Chapter 595 Unusual Values
As the police took Dexter away, Ashley prepared to go to the station to give her statement.
Isabella, noticing Ashley's disheveled appearance, removed her jacket and draped it over Ashley's shoulders. "Ashley, my clothes are just from boutique brands, nothing special. I hope you don't mind wearing it for now."
"Isabella, thank you so much. How could I possibly mind your kindness?" Ashley replied gratefully.
The two women exchanged smiles, their newfound friendship strengthened by the moment.
"Ms. White, please come with us to the police station to give your statement," an officer requested.
"Of course."
As Ashley followed the police, Isabella supportively took her arm. "I don't have anything else to do. I'll come with you."
"Thank you. After we finish at the station, let me treat you to dinner."
"I'd like that."
The two women got into the police car, which promptly drove away.
No one noticed the figure lurking in the shadows—Jason.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. Dexter actually tried to assault Prince Totti's woman. He must have a death wish. I may dislike Ashley, but I'm not that stupid. I only wanted to get her out of the company. And how convenient that Isabella appeared just in time. Was it truly coincidence, or something else? This gets more intriguing by the minute."
Meanwhile, completely unaware of Ashley's ordeal, Ethan and Doris arrived at what they thought was a formal gala, only to discover it was actually an early birthday celebration for Vivienne's grandmother.
Vivienne's grandmother, Kayla Mae, greeted them with a warm smile. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, it's my honor that you could attend my birthday celebration. Please, be seated."
Her gaze lingered on Ethan with unmistakable approval. "It's been years since I've seen Your Highness. You've grown even more handsome. No wonder you've captured my granddaughter's heart!"
Vivienne, standing beside her grandmother, feigned bashfulness. "Grandmother, please..."
"Look at her, so shy!"
"Your Majesty," Kayla continued, "I'm getting old, and who knows how much time I have left. My only wish is to see Vivienne marry well. Prince Totti would be a perfect match—I could die peacefully knowing she was in good hands."
"Grandmother! It's your birthday—don't talk about such things," Vivienne protested softly.
Ethan and Doris exchanged knowing glances. The birthday celebration was clearly a pretext; Vivienne's marriage prospects were the real agenda.
"Your Majesty, what do you think?" Kayla pressed.
Ethan scoffed and turned away, refusing to engage.
"I'm sorry, Kayla," Doris replied diplomatically, "but Totti has been married for several years now. A second marriage would be quite inappropriate."
Though Doris believed Ashley was responsible for Ethan's heart condition, she knew her son loved Ashley deeply. If she drove Ashley away, Ethan might sever their relationship entirely. The thought filled her with melancholy.
Kayla looked confused. "I've never heard anything about Prince Totti being married!"
Vivienne's expression shifted dramatically. "Your Majesty, that can't be true. You must be joking!"
"What you don't know is that Totti married a woman in Aivalia six years ago. This isn't something I'm making up to refuse your proposal. If you don't believe me, we can produce the marriage certificate as proof."
Kayla turned to Ethan questioningly. "Your Highness, is what the Queen saying true?"
"My mother is correct," Ethan replied coldly. "I am indeed married. Ms. Mae would be better off seeking another match."
Kayla's expression soured.
Jealousy contorted Vivienne's features, though she kept her head lowered to hide her malice, giving the impression of heartbreak rather than scheming.
"Kayla, let me toast you. Happy birthday," Doris offered, raising her glass.
Ethan followed suit.
Kayla smiled awkwardly. "Thank you, Your Highness. I've embarrassed myself today."
"Think nothing of it."
They drank their wine.
Vivienne watched Ethan drink, a strange glint in her eye. She then adopted a wounded expression and raised her own glass. "Your Highness, it seems we weren't destined to be together. Let me toast you as well. I promise I won't harbor any more illusions about us."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, initially inclined to refuse. But thinking this might finally end her pursuit, he relented. "To your word, then."
As they clinked glasses, someone passing by "accidentally" bumped Vivienne's arm. She let out a startled cry as her wine spilled all over Ethan's shirt.
"Ethan, are you alright?" Doris asked with concern.
Ethan waved dismissively. "I'm fine."
He grabbed a napkin from the table to dab at the stain. The colored wine had left a large, unsightly mark on his chest.
A cunning look flashed across Vivienne's face, quickly replaced by feigned innocence. "Your Highness, I'm so sorry. Someone bumped into me. Why don't you go to my cousin's room and change into one of his shirts?"
Inwardly, Vivienne smiled coldly. 'No marriage is unbreakable,' she thought. 'Only mistresses who don't try hard enough!'
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