Clamm
The room remained silent for a beat, everyone processing, some shaking their heads in disbelief, others exchanging incredulous glances. Harper, still flushed, looked down at her hands, trying to shrink into herself-but a small, triumphant spark lingered in her eyes.
Harper shrugged, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah… I had a good day.”
Maya’s shock melted slowly into something more complicated: awe, a flash of fear, and an odd, fierce gratitude. “Where… where is he now?”
Harper waved her hand casually, as if it were nothing. “Oh… just a small island not far from here. In a cave.”
Dahlia cleared her throat, eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and caution. “And who exactly is this Ethan?”
Harper bounced slightly on her heels, a bright, guilty grin spreading across her face. “Aunt Dahlia… you’re not going to believe this!” she exclaimed, eyes sparkling. “So, his name’s Ethan Miller, he’s an actor-total drama king. Long story short, he came here on Volkov’s orders, trying to get a rise out of Damien.”
She clapped her hands together, excitement lacing every word. “Turns out… Maya went to school with him! He tried to chase her back then, got rejected, and apparently… he’s still hung up on her! Can you believe it?”
Harper leaned in, lowering her voice for effect, though the gleam in her eyes never dimmed.” So, one morning, he saw Maya and Damien all sweet and cozy, and his jealous little ego just exploded! He started saying all these horrible things-calling her names, accusing her of being with Damien for his money, saying disgusting stuff about… well, you get the picture.”
She threw her hands up, laughing through the memory. “So… of course, I had to teach him a lesson!”
Dahlia’s lips curved into a small, approving smile. “Hmm… good girl.”
Her grin widened, cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Thank you, Aunt Dahlia!” Dahlia’s sharp eyes flicked toward her, curiosity sharpening her gaze. “And… is he still alive?” Harper hesitated, then shrugged, a playful tilt to her head. “Yeah… well… I guess. I mean… he’s still breathing… at least for now.” Her eyes suddenly sparkled, a mischievous idea igniting.” Oh! Wait-let me show you.”
She fumbled for her phone in her back pocket, fingers dancing over the screen, and dialed a
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Chapter 137 The One Night Lie-]
Claim
number. After two rings, the call connected, and the screen lit up with the face of a Japanese man, his expression sharp but exaggerated with a grin. He saluted dramatically. “Bosu!” Harper held the phone steadily, a sly smirk tugging at her lips. “How’s my boy toy?” she asked.
Ashcroft’s throat hitched in a small, almost imperceptible cough. He cleared it quickly, pretending nonchalance, but the sharp edge in his eyes betrayed a twinge of jealousy. A faint crease appeared between his brows as he forced a tight-lipped smile, the words “boy toy” clearly hitting a nerve.
The room seemed to shift. All eyes flicked toward him, subtle but unmistakable curiosity- and amusement-spreading across the faces of those present. Dahlia’s lips curved into a sly, knowing smile, though she masked it with an air of mild disapproval. Maya and Damien exchanged a glance, a quiet, wordless understanding passing between them, followed by tiny, reluctant grins.
Harper rolled her eyes at him, a silent rebuke, then turned back to the phone, her focus sharp and her energy infectious. The room hummed with a quiet tension-curiosity, amusement, and unspoken feelings weaving through the air. Everyone sensed the sparks between them… everyone, that is, except the two at the center of it.
The man on the other end raised a brow. “Bosu! Is everything okay?”
Harper’s lips curved into a mischievous grin. “Yeah… probably just someone’s hemorrhoids flaring up again,” she said, her eyes locking on Ashcroft for a brief, teasing moment. Then, turning back to the phone with mock gravity, she added, “Anyway… how’s my little toy holding up?”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.