Chapter: 255

But soon, the discussion took a personal turn.

“Alan, you've really been pushing yourself too hard. You look thinner. Haven't you been eating well? I recall your stomach can be sensitive. It's not good for you to strain yourself like this. I could order some of your favorite food from that restaurant you love."

Alan gave her a brief look. "That's kind of you, but I've already eaten."

Undeterred, Ashley brought up past memories.

“Remember how, during your previous crunch times, I'd stay late with you? You always managed to eat something, even when you weren't hungry, just to make me feel better. It seems like so much has changed in just a few years."

Alan's expression darkened. He was aware that Ashley was getting sentimental.

He was keen not to lead her on. The last thing he needed was Kaitlin getting upset.

That would be a difficult situation to smooth over.

“If there's nothing else related to work, you can go. I need to focus on my work," he said.

As Kaitlin listened, her expression turned icy, yet she felt a sense of relief that Alan was setting clear boundaries with Ashley.

However, she had not anticipated Ashley's tenacity.

"Alan, I truly regret it. If only those events hadn't occurred, if only Miguel hadn't set me up, perhaps things between us might have ended differently. Maybe we could have had a happy ending."

With these words, Ashley reached out and clutched Alan's arm.

“Alan, is there no way for us to return to how we were before? Has your heart truly no room left for me?"

Alan withdrew his arm quickly, and just as he was about to reply, the office door burst open.

Kaitlin entered, her gaze darting between them.

As she caught sight of Kaitlin, a flash of guilt crossed Ashley's face. "Kaitlin, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"It's not your concern. I can visit whenever I choose to. I don't need an invitation." Kaitlin's stomach churned at Ashley's affected tone.

"Kaitlin, there might be some misunderstanding here. I..."

Kaitlin cut her off. "There's no misunderstanding. I've been right outside for quite some time, and I've overheard everything."

Kaitlin stepped closer, her voice laced with disdain. "Has anyone ever pointed out your lack of shame? Always dredging up the past—do you find joy in going over old tales? If you truly cared for Alan, why did you marry someone else? You've made your decisions, and now you have regrets? Seems like you've realized too late."

Ashley stood speechless, her complexion fading to a ghostly white.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she faced Alan, looking as though she might break down any moment.

Alan gave her a fleeting glance but said nothing. Instead, he turned his attention to Kaitlin. "What brings you here, Kaitlin?" he asked.