Chapter: 194

Kaitlin scoffed, "This isn't going to sway me."

Alan laughed gently, turning her towards him by the shoulders. “So, what will sway you? Just tell me, and I'll do my best to make it happen."

Kaitlin's eyes drifted to the rocking chair on the balcony, where Ashley used to sit-an unwelcome reminder.

“We'll see. I'd rather stay in the guest room downstairs. I'm just not comfortable up here," Kaitlin said.

Turning, Kaitlin left the room, leaving a puzzled Alan behind.

Her feelings were a whirlwind, and he knew better than to push her.

If she preferred the guest room, he would comply.

Nonetheless, that evening, Alan found himself lingering in the living room downstairs, hoping to be closer to her through the night.

After facing several rejections, Alan decided to stop trying.

Days later, once the issue involving Whitney was resolved, Kaitlin quietly packed her things and left while Alan was at work.

"Ms. Gilbert, are you really going? When are you and Mr. Hewitt planning to get back together?"

Kaitlin, hand on her belly, answered calmly, "We'll see."

Reconciliation wasn't fully in the cards for them yet, although Kaitlin was starting to thaw a bit.

Meanwhile, Ashley's continuous failures had stirred up a host of problems, and Miguel had dealt with her harshly.

"Miguel, I admit my mistakes. I'll be more cautious from now on. I'll make sure Alan doesn't suspect a thing." Ashley, covered in bloody welts from the whip, struggled to remain standing. "Please, no more. If you continue, I won't be able to show my face to anyone."

Miguel's smile was cruel, his expression dark and threatening.

“Now you're afraid? Didn't you have the courage to face anything when you were seducing me?"

Ashley clenched her teeth. She hadn't anticipated Miguel, despite his disabilities, to be so cruel.

The physical abuse during their intimate moments was unbearable, and now, for a small mistake, he had resorted to whipping her.

Her wounds were deep, likely needing over ten days to heal.

"Miguel, I didn't intend for this. It's all Kaitlin's fault," Ashley said.

Miguel tossed the whip aside. "I can stop, but remember, Ashley, if you become useless, you might as well be gone from my life."

His support had been immense, yet she had failed to make Kaitlin suffer. What was her worth then?

Ashley shivered, looking at Miguel with newfound fear, finally understanding that his threats were serious.