Chapter: 198

Ashley was thrilled with her strategy. Despite its high cost, she had no regrets.

Alan was more receptive to empathy than direct conflict, so her initial move was to stay close to him.

The next step involved making him recall their shared history.

To preserve her image as a victim, Ashley let out a scream in the dead of night, feigning terror from a nightmare.

Her cry echoed through the villa, startling everyone. Groggy and confused, Alan descended the stairs only to find Ashley rushing into his embrace.

“Alan, I'm terrified. I dreamt about Owen. He's a monster!" Ashley clung to him even tighter.

"Alan, I'm so relieved you're here... She began to sob. "I really miss what we used to have."

Alan gently set her aside, maintaining a cautious distance. "It was just a nightmare. You're safe now."

Ashley gazed up at him, eyes brimming with hope. “Alan, you haven't got over me, have you?"

Alan's expression hardened as he replied firmly, "Ashley, I've been clear. My feelings for you are gone. My heart belongs to Kaitlin now."

His words hit Ashley hard, shattering her budding hope.

"Go back and rest," Alan suggested, as he made his way upstairs.

Ashley paused briefly, watching his retreating figure.

There was no way she would give up like that. The next morning, she got ready and followed him out.

“Alan, I feel much better today. I think I'll head to work with you. It won't cause you any trouble if I ride along," she said, sliding into the car before he could object.

During the drive, Ashley attempted to engage in light conversation, but Alan's scant responses filled the car with an uncomfortable silence.

As they neared the office, Alan spoke to the driver. "Stop here, please."

"You might want to get out here. It won't look good for us to be seen arriving together," he said, avoiding eye contact.

Ashley's smile stiffened, and after a brief moment, she stepped out of the car. Her expression turned icy as the vehicle pulled away.

Alan was maintaining a distance, worried about Kaitlin's jealousy.

Did he really care about Kaitlin that much?

Clenching her fists, Ashley decided against going to the office and instead made a call to Lilliana.

“Head over to Oasis Studio under the guise of placing an order on jewelry and check on Kaitlin," Ashley directed.

Lilliana sighed audibly on the other end. "What am I supposed to say to her?"