<b>Chapter </b><b>13 </b>


    Kate’s p nevernded.


    The door to the hospital room swung open, and her hand froze midair. Panic shed across her face. “Mr.


    Fletcher… you’re awake?”


    Ashton stood there in a in hospital gown with a clean bandage wrapped around his arm.


    Even while injured, the weight of his presence seemed to fill the room. His cool gray eyes swept over


    Kate with indifference.


    Ashton’s brow creased with visible irritation. “Who are you?”


    Kate quickly hid her raised hand behind her back and forced a smile. “I’m Kate Dawson, Mr. Fletcher. I’m new in the design department.


    “I heard you were unwell, so I came to visit on behalf of our team. Mr. Dell said you were resting. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”


    She had pulled strings just to find out Ashton was being treated at this hospital.


    After arriving early that morning, she even brought a gift basket filled with supplements. However, his assistant, William Dell, had blocked her outside the door and hadn’t even let her catch a glimpse.


    Just as she was about to leave, she ran into Veronica.


    And now, of all moments, Ashton had stepped out just in time to see everything.


    Ashton didn’t recognize her at all. His eyes narrowed slightly with a cool detachment lingering in their depths. “You knew I was resting, and still caused a scene outside my room. What’s your goal?


    Harassment?<b>” </b>


    “No, I… I didn’t mean-” Kate stammered.


    He tilted his head slightly, his gaze cool and cutting. “I didn’t realize the design department had this much free time.”


    He wasn’t wearing his sses today. Under the crisp light of the hallway, the lines of his <b>face </b>were sharply defined, casting a natural shadow that made him look all the more aloof and untouchable.


    Kate was too caught up in staring to notice the sharp edge in his voice.


    She even started to step closer<b>, </b>eager to exin herself. “I was just concerned about your health…”


    William stepped in just <b>in </b>time, blocking her path. <b>“</b>Ms. Dawson, please leave.<b>” </b>


    Before she could protest, the door closed firmly in her face.


    Ashton’s hand was still resting lightly on Veronica’s wrist. It was a subtle gesture, but it burned in Kate’s


    eyes like a brand.


    Her freshly manicured nails dug hard into her palm, leaving crescent–shaped marks in the skin. Fury twisted through her chest and nearly tipped her into madness.


    William stood firm at the doorway, unfazed and unmoving.


    He just wanted the mad Kate to leave. If she kept this up, Ashton would likely have her transferred to some remote development project in Nargunda.


    Unbeknownst to either of them, Eleanor had been watching the whole scene from a distance. After taking it all in, she silently slipped back into her own room.


    Inside the room, only Veronica and Ashton remained.


    Veronica felt her nerves tighten upon remembering how curt he had been just montents ago. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb your rest, sir.”


    Ashton settledzily onto the couch, his expression unreadable.


    When he heard the way she addressed him, he arched his brow slightly. “Sir?<b>” </b>


    She quickly corrected herself after recalling how Kate had addressed him earlier. “Mr. Fletcher, thank you for stepping in just now. I wasn’t sure what you might need, but I brought some food–chicken soup and some fresh scones.”


    Veronica unpacked the food container and carefully ted the homemade chicken soup and freshly baked pastries one by one.


    Ashton replied evenly, “It was nothing. No need to be so polite, Ms. Dolton.”


    He didn’t say whether or not he would eat what she brought.


    When Veronica caught a glimpse of the bandages wrapped around Ashton’s arm and hand, she made up mind. He had taken that injury for her, so the least she could do was offer something warm in return.


    time William returned to the room, Veronica was already holding out a bowl of steaming soup to


    moment William saw that, he felt his heart drop. He didn’t get a chance to shut the door in time just ow, and any second now, someone was about to be tossed out of the room.


    Ashton was notoriously particr when it came to food, and his stomach was sensitive. He usually followed a strict meal n curated by a private nutritionist, and he loathed soupy dishes.


    On top of that, he had a serious case of germophobia–he never touched food from strangers. Not to mention, he had just had a meal half an hour ago.


    Veronica had hit every one of his bottom lines without even trying.


    William kept his eyes down, doing his best to stay invisible. He didn’t even want to imagine how badly <b>this </b>was about to go for Veronica.


    Veronica carefully ced the bowl and spoon on the tray in front of him. When Ashton still didn’t move, guilt twisted in her chest.


    He couldn’t even lift a spoon. That stab wound must have hurt more than he let on.


    Without thinking, she scooped up a spoonful, gently blew on it, and brought it to his lips.


    William stopped breathing.


    That was it. Veronica was done for.


    “Not bad. Thank you,” Ashton said, taking the spoonful with elegant ease.


    He tilted his chin slightly, gesturing for her to continue.


    Upon seeing nothing strange in his reaction, Veronica simply smiled anddled up another.


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