Semua Bab SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire: Bab 11 - Bab 20

But not this time. She needed a plan, and she needed help. The first person that came to mind was Mia. She didn’t want to involve her, but Mia had always been there, pushing her to see the truth, even when Ashley refused to listen. She picked up her phone and sent a simple message. Ashley: I need to see you. Minutes later, Mia replied. Mia: I’ll be at the café near your place in 30 minutes. Ashley stood, grabbing her bag. If Alex wouldn’t give her what she needed, she would find a way to get it herself. Ashley arrived at the café earlier than planned, her nerves making her restless. She ordered a coffee but barely touched it, stirring absently as she waited for Mia. Mia walked in a few minutes later, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto Ashley’s tense posture. Without a word, she slid into the seat across from her, setting her bag down. "What happened?" Mia asked, her tone firm but laced with concern. Ashley exhaled slowly, struggling to put her frustration into w

That evening, Ashley prepared Alex’s favorite meal, carefully plating everything with precision. The rich aroma of the perfectly cooked steak, roasted potatoes, and red wine sauce filled the dining room. The table was set just the way he liked it, elegant but not excessive, with a bottle of his preferred wine chilling nearby. She moved with practiced ease, masking the storm inside her with a calm, composed exterior. If she was going to do this, she had to play the role perfectly. When she heard the front door open, her heart pounded in her chest. She wiped her hands on a napkin and stepped into the hallway, greeting Alex with a warm smile. “You’re home early,” she said softly. Alex shrugged out of his suit jacket, tossing it over the back of a chair. He barely glanced at her. “Investors left sooner than expected.” His voice was indifferent as he loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. Ashley gestured toward the dining table. “I made dinner. Your favorite.” That caught

Ashley stepped out of the Donovan Enterprises building with the same composure she had maintained all morning. She was no longer the naïve housewife who cried in private while her husband paraded his mistress around. No, she was Mrs. Donovan, and today, the world was going to see her as she was meant to be. A sleek, black luxury car pulled up in front of the building just as she reached the sidewalk. The driver stepped out, opening the door for her. "Courtesy of Mia," he said with a slight bow. Ashley slid into the plush leather seat, crossing her legs gracefully as the car pulled into traffic. Mia had chosen an upscale restaurant in the heart of the city, a place frequented by executives, socialites, and the type of people who loved to gossip. Perfect. When Ashley arrived, Mia was already waiting at a private table, sipping a cocktail with a smirk on her lips. "You look like you just stepped off the cover of a power magazine," Mia said, eyes flicking over Ashley’s pristine ou

Ashley sat gracefully, placing her hands on the table as the meeting began. If Alex thought he could rattle her by bringing Claude into this, he was mistaken. She wasn’t the same woman who had walked blindly into his games. Claude’s sharp gaze flickered toward her every so often as Alex presented their pitch. He listened, nodding at the right moments, but Ashley could tell his attention wasn’t entirely on the numbers. He was watching her, waiting to see how she would react. She gave him nothing. When Alex finished his presentation, Claude leaned back in his chair, resting his fingers against his chin. "It’s a compelling offer," he admitted. "But before I commit, I’d like to hear from Mrs. Donovan." Alex tensed beside her, and Ashley nearly smiled. Claude had just thrown her a rope, one Alex wasn’t expecting. She turned to Claude, meeting his gaze with quiet confidence. "What specifically would you like to know?" "Your perspective," Claude said smoothly. "I’ve seen companies thr

The next morning, Ashley stepped out of the office building for a breath of fresh air. The weight of playing the perfect wife was suffocating, but she bore it with a grace that masked her true intentions. She adjusted the sleeves of her silk blouse, inhaling the crisp morning air as she descended the steps. And then she bumped into a solid chest. "Steady there," a deep voice murmured, hands instinctively reaching out to steady her. Ashley blinked up, her breath hitching. Claude. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, he looked effortlessly powerful. His sharp eyes flickered with recognition before a slow smirk curved his lips. "Mrs. Donovan," he greeted, his tone laced with amusement. "We meet again." Ashley straightened, smoothing her blouse. "Mr. Claude," she replied evenly. His gaze lingered on her, as if searching for something beneath her calm exterior. "What a coincidence," he mused. "Or maybe not." Ashley’s fingers clenched at her sides. Was he toying with her? Or did