Chapter 103
Standing nearby, Nathan watched as Briar obediently placed her hand in Ashton’s palm, putting on a delicate expression that clearly said, “I’m so scared, I’m about to die from fear.” His face shifted in less than three seconds. He was first amused, then more amused, and finally
stunned.
Nathan barely managed to conceal his shocked expression. He forced himself to remain
out.
calm and followed behind the pair as they walked
He couldn’t believe he’d come running over just because Briar made one phone call. He had left behind a long–legged beauty waiting to be held, just to show up and witness this syrupy, public display of affection.
Briar clearly had someone as powerful as Ashton to rely on, yet she had still dragged him away from his little slice of paradise to clean up this
mess. The situation didn’t make sense.
Their relationship had clearly progressed far more than he’d realized. They were even holding hands now.
As far as he knew, Ashton was supposed to be a cold, distant man who kept away from women. But from what he was seeing now, things
between these two had clearly escalated.
If the two fiercely protective uncles from the Grant family found out about this development, they might rush to Shoneport to confront
Ashton.
He considered the possibility of doing them a favor and delivering the news himself. That might stir up a bit of excitement.
Suddenly, he felt a sharp gaze fixed on him. Startled, he quickly looked up and met Briar’s eyes. She was watching him with a half–smile that wasn’t really a smile. “Briar, what is it?” he stammered.
By now, Briar and Ashton had reached the car. Noticing that Nathan hadn’t followed, she turned around and saw the mischievous grin on his face. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, “What are you thinking about?“.
“I wasn’t thinking about anything!” Nathan denied hastily.
Of course, he couldn’t admit what was on his mind. If he did, his little money–making schemes might disappear just like that.
Briar lifted her chin, motioning for him to return to his own car. “You head back first. We’ll talk when I get to the office.”
Nathan gave a bitter laugh. “Briar, you use me and then toss me aside. Don’t you think that’s a bit heartless?”
Briar gave him a sweet smile, stepped aside, and offered, “How about I ask Ashton to give you a ride back instead?”
Nathan immediately slipped into his car, hit the gas, and sped off.
Nathan scoffed inwardly, “No thanks!”
There was no way he’d accept a ride from a man who clearly didn’t like him. He might not make it home in one piece.
Watching Nathan flee like a coward, Briar shook her head in exasperation. Then she turned back and called over Frank and the others. “Let’s go. Thanks for sticking with me at the police station today. My treat. Let’s get some street food.”
Frank and the others hadn’t driven, but Brandon had already arranged to have Frank’s car brought over. Sitting in his car, Frank heard Briar offer to treat them to street food. Instinctively, he looked toward Ashton, Seeing no objection from Ashton, he nodded eagerly. “Sure! We’re
all starving. Let’s go!”
Ellen had been pulled into Ashton’s car by Briar. Ashton even left the spacious backseat for the two girls, while he took the front passenger
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Chapter 103
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Brandon was driving. After confirming where Briar wanted to go for street food, he led the way quietly, with Frank following Behind
Back at the police station, Ronan watched the cars leave and finally let out a long breath. He turned to glare at Deacon and snapped, “Brat come to my office. Now!”
Deacon’s face fell as he stammered, “Chief Ramos, I can explain this…”
Other officers looked at each other in confusion. One of the female officers, newly appointed and still inexperienced, didn’t understand what had just happened. She turned to her mentor and asked, “Why did we just let her go like that? Briar’s identity is clearly suspicious!”
“Shut up!” The training officer quickly pulled her aside. Once they were out of earshot, his expression turned serious. “First, tell me how you figured her identity was suspicious. Who led you to think that way? Do you realize you almost got used as the scapegoat?”
The rookie officer was momentarily confused, not quite grasping her mentor’s meaning. But soon, her face drained of color and her voice trembled as she stammered, “Are you saying Deacon… he deliberately set me up?”
The training officer pulled the rookie aside again and said in a low voice, “Some things are better kept to yourself. Don’t say them out loud.
