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.”

and replied: “I’ll aim

asleep or busy with another

with Caleb. His

impressive.” Caleb: “Keep this between us, but good job.” Caleb: “If you’d had this attitude earlier, maybe things wouldn’t have gone so far.” Caleb: “Logan’s the type who needs a reality check to

last message made me

Selene’s words–how she claimed Logan owed her and

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< Chapter 86

a reply: “Caleb, does Logan… owe Selene

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added: “Or does Logan owe something to Selene’s late husband?”

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a reply, but none came. Setting the phone down, I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would take

silent, save for the soft sound of Maya’s breathing.

she mumbled in her sleep, “Ashton… you’re so

and turned to

for her to curse

mind again–his sharp features, his steady voice, the way he had looked at me earlier.

it, the less flustered

was a child again, running barefoot through a sunlit meadow. Behind me, a boy’s voice called out,

and full of energy, chasing

thoughts as I woke. It was the second time Ashton had

used to dream of a boy who carried me on his back. He had a mole near his shoulder blade,

night, he had

breakfast, my phone buzzed. It was Olivia, the landlord of

the issue, I answered, “Hello, Mrs.

so early,

up?” I replied, taking a

but he refused–even with

off.

t

a sense of déjà vu, as if I had heard them

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

finish, Ashton’s

can I have your fried egg?” he asked,

words as I hastily ended the call with, “Okay, thanks,” and turned to

fine,” he said casually, already peeling

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