More Than A Favor

Chapter 108

Ces

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I stayed silent and just listened, not wanting to upset Ashton by saying the wrong thing. My thoughts drifted to my own parents‘ car accident. Had it truly been an accident, or was there something more sinister behind it? I was too young at the time to understand the details. Ethan had handled everything, and perhaps he was the only one who knew the truth. I decided I’d ask him when we saw him later.

Ashton didn’t say another word since I wasn’t speaking either, and the silence stretched between us as

we continued the drive.

When we arrived at the Mercer estate, the automatic gate recognized my car, and I was able to drive straight into the yard.

The housekeeper, Tina, was outside. When she spotted us, she greeted me warmly. “Elaine, you’re back! Let me inform Mr. and Mrs. Mercer right away.”

“There’s no need, Tina. I’ll head inside myself,” I replied with a smile.

Her gaze flicked to Ashton as he stepped out of the car and walked over to my side. I could see the curiosity in her expression, so I looped my arm through his and introduced him. “Tina, this is my boyfriend, Ashton.”

Even though Tina was the housekeeper, she’d been with the Mercers longer than I had and was close to Tessa. It was important to put on a convincing show for her, too.

Ashton nodded politely. “Hello, Tina.”

“Hello,” she replied, though her tone betrayed her disapproval.

In everyone’s eyes, I was still supposed to be Logan’s fiancée. It was only natural for them to feel uneasy seeing me with another man. Tina’s reaction was just the beginning–I’d have to face Ethan

and Tessa’s reactions next.

I ignored the tension and walked toward the main hall with Ashton by my side.

Even before entering, I could hear Tessa’s sharp voice criticizing Ethan. “You’re great at being a chairman and managing thousands of employees, but you can’t even manage your own sons! Both of them are nothing but troublemakers!”

Ethan remained silent, and I could imagine him pretending to be deaf, likely burying himself in his phone or a magazine.

“Tessa, are you pretending I’m invisible again?” she snapped, her voice rising in frustration.

Even though they loved each other deeply, bickering between them wasn’t uncommon. But something must have upset Tessa more than usual to make her this angry today.

me even more,” Ethan finally

“I

just a nuisance? Ethan, you’re a

time to witness Tessa sitting on Ethan’s lap, trying to push him away while he held

froze in the doorway, unsure

we were, pretending to be

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dog barked excitedly at me. I’d spent a lot of time with it during my stay at the Mercer estate,

me standing at the door,

muttered,

you’re back!

already have,” I lied, realizing only then that I hadn’t even considered whether Ashton had

eaten.

ever come home for dinner?” Tessa chided softly. Although she seemed focused on me, I could sense

wasn’t that she hadn’t seen him–she was simply expressing her discomfort in her own

deliberate pause, Tessa finally acknowledged Ashton. “You must be Elaine’s friend.”

responded smoothly, “Hello, Mrs. Mercer.

“You’re a friend of Elaine’s, so don’t stand on ceremony. Please, come

had risen from his seat by then. I walked over to him and handed him the gift I’d brought. “Happy birthday

so thoughtful,” Ethan said with a warm smile as he

Mr. Mercer,” Ashton greeted

“Have a

for Tina to bring coffee and fruit. As we settled into our seats, I could feel Tessa wat ching Ashton and me closely.

you can skip the party just because you brought Ethan his gift early. He and I won’t allow it.”

as if she could read my mind and see through

I wasn’t going to back down so easily. I smiled and replied, “Of course

it clear that if I attended, Ashton

many outstanding young men at the party. A wonderful opportunity for you young people to mingle.”