Page 108 of Ruthless Heir

Asher and I exchange glances when they leave. A silent confirmation that we managed to fool them again.

“There you are.” Layla rushes up to us. I didn’t even see which way she came from. “You two look amazing.”

“Thank you,” Asher and I say at the same time.

“Boss man, if you don’t mind, I’d love to borrow Harper. She needs to see my ice sculptures. They are to die for.”

“Sure.” Asher nods. “Meet me at the gala when you’re done.”

“Okay,” I reply.

Layla grabs my hand and off we go but I look over my shoulder at Asher as she ushers me away. He gives me a little smile but I can tell he’s troubled.

Again I think about the Alexis situation.

Would I really be okay with being terminated?

I can’t deny that it would be for the best but that silly part of me is still hanging on to… What?

Nothing.

I have nothing but the air and the fake kisses we share.

But it’s something. No matter how small.

Layla takes me out into the garden where Luna and Autumn are standing by a gorgeous ice sculpture of a girl holding a bird.

It’s so beautiful it takes my breath away.

“Oh, wow,” I gasp.

Luna and Autumn smile at me.

“We knew you’d like it.” Luna chuckles. “I can’t believe that a year has flown by since I last did this event. I wanted to go all out this year to make it more special.”

“It certainly is special.” Autumn nods her approval.

“Agreed.”

“Come, let me show you the rest,” Layla prompts us, reminding me of an excited child at Christmas. “We have half an hour before the auction begins.”

She takes us to view the other masterpieces, then launches into a deep conversation about babies and shopping with Luna and Autumn.

I don’t mind the talk about babies although something like that is way, way, way down my list.

When we go back inside I leave the girls and look for Asher.

My heart sinks into my stomach when I gaze across the room and find him talking to Alexis.

What the hell is she doing here? Isn’t she supposed to be on the other side of the world?

Sure, she might be nice but she’s clearly here for him.

Surely she must know by now that he’s with me. Or maybe she doesn’t.

Regardless, it’s irritating the hell out of me that she’s here with him, looking so good in her sleeveless silver dress.

And Asher is smiling at whatever she’s saying to him.

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