Chapter 117: Just let it go!
Thankfully, Lucian allowed Ashley to start her day without trapping her in his arms again. Because of that, she managed to push herself to check on the plantation, the garden, and the soil packing area.
Ashley had been busy with classes and lessons for days, and because of that, she could barely check the progress in all three areas of her business. It was a good thing Betty had always been hands-on, and everyone had been putting in effort to make the work lighter.
The trio who had caused problems were also behaving after Betty separated them. Well, even if Betty hadn’t done that, the three of them had already burned bridges with each other. After checking each area, Ashley prepared to leave the mansion for a commitment she had agreed to yesterday.
"Primo, are you sure you don’t want to go with me?" she asked, stopping on the porch. "It’ll be fun! I’ll buy you ice cream!"
Primo pressed his lips into a thin line, tempted to agree. From what she said, Ashley would just head to the airport and then go home. But if he went with her, they could make a detour and spend more time together.
It was tempting.
However, Primo had something important to do today, like confronting his father.
Looking at Ashley’s attire, she wore a blouse buttoned all the way up, with sleeves reaching her wrists. She paired it with long, elephant-beige trousers. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, the ends curled with big volume.
She looked fine—beautiful, even—but she was too covered for him to see any trace of anything.
Even so... I wanted to go with her...
Primo’s thoughts stopped when Ashley suddenly mused, "I promise I won’t ask for another kiss!"
His breath hitched, eyes widening as his cheeks flushed pink.
Nolan, standing nearby, pursed his lips as he glanced at Ashley.
Madam... why did you have to remind him? The young master barely slept last night after you asked for a kiss.
Nolan exhaled deeply, watching as Primo suddenly flung his arms out and pushed Ashley away, urging her to leave.
"Fine, fine!" she sighed, stepping down the porch before turning back to him. "I’ll just buy you some snacks, okay?"
Primo nodded, looking away.
Ashley exhaled, a little dejected as she dragged her feet toward the driveway.
"I guess I need to focus on our relationship more," she muttered. "Primo is so hard to please. Even harder than Lucian."
She shook her head, deciding she would buy him lots of toys and games on her way back.
Seeing her reaction, Nolan shook his head as his gaze shifted to Primo.
"Madam," he whispered under his breath, "how could you not notice he’s just flustered?"
Primo was just a child, but he was more mature than most kids his age. It wasn’t that he was hard to please; he simply got shy and flustered around her. That didn’t mean he didn’t like her. If anything, Primo was the first to open up to her more than anyone else in the mansion.
But Nolan’s thoughts were cut short when Primo suddenly turned, his eyes lighting up with determination.
Uh oh, the head butler thought.
Right. The young master... was just as stubborn as the madam and the master.
Nolan pinched the bridge of his nose as Primo walked past him, clearly heading off to confront Lucian again. The boy looked like he was preparing for a wrestling match.
Young master, can you just let it go?!
*****
Meanwhile, Ashley glanced back, catching Nolan sigh before following Primo inside. She smacked her lips and continued toward the driveway, stopping beside the car where her escorts were waiting.
"..." she blinked, noticing two bodyguards stationed by the driver’s seat. Someone was already inside, yet they guarded it as if their lives depended on it.
"I’m not driving!" she complained, clicking her tongue. "My husband scolded me for driving without a license."
Red and the others around the car raised their brows.
"Really?" Red blurted. "The master said that?"
Ashley nodded. "Yeah."
The crew exchanged looks, even those already inside with the windows rolled down. Red and the others nodded in satisfaction, sharing the same thought.
It seems the master isn’t a lost cause yet. At least he could still think straight.
Their relief, however, was short-lived when she added,
"He said I should get my license first," she smiled sweetly. "He already got that sorted, so I’ll just wait for it to be delivered."
With that, Ashley giggled and hopped into the backseat.
As for everyone else, they could only stare in the direction she had gone. Their faces went blank, mouths slightly open.
"Lost cause?" Gin muttered, eyes empty. "This is worse!"
"How could he arrange for her to get a driver’s license without even taking the test?!"
"Has everyone gone mad?!"
Their faces twisted in horror as they imagined their bleak future. Just when they thought Lucian had regained some sense, they were proven wrong.
Their master was getting worse!
And they could only expect it to escalate after last night.
"Hey..." Ashley rolled down the window, popping her head out. "Why do you guys like idling like this before we leave? Is this a habit? It’s a bad habit, I’m telling you."
Slowly, their gazes shifted to her.
"Let’s go," she drawled. "Otherwise, we’ll be late. And if we are, I’ll be the one driving."
The moment she said the magic word—drive—they scrambled into action. The others rushed to their vehicles, and even the ones inside quickly started the engine.
Ashley clicked her tongue and pouted. "What’s so wrong with my driving skills? I think I did a pretty good job last time. Or was I too slow for your taste?"
As she rubbed her chin, seriously considering it, the men in front peeked at her through the rearview mirror.
Please, stop thinking about this! Just let it go! It’s not like that at all!
*****
As their cars rolled out of the driveway, Lucian stood by the window of the adjoining room to his study, watching them leave. As usual, Red and his team were with her, so he wasn’t worried.
DING!
His brows lifted as he pulled out his phone to check the message.
[From: My Boo
I’m leaving now. See you later <3]
His eyes softened, a faint smile forming, only to disappear when he remembered Gustav’s presence behind him.
Lucian’s expression turned cold as he slipped his phone into his pocket and faced Gustav.
"Did you find the person who spiked my drink last night?"