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.

mused. As Briar focused on the distinct

gaze meeting Ashton’s half–lowered hazel eyes.

end up

pleasant

Briar mumbled, rubbing her head and awkwardly looking away. Her eyes landed on

“Miss Jennings, thank you so

to sleep last night, Ashton slept straight through until

“Wait. What do you mean ‘got him to sleep‘? I didn’t, I mean, don’t make stuff

sleep–inducing powers. Ashton’s restful night was pure exhaustion after

the “miracle,” elevated Briar to savior

her.

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Chapter 32

Ashton. “Ashton, aren’t you going

might be onto something. It was you who

was speechless. “I know Miss Jennings‘ consultation fee,” Ashton continued, pulling out his phone and transferring a sum to

account.

asked sincerely, “If I need help again, could I

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

explained, “That’s the standard fee I pay my therapist per session. Last night, I

it smart on Briar’s love for money–framing it as a straightforward

refuse.

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

and expectant

grin. ‘Who turns down a gig that pays 30 grand for a good night’s sleep? Only a fool,‘

replied

“Well, it’s getting late. I