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 replied: “I’ll aim

likely asleep or busy with another

with Caleb. His messages were focused on Logan:

“You really headshot your ex. That’s impressive.” Caleb: “Keep this between us, but good job.” Caleb: “If you’d had this attitude earlier, maybe

made me

Selene’s words–how she claimed Logan

1414

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< Chapter 86

does Logan… owe

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

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none came.

silent, save for the soft sound

nowhere, she mumbled in her

laugh and turned to look at

day for her

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

less flustered I felt.

barefoot through a sunlit meadow. Behind me, a

see Ashton, younger and full

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

to dream of a boy who carried me on his back. He

had called me Elaine.

It was Olivia, the landlord of the unit

had resolved the issue, I answered, “Hello, Mrs.

you so early, Elaine,”

I replied, taking a sip of my milk.

about your request, but he

off.

t

a sense of déjà vu, as if I had

criminal record, no bad habits.

finish, Ashton’s voice

Hart, can I have your fried egg?” he asked, gesturing toward

guard, I barely registered Olivia’s words as I hastily ended the call with, “Okay, thanks,” and turned to

he said casually,

Maya offered enthusiastically, lifting her egg from her