More Than A Favor

Chapter 109

Ashton turned to me, his grip on my hand tightening noticeably.

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It felt like he was holding my heart captive. They say the fingers are connected to the heart, and in that moment, I couldn’t deny it.

“I will give Elaine everything I have, love her with every fiber of my being, and protect her fiercely,” he said, his voice steady and heartfelt. His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes deep and shimmering like the

ocean.

In that instant, I finally understood the phrase “love as deep as the sea.” Though this was all an act, I couldn’t help but feel that his words carried a ring of truth.

This man was clever–too clever. He was playing his role, but his emotions felt so real.

I couldn’t let myself get swept up in his performance. I had asked him to act, not blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Initially, I thought about raising my hand to hold his, to go along with the act. Instead, frustration bubbled up inside me. So I did the next best thing–I reached up and pinched his cheek. That ought to embarrass someone as straightforward as him.

It was my way of silently telling him that he had brought this on himself.

But to my surprise, not only did he remain unembarrassed, but he even leaned into my hand, nuzzling against it like a content puppy. He reminded me of Tessa’s dog, Teddy, whenever it wanted affection.

A shameless person really was invincible. Never in my wildest dreams had I expected him to react this

way.

After nuzzling my hand, Ashton turned his attention back to Ethan and Tessa. “And I’ll love her for a lifetime, just like how you love Mrs. Mercer, sir.”

his statement sounded like a heartfelt confession, but the second part? That was a subtle jab aimed directly at Tessa.

as Tessa’s face hardened, her usual composure cracking for just a moment. She

“Elaine, why don’t you let Ashton stay and chat with Tessa for a while? You can come

before heading

could guess what he wanted to talk about. Taking

Instead,

for not keeping a

had been complaining. Yet here he was, apologizing to me. Tears welled up in

mood, he patted my head gently before stepping back.

reddened eyes, he said, “I’m aware of Logan’s

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If he dares to mistreat you again, I’ll chase him out of the

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to complain about Logan and ask Ethan to intervene. Yet before I could even bring

knew me too well. The ten years we had spent together–despite not being

I said,

thanking him for protecting me this time, but also for the love and

my hand, stopping me. “Don’t do that. It makes me feel

head firmly. “You and Tessa will always

smiled warmly. “Good. When I go back downstairs, I’ll make sure to tell that Ashton to treat you well. If he

I’d ever heard the gentle and refined Ethan issue such a threat.

smile.

way a father would with his child. “Elaine, no matter what