This man is clearly taking advantage of the situation!
But since I had already set the ball rolling, I couldn’t back out so soon. Closing my eyes, I steeled myself, prepared to go all out.
Drawing a sharp breath, I raised my hands to cup Ashton’s face and kissed him more passionately.
I could feel him smirking against my lips, obviously satisfied with my enthusiasm. In the next second, he suddenly reached out to push me away.
Of course, it was just an act and he didn’t actually put any force into it. I pretended to stumble two steps backward before standing firm.
The carefree expression on Ashton’s chiseled face morphed into impatience as he straightened his coat. Then, he chided, “Scarlett, I’ve already made it clear to you that I no longer have feelings for you. You’re out to make my life difficult, aren’t you?”
We probably succeeded in making Thora and Herman believe that Ashton truly resented me.
Meanwhile, I was caught between laughing and crying. The glee in Ashton’s voice was tangible; he was obviously happy about that bonus kiss.
You’re enjoying this very much, aren’t you, Ashton?
Since I was the one who started it, I had to see this to the end. Hence, I continued playing along and said, “You’re not the only one who has a say in this relationship. As long as I still have feelings for you, you can forget about freeing yourself from me.”
Ashton narrowed his eyes a fraction, pretending to look like he was at his wits’ end as he scanned me up and down. Due to my in-depth understanding of him, I could easily detect the delight in his eyes.
Hearing our conversation, Herman taunted, “I have to say, Ms. Stovall. You really aren’t like other women.”
Only then did I turn around to look at them, feigning innocence as I replied, “Mr. Trivett, what a coincidence. We meet again.”
Herman looked at me, then at Ashton. Stuffing both hands into his pockets and straightening his posture, he said in a mocking tone, “Yes, a coincidence it is, but this is the male washroom. Isn’t it a little too appropriate for someone of your status to approach a man like this, Ms. Stovall? After all, you have the Moores and the Stovalls’ reputations to consider, no?”
“Exactly, I’m someone who has the Moores and the Stovalls backing me, so who would dare to say anything about this? Besides, this is between Ashton and me. It’s really none of your business, is it? You saw it too when we kissed. He still has feelings for me.”
Pausing briefly, I turned to Ashton with a smile. “Admit it. You still can’t get over me. Let’s find a time to remarry and get the formal procedures settled, hmm?”
I knew that Ashton liked how I was currently gazing at him, like I only had eyes for him.
After staring at each other for a few seconds, Ashton turned his face away and adjusted his cuff links. He had a grim look on his face and his eyes were hooded, but there was a hint of anger in them. “Seeing as you’re the mother of my children, I’ll let you off the hook just this once!”
With that, he walked away with an impassive expression, never once breaking stride, not even when he passed by Thora and Herman.
After Ashton’s departure, only the three of us were left in the hallway.
Since the act was over, it was time to withdraw myself from the scene. Smoothing out my attire, I prepared to head back as well.
However, just as I was about to brush past Thora, her hand shot out to block me.
Turning my head to her, I perceived the unsightly look on her face, seemingly p*ssed off.
“Ms. Ziegler, is there something you want to say to me?” I boldly raised a brow at her.
“Of course.” Her voice was biting cold. “As a woman myself, I really pity you. You have failed to make your man stay, but now, you’re even clinging to another woman’s man. Have you no shame?”
Although she didn’t like me before, she was never so blunt with her words. It seemed like the kiss Ashton and shared earlier had really provoked her.
I continued behaving barefaced. “Shame? If I can get back together with the person whom I love, no amount of sacrifice is worth mentioning, not even if it means trampling on my dignity.”
Thora’s eyes narrowed into slits as she gnashed her teeth. “It’s all wishful thinking on your end. Ashton may not feel the same. Besides, a man of his stature deserves someone better. The fact that the Stovalls didn’t even properly seize a small business like Pitcoin already shows that you’re beneath me. Do you think you’re worthy to be my opponent?’
