More Than A Favor

More Than A Favor

Chapter 74

“I understand, Mrs. Mercer,” Ashton replied politely.

Meru

“Working all morning must have been tiring. I brought lunch for everyone; please have some,” Tessa said, her tone softening into that of a caring mother.

Ashton nodded his thanks and went to eat. As she watched him walk away, Tessa remarked, “That young man seems strong and handy.”

I understood the subtle implication behind her words. She saw Ashton as a mere laborer. Last night, Logan had been the one expressing disdain for Ashton. Today, it was Tessa’s turn.

It finally dawned on me why she had come. She must have heard something from Logan and wanted to see Ashton for herself.

“He’s the engineer in charge of all the lighting work,” I clarified.

But as the chairman’s wife, accustomed to mingling with influential people, she merely gave me a faint, polite smile.

“You must be hungry. Let’s have lunch in the office. We can talk while we eat,” Tessa suggested warmly.

“Okay,” I agreed.

When we reached the office, her driver had already set the table beautifully, filled with all my favorite

dishes.

I was sure it was different from what Maya and the others were having.

“Thank you, Tessa,” I said, my voice filled with genuine gratitude.

“This was the only way to see you since you won’t come home,” she said as she gestured for me to sit. “Go ahead, dig in. It won’t taste as good once it gets cold.”

I didn’t hold back and began eating.

“Slow down,” Tessa laughed at my enthusiasm.

“It’s so good,” I replied, playing along. I wasn’t being insincere–it was delicious. But I’d also grown used to behaving this way after living with the Mercers for so long. It made everyone happy, so why

not?

left between you and

a moment

a loss for Ethan

said,

always fr

While I wasn’t devastated about leaving Logan, parting ways

I won’t press you any further,” she said, her words bringing a sense of relief. I had

soup, she continued, “Even though you

22.93

Chapter 24

still hope you’ll find a good

she hinting at me

getting into another relationship, I quickly interected,

surprised but

can’t lose faith in men just because of that rascal Sure, there are bad

her 50s, Tessa spoke with a modern flair.

are good men, but I’m just not interested right now. I need some time to myself said, hoping to deter her. Some topics were better left

suppose that’s

added, “Still, it’s best to start looking early. The good ones get

Tessa added a compliment, “With how beautiful and kind you are, where enth up with you will

words made me feel a little anxious, but I played along “Like you said, only the best can match my worth. Until

and never… settle for

clearly pointed toward Ashton.

directly. “I would never enter a relationship recklessly. If I ever decide on someone, it be because they’re the best for

Tessa know that my decisions–including letting go

for a moment before nodding. Having known me for over a decade, she

to know,” she finally said, ending the conversation.

I finished eating, only leaving when I said I needed to get back to work. Before she left, she reminded me again to visit Mercer estate whenever I could, assuring me it would always be my

at least for now, and saw her off before returning to work. However, when I got back, I only saw Maya–Ashton was nowhere to

Ashton?” I

for

me curiously. “Elaine, even your

up. Don’t overthink it,” I cut her

great–it’s just the

23.04%

< Chapter 74

Mera