a kiss.
They shared a sweet, lingering kiss until Doris called again, bringing them back to reality.
"Your mother's getting impatient. You should go," Ashley said.
Ethan nodded. "I'll wait outside while you change, then I'll leave."
"Okay."
Despite being pressed for time, Ethan remained considerate of Ashley's needs.
As Ethan wheeled himself out of the office, he was surprised to find Jason still at his desk, poring over documents.
Raising an eyebrow, Ethan approached him. "Jason, you haven't left yet?"
"Your Highness, I still have some materials to review."
"Impressive dedication. But you won't finish all this now—take it home with you."
"But I..." Jason's gaze drifted toward Ethan's office door.
Noticing this, Ethan's expression hardened. "Is there a problem?"
Ethan worried that if he left and Ashley emerged from his office, Jason would use the opportunity to cause trouble. Getting Jason to leave seemed the wisest course of action.
"No problem, Your Highness. I'll pack up these materials right away."
"Good."
While Jason gathered his things, Ethan appeared to be casually checking his phone, but was actually texting Ashley to wait before leaving the office.
The situation felt almost comical—one standing guard while the other hid inside.
"Your Highness, I'll be going now."
"Off you go."
Jason cast a resentful glance at Ethan's office. It was well past quitting time, yet Ashley hadn't emerged. They must be up to something inappropriate, and Ethan was deliberately sending him away.
Ever since Ashley had joined the Discussion Group, the company atmosphere had deteriorated. Ashley was clearly trouble—she needed to go!
After watching Jason leave, Ethan opened his office door. "Darling, the coast is clear."
To his surprise, Ashley was in the middle of changing. She let out a startled cry. "Darling! You should knock first—you scared me!"
Ethan's gaze heated as it traveled over her figure. "Why hide? It's nothing I haven't seen before. Why is it taking so long to change? Need help?"
"Stay where you are! I'm almost done," Ashley replied, her face flushed. "I washed up quickly, that's why it's taking longer."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Fine."
Under his intense gaze, Ashley shyly finished dressing, and they finally left the office together.
Ian was waiting downstairs and approached as Ashley pushed Ethan's wheelchair. "Ms. White, allow me."
Ashley relinquished the wheelchair to Ian. "Alright, darling, I'll be going now."
"Be careful on your way home, and text me when you arrive," Ethan said.
Ian pushed Ethan's wheelchair to the waiting luxury car and helped him inside. Ashley watched them leave before turning to go.
Jason hadn't actually left—he was lurking in a corner and clearly saw Ashley and Ethan emerge together. He couldn't hear what they said, but noticed they had both changed clothes.
This Ashley was something else, getting the normally proper Ethan to engage in office liaisons.
Ashley spotted Jason watching her with a sinister expression. Frowning, she turned and walked away.
Jason's eyes gleamed as he followed at a measured pace.
There were no taxi stands near the palace, requiring a long walk to find transportation.
After walking some distance, Ashley sensed she was being followed. Her eyes narrowed as she quickened her pace.
The area was deserted, and she feared acting rashly might put her in danger.
Ashley broke into a near-run. At a corner, she paused, her expression grave.
The light illuminated a figure steadily approaching her.
As the shadow drew near, Ashley grabbed a wooden stick from the ground and lunged forward. "Jason, why are you following me? What do you want?"
To her shock, she found herself confronting Dexter, not Jason!
"Dexter? What are you doing here?"
She had seen Jason earlier and assumed he was the stalker, never expecting Dexter.
Dexter leered at her. "Ms. White, you humiliated me in the break room. I won't stand for it. There's no one around to help you now. I'm going to have my way with you, and no one will come to your rescue!"
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