Chapter 127
Perhaps sensing the sudden chill that emanated from Briar, a large hand landed gently atop her head and ruffled her hair. Ashton said softly, ei ‘m telling you this just so you’re mentally prepared. As for everything else, I’m here. Don’t be afraid.”
Ashton didn’t ask why Briar’s records in Qathana were forged, nor did he question the real reason for her return to Dasmieca. He accepted her secrets
without condition.
Aside from her grandfather and two uncles, few people had ever been this considerate of her feelings. To say she wasn’t moved would be a lie.
Briar pressed her lips together, suppressing the unrest rising in her heart. “Mr. Wade, actually… You don’t have to be so good to me.”
‘I’m afraid I’ll never be able to repay you for this,‘ she thought.
For someone like her, with no future and a heart filled with hatred and the darkest parts of humanity, being treated so kindly. It just wasn’t worth it.
Ashton’s heart tightened. His large hand slid from the top of her head to the side of her neck, gently squeezing. His palm wasn’t hot, but it made Briar’s
body tremble slightly.
Ashton pretended not to notice her flushed face. “It wasn’t easy for me to like someone. If I don’t treat you well, who should I treat well? Besides, how I treat you is my business. You don’t need to feel burdened, and you certainly don’t owe me anything in return.”
Being eight years older than Briar made Ashton a seasoned and cunning fox, far better at reading and handling people. Since Briar was hiding something, her expressions right now were easy to interpret.
Briar didn’t say anything more, but at least she didn’t resist. She stood there obediently, letting Ashton rub and squeeze the side of her neck, like a kitten whose fur had been smoothed out.
“It’s still early. Want to nap at my place?” Ashton glanced at his watch and suggested.
Briar looked around the maple grove for Frank and the others, but they had already been chased off by Hamish. “Okay.”
As library administrators, both Ashton and Hamish had their own restrooms. They were small, one–bed, private rooms.
Ashton led Briar into his room, adjusted the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature, and handed her a thin gray blanket from a small wardrobe. “Sleep. I’ll be outside and wake you when it’s time.”
Briar took the blanket, lay on the edge of the bed, and pulled it over her head. A few fingers clutched the edge of the blanket. Its color contrasted starkly with her skin. She looked obedient, cute even.
Ashton’s eyes narrowed slightly, hiding the emotion in them. He didn’t linger long and turned to leave.
As he came out, Hamish, who was bored playing Minesweeper, chuckled and asked, “Not staying with her? What a great chance.”
Unlike Ashton, who had no experience in relationships, Hamish had a colorful dating history and countless tricks for winning girls‘ hearts. That was exactly why Ashton dragged Hamish along to Shoneport University, so he wouldn’t completely embarrass himself.
Ashton’s expression remained cool and indifferent. He didn’t answer but sat down casually. His smile grew wider. “She’s not like your little girlfriends.”
Hamish clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, his flirtatious gaze brimming with stars and seas. “Alright, alright. Your girl is the most special. Happy?”
‘He hasn’t even landed the girl yet, and he’s already got her up on a pedestal? Soon he’ll be completely at her mercy.’ Hamish thought.
Just imagining the fearsome Ashton being all soft–spoken and gentle at home. ‘Man, that’s a sight I don’t want to see,‘ he thought.
At that moment, Brandon hurried over, scanning the area near the counter. Not seeing Briar, he lowered his voice, “Mr. Wade, where’s Miss Jennings?”
“She’s inside taking a nap. What do you need her for?” Ashton’s eyes darkened.
1/2
Chapter 127
Brandon glanced around again. Seeing that the nearby students were all huddled near the bookshelves, he leaned in and said, “we just recen Two female students from Shoneport University went missing yesterday evening. This morning, their bodies…”
Because the case was strange, Brandon kept his voice very low, afraid of being overheard and causing unnecessary panic.
Ashton and Hamish exchanged glances after hearing the news, both of their eyes filled with grim resolve.
Hamish even closed his game and sat up straight. “Brandon, how far has the news spread?”
Ashton’s network had an underground intel–gathering group in Shoneport. Often, they got information before it hit the mainstream channels.
Brandon looked visibly frustrated too.
He said, “The bodies were found in a public park near Shoneport University. Since it’s a free park, an elderly person out for morning exercise found them. We tried to intercept the news, but with those seniors‘ knack for spreading word, it’s basically out of our hands Marvin had it blocked from leaking outside campus, but I believe he’ll call you soon…”
Just as he finished speaking, Ashton’s phone rang.
He looked at the caller ID. Sure enough, it was Marvin.
Hamish spread his hands. “Go ahead and answer. Looks like we came to Shoneport University looking for peace, but trouble found us anyway.”
“Mr. Goodwin.” Ashton’s voice was as cold as his eyes, though it carried no discernible emotion.
Over the phone, Marvin quickly summarized the situation. The incident had caught the school completely off guard. If he hadn’t acted swiftly to suppress the news, panic would’ve already broken out within the school. “That’s the gist of it. I’m on my way to the police station now.”
“I understand. I’ll send someone to you right away.” While speaking, Ashton looked at Brandon, who nodded and left immediately.
After hanging up, Hamish looked a bit grim. “Ashton, who do you think this is targeting?”
It was quite a coincidence. They just arrived at Shoneport University, and something major happened.
Moreover, it was a murder case.
A school was not afraid of poor academic performance, not lack of accolades, but a student dying, especially something involving murder. If mishandled, it could destroy the century–old reputation of Shoneport University!
Ashton shoved his hands into his pockets and turned slightly, his gaze landing on the tightly shut door of the restroom. “They better be targeting me.”
“I hope so too. Otherwise, I’m afraid Shoneport’s in for a storm.” Hamish’s eyes held a mix of unease and complexity. Having grown up with Ashton, he knew exactly what those words meant.
Ashton had likely already guessed the deeper motives behind this incident.
Shoneport had been quiet for too long. Many had probably forgotten just how ruthless Ashton could be.
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AD
