Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 32

After playing two rounds of the game, Briar finally got over the shock. She looked up at Brandon and Morton standing by the door.

They were still frozen in place, staring intently at the sleeping Ashton. Briar rubbed her temples. It was late, and she was sleepy.

Morton, observant and meticulous, immediately fetched two blankets and silently offered them to Briar, a clear attempt to please. “Miss

Jennings.”

Briar looked at the blankets in Morton’s hands. She was lost for words for a while. ‘Fine then. I’m just a glorified tool here,’ she thought.

Briar took the blankets and tossed one over Ashton. Her movement was so rough that the blanket landed right over his head.

Fortunately, it slid down on its own, settling into its proper place. Despite the disturbance, Ashton only furrowed slightly without waking. Brandon and Morton breathed sighs of relief.”

Ignoring their dramatic reactions, Briar moved to the other end of the couch with the blanket. She found a comfortable spot, closed her eyes,

and tried to sleep.

A few minutes later, the lights went out. Briar heard the footsteps of Brandon and Morton leaving and then entering the next–door room.

In the dark, Briar stared at the ceiling. ‘Never thought I’d have a moment of kindness like this,’ she mused. ‘Apparently, leaving that brutal environment had softened my heart.’

Despite all the thoughts, sleepiness overwhelmed her. Briar closed her eyes again and finally sank into sleep.

The presidential suite had excellent soundproofing. With the curtains drawn, it was easy to sleep soundly regardless of the time, especially

when one had a soft and comfy pillow.

‘Wait. What pillow?‘ Briar’s drifting consciousness snapped back. She jerked her eyes open, only to see a blur of white—a warm chest clad in

a white shirt.

on the distinct logo

upright, her gaze meeting Ashton’s half–lowered

end up in his arms when I woke up? This is beyond awkward -where’s my legendary vigilance?‘

voice was as pleasant as

Briar mumbled, rubbing her head and awkwardly looking away. Her eyes landed on the two sitting across the couch, their faces

excitement. “Miss Jennings, thank you so much. You’re truly Ashton’s lifesaver. Do

last night, Ashton slept straight through until 9 o’clock.

mean ‘got him to sleep‘? I didn’t, I mean, don’t

any sleep–inducing powers. Ashton’s restful

having witnessed the “miracle,” elevated Briar to savior status. Their eyes

her.

1/3

Chapter 32

aren’t you

glass of water. “I think they might be onto something. It was you

continued, pulling out his phone and transferring

account.

confused expression, he asked sincerely, “If I need help again,

She glanced down instinctively–a text alerting her to a deposit of

the standard fee I pay my therapist per session. Last night, I slept exceptionally

it smart on Briar’s love for money–framing it as a straightforward transaction. In this

refuse.

her lips. Gazing at the screen, she chirped, “Thanks,

with sincere and expectant eyes. “If there’s a

Briar flashed a grin. ‘Who turns down a gig that pays

it settled,” Ashton replied

finished her water. “Well, it’s getting late. I