More Than A Favor

Chapter 86

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As Ashton spoke, his grip on my hand tightened briefly. His eyes narrowed slightly, and something flickered in their depths–a fleeting emotion I couldn’t quite name.

But then, as quickly as it came, the pressure on my hand eased, and he let go.

I stepped back instinctively, rubbing the spot where his grip had been firm. “I’ve made all the changes you marked. Do you want to review them now?”

Ashton remained seated, lounging in the chair. He didn’t even open his eyes. “No need. You should go

rest.”

“Okay. Good night,” I replied, turning to leave.

But just as my hand reached for the door, I heard him call out softly, “Elaine.”

I froze in place, my heart skipping a beat.

Elaine.

It was my nickname. Only my parents had ever called me that when they were alive, and occasionally Nora, though she usually stuck to “Elaine.”

I turned back to face him, my brows furrowed in confusion. “What did you just call me?”

“Nothing,” Ashton said, his voice calm as he kept his eyes closed. “Just… don’t forget to close the door.”

Bewildered, I stared at him for a moment longer. Then, making sure the door was firmly shut, I left his

room.

Instead of heading straight back to my own room, I leaned against the wall in the hallway. My breath came in shallow bursts, and my heart raced uncontrollably.

No matter how much I tried to calm myself, the events of the evening replayed in my mind–Ashton’s intense gaze, the feel of his hands encircling mine, and the way he had called me Elaine.

I shook my head and forced myself to return to my room. After collapsing onto the bed, I grabbed phone, hoping the distraction would bring some clarity.

On WhatsApp, I noticed several unread messages.

my

One from Nora read: “The villains always live forever. He’s not dead or even seriously hurt, just lost at

lot of blood.”

softly at her message and

didn’t respond. She was likely asleep

opened my chat with Caleb. His messages

but good job.” Caleb: “If you’d had this attitude

made me

about Selene’s words–how she claimed

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< Chapter 86

reply: “Caleb, does Logan… owe Selene something?”

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a moment’s hesitation, I added: “Or does

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waiting for a reply, but none came. Setting the phone down, I

silent, save for the

she mumbled in her sleep,

and turned to look at her.

during the day for

there, Ashton’s face surfaced in my mind again–his sharp features, his steady voice,

thought about it, the less flustered I felt. Eventually,

through a sunlit meadow. Behind

to see Ashton, younger and full

time Ashton had appeared in my dreams, making me question if we had crossed

boy who carried me on his back. He had a mole near his shoulder

had called

was Olivia, the landlord

the issue, I answered,

you so early, Elaine,” she

up?” I replied, taking a sip

but

off.

t

a sense of déjà vu, as if I had heard

background. No criminal record, no bad habits. He’s quite decent–looking, too.

could finish, Ashton’s voice interrupted.

Hart, can I have your fried egg?” he

words as I hastily ended the call

fine,” he said casually,

can have mine!” Maya offered enthusiastically, lifting her egg