Chapter: 131

Both knew each other all too well. Lilliana began packing, awaiting the address. Yet, she found herself still waiting come midnight.

Ashley stood before a modest apartment building, her disappointment palpable. "Is this really where Alan expects me to live?"

Accustomed to the luxury of private villas, this was a_ harsh downgrade.

Dylan, trying to remain deferential, confirmed, “Yes, it's conveniently near the company."

“The company? This can't be right. The Hewitt Group is based in the city center. What is this place?" Ashley scowled as she surveyed her surroundings. This was practically the suburbs, far removed from the city's heart.

"Miss Willis, this is per Mr. Hewitt's directive. Your new position is with a subsidiary of the Hewitt Group, just a ten-minute walk from here.”

Ashley inhaled sharply. “A walk?"

The notion of a modest apartment was bad enough, but trekking to work at a subsidiary was downright absurd.

“Do you have any idea who I am? I'm Ashley Willis, the woman Alan admires. How dare you relegate me to this?" Her tone was sharp, yet Dylan remained calm and responded with a measured indifference.

"Miss Willis, these are Mr. Hewitt's orders. He believes it's best to keep some distance between you two, as friends ought to."

Dylan had been Alan's right hand for years and was no stranger to the likes of Ashley.

His employer had once been smitten with her, but now, with his affection shifted to Kaitlin, it was Dylan's task to ensure Ashley distanced herself.

“If there's nothing further, I must be going. Your orientation is all set for tomorrow," Dylan said, departing and leaving Ashley in a state of dismay.

Just then, her phone vibrated.

It was Lilliana, growing impatient after a lengthy wait. "Ashley, has Alan settled you in yet?"

Ashley clutched her phone tighter, eyeing the cramped space. Hosting Lilliana now would only complicate matters.

"Don't come over yet. Alan has other arrangements," Ashley said.

“What? Have you moved into his place already?"

Lilliana's voice bubbled with excitement, but Ashley's face fell.

"Just look after yourself for now. I'll get in touch soon."

Despite her reservations, Ashley had no other option but to visit the subsidiary first.

As long as she remained determined, hope lingered.

The following morning, Ashley made her way to the subsidiary.

An employee from the HR team greeted her warmly and showed her around, acquainting her with the new surroundings.