Chapter: 123
Ashley flashed him a polite smile and declined, then briskly pulled her suitcase along.
Indeed, she was very much alive.
Ashley had concocted her own death and fled the country as the battle for control of the Hewitt Group intensified. Miguel's intimidating presence had unnerved her.
Unwilling to be a mere pawn in Alan's rise, she had orchestrated her death, relocated overseas, and married a wealthy older man.
This arrangement afforded her a lavish lifestyle while securing her place as Alan's unforgettable, unattainable love-a cunning strategy.
For the years that followed, life treated her well.
The old man had been affluent and had provided her with a life of luxury. Everything seemed ideal.
However, the man's health declined, and two months earlier, he passed away unexpectedly.
Following his death, Ashley found herself embroiled in a battle for the inheritance.
The man's children, influential and disdainful, saw Ashley merely as their stepmother. They banded together and ousted her from their lives.
She lingered in Avaloria for a time, searching for opportunities, yet found herself with frozen accounts.
In desperation, she sold off some of the jewelry she had once been gifted just to make ends meet.
Realizing the futility of her efforts to claim any part of the inheritance, Ashley resolved to move on.
There was no shortage of wealthy, elderly men. She could always start anew elsewhere.
Comforting herself with this notion, Ashley was on the verge of boarding her flight when a call from her sister came through.
Lilliana sobbed for what seemed like ages about her dire circumstances, causing Ashley's brow to furrow.
It was several minutes before Lilliana finally revealed the news.
Alan had ascended to the role of president at Hewitt Group and was recently divorced.
It was an opportunity for Ashley.
Within twenty minutes, Ashley had switched her ticket to return to Osewood.
En route, she conjured up countless scenarios on how to encounter Alan, along with various justifications for why she had faked her own demise.
She even toyed with the idea of feigning amnesia to reignite Alan's pursuit of her.
Imagining Alan's impeccable appearance, Ashley found herself irresistibly drawn to him.
He was truly a catch. Perhaps she had been hasty in her decision to leave the country.