Protective Instincts

Protective Instincts
Ashton's POV

Today, I visited my mother’s mansion. I felt I needed more clarity from her. As long as Charles insisted he knew nothing about the fund transfer and claimed it was on my father’s orders, the trial would remain stalled, unresolved.

Once again, the Judge decided to postpone the hearing, and it frustrated me. The trial would only continue if stronger evidence emerged. One line from Frederick lingered in my mind.

“Ashton, be careful of those closest to you, including your mother. Investigate whether she truly knows nothing about this.”

Should I suspect my own mother? Yet Miranda worked under her, and she should have been aware of the Brightmoore Foundation.

I found her in the mansion’s private library, absorbed in a novel. Kelly had gone out with her friends—she often left the house. Perhaps I should instruct the security to keep a closer watch on her.

“What brings you here, Ashton? You didn’t even give notice.” My mother’s gaze was steady. Since the trial consumed so much of her time and energy, her smiles had become rare. Her face looked tired, her eyelids heavy.

“Mother, I want to ask about the Brightmoore Foundation. Do you really know nothing? How could such a large transfer end up in a personal account without your knowledge? Did Father tell you nothing?” I settled onto the sofa, while she took a round chair by the bookshelves.

“Do you want me to claim I know everything? My testimony in court is truthful. Are you trying to play prosecutor and interrogate me?” Her voice rose slightly. Perhaps she was offended. Yet I was merely curious. How could something this significant escape her attention?

“Mother, I don’t mean to interrogate you. I just want honesty about what you know. I’m certain you know more.”

“I know nothing, Ashton. Your father never told me. In some matters, or perhaps many, he isn’t completely open with me. I’m also not actively involved in the company’s operations.”

I didn’t press further. She seemed so exhausted. I hoped Evelyn and her team would uncover new evidence soon. I was confident the truth would emerge.

I glanced at my watch. I had promised to pick up Lily at campus today. She always approached her studies with enthusiasm, and I felt proud watching her work so diligently every day.



Lily's POV

Class had ended, and I decided to wait for Ashton at the cafeteria. He had said he would pick me up after visiting his mother’s mansion.

The trial over the accident case had drained us both, but I was grateful. Ashton’s suspicion regarding my father had finally been cleared. Though my father’s relationship with Ashton wasn’t fully healed, at least Ashton no longer harbored resentment or anger toward him.

A cup of espresso kept me company this afternoon. Its aroma was addictive, easing my mind after a packed class schedule.

I startled as a familiar figure approached, smiling gently.

“Lily, may I sit here?” Daniel’s smile was warm. He carried a cup of fruit juice.

“Of course, Professor.”

Daniel chuckled. “Outside class, you can just call me Daniel, Lily.”

I squinted. “Is that allowed?”

“Of course, because I wish it,” he replied with his friendly smile.

“Alright then, Daniel.”

“Lily, you might never have guessed that Ashton and I know each other.”

I furrowed my brows. “Oh? Where did you meet?”

“We went to the same university. Your husband has always been captivating, Lily. Many women admired him even back then.” Daniel sipped his juice.

I smiled faintly. I had expected as much. Even in his current married life, many women still glanced or admired him. It didn’t matter that I was by his side.

“Yes, I suspected as much.”

“You must be very patient and restrained not to feel jealous,” Daniel continued, smiling gently.

I chuckled softly. “A little jealousy is natural. Think of it as seasoning in marriage.”

“True. I’ve wanted to chat with Ashton occasionally, but perhaps he wouldn’t like it.”

I raised my brow. “Why not?”

“He doesn’t like me,” he answered, leaving a subtle mystery without any hint to unravel it.

“There’s always a reason why someone dislikes us,” I replied evenly, not wishing to pry too deeply even though it involved Ashton.

“Exactly. He dislikes me because I used to be close to Kelly, his sister.”

I nodded. That seemed like a reasonable explanation.

“He’s an overprotective older brother who assumes any man near his sister has selfish intentions,” Daniel said with a crooked smile.

“You could explain to him that you’re serious about Kelly. That might dispel his misconceptions.”

Daniel gave a wry smile. “It didn’t work. He flew into a rage when he caught us kissing.”

I froze for a moment. Perhaps the kiss was too intimate? I was certain Ashton had valid reasons for disliking Daniel’s closeness with Kelly.

“Lily…”

I startled as Ashton entered the cafeteria. I stood and smiled to greet him.

The smile on his face faded slightly when he saw Daniel sitting across from me.

“You? You know each other?” Ashton glanced between Daniel and me.

“Daniel teaches here. He used to be the older brother of a friend from high school,” I said calmly. I could read it—Ashton was clearly surprised and probably didn’t appreciate Daniel’s presence.

Daniel stood and smiled at Ashton, extending his hand. “Hi, Ashton. Long time no see. How have you been?” He tried to ease the tension.

Ashton ignored the handshake. I could see the anger in his expression.

“Lily, let’s go home.” Ashton grabbed my hand, and we hurried out of the cafeteria.

Once in the car, I looked at him curiously.

“You don’t like Daniel because he was once close to Kelly?”

Ashton returned my gaze sharply. “Being close wouldn’t bother me. I caught them entering a hotel room. That playboy nearly took advantage of my sister.”

Now I understood why Ashton despised him so much.

“Is he really a playboy?”

“Yes. I know him well. I won’t let that playboy mess with my sister.”

I remained silent. Ashton was fiercely protective of his family, and I admired that. I didn’t know Daniel that well, but I thought he seemed like a decent person.

“How about we stop by my favorite restaurant for lunch?” Ashton raised both eyebrows.

I beamed. “Alright, Darling.”