Chapter: 197
Alan turned to look at Ashley.
“Alan, please don't involve the police. He will kill me!" Ashley scrambled to Alan's side, clutching him tightly for protection.
"Calling the police is useless. He has connections. He'll just be released and come back to haunt me again." Ashley's voice was laced with desperation, as if she were on the brink of collapse.
Ashley gripped Alan's sleeve tightly, her voice trembling with a desperate plea. "Alan, please, don't leave me. Get me out of here."
"Ashley, you sure have a way with men. Who's this lover now?"
"Owen, shut up! Don't you dare slander Alan!"
Owen Russell scoffed, his eyes taking on a menacing glint. “Nobody's going anywhere today! Ashley, even if you vanish to the farthest corners of the earth, I'll track you down!"
His piercing gaze, reminiscent of a deadly serpent, unnerved anyone who crossed it.
Alan's patience was on the brink. "You have three days. If you're still here in Osewood, you'll only have yourself to blame for the consequences. I'm holding off today. If you're wise, you'll disappear."
His expression grew stern.
A few bodyguards stepped forward, forming a barrier around Owen.
Without giving Owen another look, Alan left with Ashley swiftly.
Once they were safely inside the car, Ashley breathed a small sigh of relief.
“Alan, thank you. I don't know what I would've done without you tonight. But I'm terrified. What if he comes back?" Ashley's eyes were red and swollen from tears as she pleaded with Alan. "Can you take me to your place? I promise I won't be any trouble or cause any misunderstandings with Kaitlin."
Alan observed her pleading expression and the visible injuries marking her skin, and he gave a slow, empathetic nod. “I'll arrange for someone to take you there. Take a few days off from work, okay?"
A flicker of relief passed through Ashley's eyes. “Thank you, Alan."
Alan returned the nod, already formulating how he would explain the situation to Kaitlin to avoid any unnecessary jealousy or conflicts over Ashley's presence.
Meanwhile, Ashley, though outwardly grateful, allowed a secretive smile to cross her face as she examined her wounds.
Her plan was unfolding flawlessly.
Upon their arrival at Alan's residence, Ashley was ushered into the guest room-a space she had grown quite accustomed to.
It was there that she checked her phone and found a new message from Owen:
“How did I do? Pretty convincing, right? Should we settle the rest of the payment now? If we keep this up, Mr. Hewitt might actually believe it enough to throw me out of Osewood."
After a brief contemplation, Ashley transferred a portion of the funds to him.
“No hurry. There are still some things I need from you. The money won't be an issue."