All Chapters of 100 Nights Contract with Mr.CEO: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Ashley's POV:I might not have been prepared to face this group of distinguished people, and certainly not to have their attention focused on me… but I can realize the actual reason Ethan brought me here.He wants to use this meeting as an opportunity to present me as his ally. I may be one step away from melting into a puddle of anxiety, but the way he is handling himself with poise, gives me some subtle cues on how to stay relatively calm. After Ethan's prompting, the meeting starts without any delay. They begin discussing tenders and contracts, debating which companies are best suited for various projects. Their conversation flows seamlessly between French and English; and that is not the only difficulty I am facing in keeping up with everything that is being said. Their statements are laden with business jargon, and by the time I get the hang of one conversation, they have moved on to another topic. So I just sit quietly, feeling overwhelmed. The air feels a little suffocating

Ashley's POV:I consider his words, but I can't leave without at least trying to clarify the misunderstanding that has occurred. Ethan’s cold gaze bores into me, like his eyes were questioning why I am still standing in his office. "But Mr. Johnson, I think there has been some miscommunication. I don't have any idea–""Ashley," he interrupts me dismissively, and his tone makes it seem like he is done with my antics; like I am testing his patience on purpose. "I'm saying this for the last time, so you better keep it in mind. I am only interested in our business arrangement– neither to gather any sort of praise for your perception of my actions, nor for your act of innocence and kindness. Do you get it or not?!"The words sting more than I want to admit. Although I'm feeling misunderstood and hurt, I fight back tears somehow, in an effort to remain at least ten percent as calm and composed as he is. "I understand." I gulp nervously and with trembling hands, I sign my name on the doc

Ashley's POV:The moment that the luxury car comes to q stop at the entrance, the eyes of people present there change from laughing at me to completely being mesmerized by the speculation about who it could be. And while everyone is in shock, guessing the identity of this newcomer, Ethan Johnson nonchalantly steps out of the luxury car, causing a stunned silence to spread through the crowd. The shareholders and directors, who moments ago were mocking me, now watched in awe as Ethan started walking towards the Waverly Group, accompanied by his entourage of bodyguards and assistants.Of course, I recognize him immediately, and for some reason… despite all my reservations, I feel a surge of relief and hope. For a moment, I can't believe he was actually here…. but as he approaches me, the reality of the situation hits me hard.Ethan reaches down and offers his hand to help me up from the ground. I try to thank him, but it seems like the words have got stuck in my throat. My emotions at

Ashley's POV:As everyone settles into their respective places in the conference room, I can't help but steal a glance toward Ethan. He is seated beside me, and the entire entourage of staff members that he had brought along, were on alert around him. To my surprise, I catch a quick smile flash across his face, but it's gone just as quickly. Was it just my illusion….no it was ..as I can bet I had caught him smiling.Stunned, I quickly look down at the file in front of me, as an internal debate kicks off in my mind.Did I really just see that? Was he smiling? He was, wasn't he! I'm pretty sure he was... but I can't possibly be hallucinating in broad daylight, right?Before I can get the time to hear the arguments on both sides and reach a conclusion to the debate, Ethan's voice cuts through my thoughts. "It seems like everyone here is quite fond of wasting time! Should we start the meeting, or are we waiting for something else?"As soon as the words leave his mouth, the conference

Ashley's POV:I follow Ethan outside, quickening my pace and almost rushing to avoid any unwanted attention or any more comments about our relationship. On reaching the company doors, I spot Ethan's car that is waiting right outside, and he's already inside by the time I catch up. I duck my head and slide into the car, feeling a trace of nervousness. The driver shuts the door, and the car starts moving, leaving the Waverly Group's driveway merging into the traffic. It takes me some time to muster my courage, but I finally clear my throat. "I don't know how else to say it, but I sincerely wanted to thank you, because I wouldn't have been able to attend the shareholders' meeting otherwise."I steal a glance at Ethan, expecting some sort of reaction, but he just continues staring ahead, his expression unreadable. Surprisingly, his silence feels like a slight improvement from his reaction yesterday.Feeling somewhat encouraged by his lack of response, I continue, my voice barely above