Chapter 601 He Was Full of Heartache and Self-Blame
Ashley said, "Isabella, I'm free now. Let's go, it's time for the meeting."
Isabella replied, "Alright."
Ashley gathered her things and headed to the conference room with Isabella.
At that moment, Ethan was seated at the head of the table. When Ashley saw him, she flashed him a subtle smile, but Ethan merely grunted and turned his face away.
What was going on? Why did she feel like Ethan was sulking?
Moreover, she noticed his unusually pale complexion, which made her heart tighten with worry as she looked at him.
Could his heart be troubling him again?
Taking advantage of the empty office before others arrived, Ashley whispered, "Darling, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"
Her voice was low enough that only Ethan and Isabella could hear.
Isabella, upon hearing this, averted her gaze, pretending not to have heard anything.
Ethan let out a cold snort. Despite his angry facade, his eyes revealed more worry, tenderness, and guilt than anything else. "Is there something you're keeping from me?"
Ashley's gaze flickered. "No, nothing."
Ethan thought, 'She's still lying to me!'
He knew perfectly well that she wasn't telling him about those incidents because she feared he would worry, afraid that any intense emotions could trigger his condition.
But the thought of her bearing such a burden alone pained him deeply.
In that moment, Ethan felt an overwhelming urge to pull her into his arms, to softly reassure her that it was all just a nightmare.
Just as he reached out, a couple of staff members walked in, and he lowered his hand.
Ashley whispered, "What's wrong? Why are you asking me this?"
Ethan deliberately maintained a stern expression and snapped, "Where is everyone else? The meeting is about to start and they're showing no enthusiasm. If they don't arrive soon, I'll cut their bonuses this month!"
The two staff members who had just sat down immediately looked tense. "Your Highness, we'll go and hurry them along."
"Get to it, then!"
"Yes, Your Highness."
The two had barely sat down before they were rushing out again.
Ashley asked, "Darling, what's gotten into you?"
Why did she feel like he was giving her the cold shoulder?
Ethan muttered sullenly, "It's nothing. The meeting's about to start."
Ashley studied him intently for a while.
She knew he was brooding, but couldn't figure out why. As colleagues began filing into the office, she lost her chance to inquire further and decided to comfort him properly when they got home that evening.
Soon, all staff members were present.
Everyone wore serious expressions as the meeting commenced.
Jason began, "Your Highness, thanks to our efforts, the factory next to Muse Fresh Dairy Company is nearly complete. Once the machinery and equipment arrive, we can begin test production."
He added, "Before testing at our own factory, we've already produced the first batch at another facility. Local residents who tried the products have given excellent feedback. Our next goal is to promote and expand our customer base in Aivalia. For this challenging task, we need to send a colleague to Aivalia!"
A business trip to Aivalia?
All staff members exchanged glances. As locals from the Gold Valley District, the language barrier was their first challenge in completing the task.
Ethan asked, "Who among you will go to Aivalia?"
After a brief discussion, everyone's gaze settled on Ashley.
Someone suggested, "Ms. White, you're from Aivalia. You're most familiar with the geography and language there. Why don't you go? What does everyone think of this choice?"
Others agreed, "She's the perfect candidate."
"Your Highness, what do you think?"
Ethan frowned. If Ashley went on this business trip, wouldn't they have to be apart? That was unacceptable!
Ashley's thoughts, however, were different.
It had been a long time since she'd seen Andy and Nate. If she went to Aivalia, she could visit the children.
Ashley said, "Thank you all for your confidence in me. I'm willing to go to Aivalia to complete this task!"
Ethan immediately objected, "No."
Everyone looked confused; Ashley was the most suitable person in the team, so why was Ethan refusing?
Jason's eyes flickered with understanding. "Since His Highness has vetoed that option, we'll need to choose someone else."
"But who?"
Ashley understood why Ethan was reluctant—he simply didn't want them to be apart.
On second thought, she realized her current responsibilities were already demanding: caring for Ethan while developing Panacea. A business trip to Aivalia might stretch her too thin.
Ethan's gaze briefly swept over Isabella.
Jason, noticing this, immediately said, "Isabella, how about you?"
Isabella, surprised at being singled out, looked bewildered. "Me? I'm not familiar with Aivalia at all. I know nothing about it. How could I possibly expand the market there?"
Jason replied, "Such matters require team research. So it's decided—you'll leave for Aivalia tomorrow."
Isabella looked at Ethan, then at Ashley, with what seemed like suppressed emotions in her eyes.
Ethan smiled slightly, saying with a straight face, "Isabella, I'm entrusting you with the challenging task of initial promotion and customer acquisition. I hope you won't disappoint me."
"Rest assured, Your Highness, I won't let you down."
"Good, let's continue with the meeting."
Jason chaired the meeting while Ethan played with his pen, occasionally stealing glances at Ashley. At one point, Ashley looked up and caught him in the act.
They exchanged smiles, their affection for each other undisguised.
Isabella inadvertently noticed their exchange, lowered her eyes, a flash of pain crossing her face as thoughts of her boyfriend Robbie surfaced.
An hour later, the meeting concluded.
As everyone dispersed, Ashley approached Isabella. "Isabella, don't forget we're having dinner together tonight."
"I remember."
Ashley added, "When you're in Aivalia, feel free to ask me if there's anything you don't understand."
"Thank you in advance."
As they were talking, Jason walked over and handed Ashley a document. "Ms. White, Prince Totti would like to see you in his office."
Ashley replied, "Alright."
She took the document and headed to Ethan's office.
"Come in."
Ashley opened the door, closed it behind her, and playfully smiled. "Your Highness, here's the document you requested."
Ashley placed the document on the desk. Ethan maintained a stern expression, clearly unhappy. "Come here."
"Okay."
Ashley, like an obedient kitten, dutifully walked to Ethan's side. He gently pulled her into his embrace.
"Ethan, what are you doing?"
She thought Ethan was initiating another 'office passion' moment and was about to refuse, but instead, his eyes filled with tenderness and remorse as he held her tightly, his voice laden with apology. "Darling, you were nearly assaulted by Dexter. Why didn't you tell me about something so serious? Don't you know how worried I am about you?"
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