I knew Ashton’s stubborn personality like the back of my palm. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. To achieve his goals, it was likely that he’d already started to brainstorm for other ideas to convince me.
Nevertheless, I was happy that he had his attention fixated on something else. It meant that Ashton was finally breaking free from the Hall family.
After waiting in the car for several moments, Ashton finally arrived late on purpose. When he got into the seat next to mine, there was a dark expression that loomed across his face.
Even when the car started, Ashton did not spare me a single glance. Instead, he kept his hands firmly on his knees. It looked like he was drawing an invisible boundary between us.
Although I had only ever seen women sulk in silence, Ashton’s sullen demeanor was no different. In fact, the petulant pout on his face looked extremely out of place.
The sight of Ashton’s clenched jaw caused me to stifle my laughter. In an attempt to catch a better glimpse of his face, I leaned forward. At the same time, the car drove over a sudden bump that sent my flying forward because I’d forgotten to put on my seatbelt.
The next thing I knew, a pair of muscled arms had wrapped around my waist and guided me back to my seat with a firm yet gentle grip.
Immediately, I looked up and saw a deep frown across Ashton’s forehead. A look of exasperation and frustration was present in his jet-black eyes.
It felt like I could read his inner thoughts. Even though he’s angry at me, his rage wouldn’t stop him from protecting me.
Unable to hold back my laughter anymore, I burst into a fit of giggles.
When he heard my laughs, Ashton’s mood seemed to worsen. After all, he must have never faced such a predicament before. In the past, he was the one who put others on the spot. Now that the roles have been reversed, he must be feeling very gloomy.
Despite his foul mood, he kept one of his hands stubbornly wrapped around my waist. Ashton spent the rest of the journey with his face turned to the window as we sat in silence.
On the other hand, I followed in Ashton’s past footsteps. Brazenly, I ignored his foul mood and leaned my head on his shoulder throughout the entire car ride.
The couple who planned to adopt Shaun were a pair of university professors. Although they spent a long time waiting for our arrival, they did not complain. Even when they greeted us, the couple was amicable and cordial.
From this act alone, I could discern their true personalities and character.
Ashton and I quickly settled down opposite them. Although we were supposed to discuss Shaun’s adoption, Ashton’s subordinates had already done a thorough background check on the couple. Hence, we made idle small talk.
After mulling it over, I said to Yuna earnestly, “Shaun is introverted and shy. Once you bring him home, I hope you and your husband will be patient with him. Please give him ample time to adjust.”
Throughout our entire conversation, Yuna had a warm smile on her face. When she heard my advice, she quickly nodded. “Mrs. Fuller, please relax. We can’t bear any children of our own. Shaun will be in safe hands. We promise to treat him like he’s our own child. Eventually, we believe Shaun will accept our sincerity and love.”
While she spoke, Yuna glanced at her husband as they laced their hands together. I could see a spark of gratitude and joy gleaming in the couple’s eyes.
I nodded my head in satisfaction. It looks like Shaun has found the perfect home. Fate has led him to this loving couple.
Right then, loud yells echoed from the back of the house.
“Oh no, Ms. Audrey fell into the water! Please help!”
“Quick, she is choking on water!”
When I caught wind of the panicked cries, it felt like a bolt of lightning had struck my body. Instantly, my entire mind turned blank.
Immediately, I jumped to my feet and hurtled toward the back of the house without any regard for my appearance.
When I got to the scene, the bodyguard had rescued Audrey to shore. Judging from her limp body, she must have fallen unconscious. Without any delay, the guard began to perform CPR on her.
Fortunately, Audrey’s condition was not severe. It only took the guard a few pumps before the water she’d swallowed earlier came spluttering out of her mouth.
Swiftly, the maid wrapped a large towel around Audrey’s wet body as Ashton scooped her into his arms and rushed into the house.
Now that Audrey was out of harm’s way, I heaved out a huge sigh of relief. However, just as I began to follow Ashton, I noticed a few guards hovering in a circle nearby. When I ventured closer, I realized Shaun was also a victim of the drowning incident.
Although another guard was trying to resuscitate Shaun, the young boy showed no response.
