Chapter: 195

No wonder Lilliana had been so scared of him.

Regret was useless now.

“Don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to break Alan and Kaitlin up,"

Ashley promised.

This was no longer merely a vow. It had morphed into her all-consuming passion.

"You'd better not let me down this time." With those words, Miguel wheeled himself away, sparing not a single backward glance at Ashley.

Around her, indifference reigned; no one bothered to tend to her injuries.

Changing out of her blood-stained clothes, Ashley bypassed the hospital and went straight for Alan's office instead.

Her eyes, bloodshot and teary, bore the unmistakable signs of distress; the lacerations on her back lent her all the credibility she needed-no acting required.

“Ashley, Mr. Hewitt is occupied. You can't go in right now", Dylan said.

Through her tears, Ashley pleaded, "Please, I need to see Alan. My ex-husband found me again..."

Dylan, witnessing her apparent agony, reluctantly instructed her to wait outside.

Shortly afterward, Alan consented to meet her.

Upon entering, Ashley feigned a stumble, causing her coat to fall and expose the fresh wounds on her shoulder and back.

Alan's expression turned to one of immediate concern. “What happened to you?"

“Alan... he found me again. He dragged me to an isolated spot and whipped me..." Ashley carefully stood, shedding her coat to reveal the full extent of her injuries.

"Alan, I'm terrified and in so much pain... Someone happened to come by, and he fled in a panic. If not for that, I might not have survived. I might never have seen you again..."

Her sobs intensified, drawing a deeper frown from Alan.

"Stop crying for now. Head to the hospital to have your wounds looked at. If you wait too long, they might get infected and leave scars," Alan said.

Ashley shook her head, clinging to Alan's waist. "I don't want to go out there. I'm really scared, Alan. Please, let me stay with you. I can't face that nightmare again."

Alan gently pushed her back. “Ashley, try to calm down."

Taking a deep breath, Ashley attempted to stabilize her emotions, looking utterly dejected. “Alan, I'm not asking you to protect me. I just hope you'll see me as a friend, remembering our past. You're the only one I can turn to now. That maniac will kill me if this keeps up!"

The fear in her voice was palpable, and seeing her injuries, Alan knew he couldn't write off her fears as mere exaggerations. “Don't worry, I'll arrange for someone to look after you."

Ashley nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Alan."