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Chapter 17: Shattered Pretenses

Author: Ojay Tales
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-21 02:53:30

"She left with some man," Ava's voice dripped with satisfaction. "Quite cozy in the garden, I hear."

Christopher's knuckles whitened against the doorframe. "Penelope."

"Yes?" She dabbed at her fake injuries.

"Help me end this farce of an engagement."

"But Christopher—"

"Don't pretend you care!" He paced the room. "That shameless woman... making a fool of me!"

Penelope hid a smile. "Are you sure? The merger—"

"I'll make her end it herself." Christopher's eyes blazed. "Watch me destroy her reputation so thoroughly she'll have to leave town."

In the moonlit garden:

"I should return," Ashlyn straightened her dress. "Grandfather will be looking for me."

Richard caught her hand. "Let me come with you."

"We discussed this. No one can know about us yet."

"Then let Jonathan shadow you." Richard nodded to his assistant lurking nearby. "I don't trust Christopher's temper."

"Fine." Ashlyn kissed his cheek. "But tell him to be discrete."

The banquet hall buzzed with whispers as Ashlyn entered. Chr
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