Why is it that no matter what Penelope and I do, Ashlyn will get involved and ruin everything?
At that moment, a few more cars stopped in front of The Peacockâs front door.
Dozens of men got out of the car. Leading them was a man with a rugged face dressed in a robe.
Siennaâs expression stiffened when she recognized him.
Others might not put a name to that manâs face, but she knew who he was.
Isnât he the heir of a prestigious clan in ancient martial arts? I think heâs Ben Zene. What is he doing here?
The corner of Siennaâs eye twitched. How does Ashlyn know all these people? What about todayâs plan?
She subtly clenched her jaw at the thought.
No matter the cost, todayâs plan canât go wrong.
Meanwhile, Jason and Mary were bewildered when they spotted Ben.
Jason had visited the Zene Clan two years ago, pleading to hire a younger member as his bodyguard, but they declined his request.
He still bore a grudge over it until that day.
His expression slowly turned to a mask of anger as he curled his fingers into fists, his lips pressing into a thin line.
What exactly is Ashlynâs background? Why would she have any ties to the Zene Clan? How did she get someone from that clan to come?
Ben strode over to Ashlyn and congratulated her, âHappy birthday, Ms. Ashlyn.â
Ashlyn raised a brow at him. âI donât remember inviting you, Mr. Zene.â
Benâs expression didnât falter when he answered casually, âWhen the Clan leader placed us in your care, we became a part of your life. Hence, our presence here is justified. There was no need for you to invite us.â
Ashlyn didnât know how to respond to his shameless comment.
He wins since he has the numbers on his side. Whatever he says goes.
Kateâs expression turned dark. She had heard about the ancient martial arts clan before.
Word through the grapevine is everyone in the clan is an elite, so how are they related to Ashlyn?
Annoyance surged within her. Then, she spotted the mayor James and his family getting out of his car.
Fae was in a maroon dress, looking elegant as she stepped out of the vehicle.
Not a bandage could be seen on Charlotteâs face, revealing her exquisite features.
The baby-pink gown she wore was clearly picked by Fae.
However, Charlotte would look like an adorable young lady with her fair skin and stunning features no matter what color she wore.
Clad in a dark blue suit, Joseph looked like a couple with Charlotte as he stood next to her.
James was much more low-key than the rest. Dressed in a black suit, he kept an elegant smile on his face.
Together, the quartet made a beeline for Ashlyn.
When the crowd noticed the direction they were heading, their expression turned grim, especially Jasonâs.
Itâs Mr. Field and his son! Am I seeing things? Are they both here to attend Ashlynâs birthday party?
Lochlanâs feet were rooted in place when he caught sight of Charlotteâs gorgeous face.
As though his eyes had been glued to her face, he couldnât tear his gaze from her.
Unable to stand watching her sonâs infatuation with Charlotte, Kate forcefully pinched him on his arm.
âWhat are you looking at? Thereâs nothing to see. I think Olivia is a hundred times better looking than she is.â
The second the words were out of her mouth, Olivia got out of her car with a box from Bulgari.
Kate hurriedly went up to Olivia and greeted, âYouâre here, Olivia. I havenât seen you for the past few days. Letâs sit together later.â
Without even a glance at Lochlan, Olivia gave Kate a faint smile before responding, âMrs. Fraser, Iâll have to respectfully decline your offer.â
Flummoxed, Kate asked, âWhy?â
Isnât she infatuated with Lochlan? I thought she was head-over-heels in love with him? What is the meaning of this?
âIâm heading over to Ashlynâs side.â Olivia gently shoved Kate aside before walking to Ashlyn with sparkling eyes. She handed the box to Ashlyn and said, âT-This is your birthday present from me. I hope you like it.â
âThank you.â Ashlyn beamed at her. âYouâre too courteous.â
âHappy birthday, Ashlyn!â Charlotte congratulated before adding, âI invited Olivia over. I hope you wonât blame me.â
âWhy would I?â Ashlyn asked as she studied Charlotteâs face. âAre your injuries all better?â