head, muttering something under his breath.
Clam
Ashcroft’s eyes drifted once more to Harper’s door-still closed, still silent. That small, stubborn
barrier felt heavier than it should. It shouldn’t matter. And yet, it did. The ache in his chest pressed
harder, a slow, unwelcome pulse that refused to fade.
Damien checked his watch, then motioned toward the elevator. “Let’s go. Mom’s already waiting at
the breakfast lounge-you know how she gets when people are late.”
Ashcroft said nothing, only nodded. But as they started down the hall, his thoughts betrayed him.
Maybe she’s already downstairs.
The group walked toward the elevator, the soft click of their footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. Lee stepped aside as they approached, holding the doors open. One by one, they stepped inside, the doors sliding shut with a muted whoosh, sealing them in the confined space.
Inside the elevator, Maya’s gaze found Ashcroft in the mirrored reflection. Her brow arched, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she took in the faint shadows beneath his.
“Rough night?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing.
Ashcroft exhaled slowly, letting one shoulder rest against the mirrored wall. “Yeah… something like
that. Couldn’t sleep.”
Damien’s eyes flicked to him through the reflection, amusement lacing his casual tone. “You and Harper just disappeared last night. What were you two up to? Kim said she saw you heading toward the dock.”
For a heartbeat, Ashcroft froze-like a boy caught sneaking sweets before dinner. He cleared his throat, forcing a nonchalant shrug. “Oh… that? Yeah. I just helped her take out some trash.”
Damien’s brow lifted ever so slightly, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. He knew exactly what kind of “trash” Ashcroft was referring to.
“All clear?” Damien asked, voice low and knowing.
Ashcroft met his gaze, lips twitching. “Yup. All clear.”
Maya blinked, looking between the two of them. “I don’t get it… isn’t there housekeeping for that?”
Damien and Ashcroft exchanged a look. Damien leaned closer to her, lowering his voice. “A different kind of trash, love.”
Maya’s brows knitted together in confusion-until realization dawned. Her eyes widened, lips parting into a small, startled “O.”
Chapter 145 A Bitter Sunnise-2
Clam
“Oh…” she breathed, glancing from Ashcroft to Damien, her expression teetering between
amusement and mild scandal. “May I ask how?”
Ashcroft didn’t miss a beat. “Sharks’ dinner,” he said coolly.
Maya blinked once-then twice-before her jaw dropped slightly, a mix of horror and disbelief flashing across her face. “You’re kidding-right?”
Damien chuckled under his breath. “He’s not.”
Ashcroft only smirked faintly, the ghost of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. Then, as the elevator chimed and the doors slid open, his gaze drifted away-back to that distant, unreadable calm that masked the chaos still simmering beneath.
As the elevator doors slid open, Lee immediately stepped off, wheeling Damien and Maya’s suitcases toward the waiting yacht.
At the lobby entrance, a staff member approached, bowing slightly, his hand gesturing toward
Ashcroft’s luggage.
“Good morning, sir. May I have this loaded onto the yacht for you?”
Ashcroft gave a brief nod, his tone controlled, measured. “Go ahead.”
They moved forward, following the path toward the al fresco breakfast area. With each step, the gentle hum of the ocean grew louder, mingling with the soft rustle of the morning breeze.
Beneath a wide cream canopy, the resort staff had arranged an impeccable spread-white linens, crystal glasses catching the sunlight, and tropical fruits glistening as if jeweled.
From a distance, Ashcroft spotted Dahlia already seated at the head of the table, a porcelain cup of coffee cradled in her hands. She radiated poise and quiet authority, every gesture graceful, every glance measured.
Beside her, Kim stood a step or two away, silent and alert, her eyes occasionally drifting to the horizon where sea met sky.
James lingered at the edge of the tent, hands clasped behind his back, posture calm and disciplined-a quiet signal that everything was in order.
Ashcroft’s gaze swept the table, instinctively searching for the one presence that had haunted him all night-the woman whose memory had left his bed untouched, whose absence had left his mind
restless.
But she wasn’t there. No wild hair catching the sunlight, no sharp, teasing eyes meeting his. Just empty chairs, the faint scent of salt and coffee, and the echo of waves rolling onto the shore.
Chapter 145 A Bitter Sunrise-2
The thought pricked at his chest, a restless tug he could not ignore.
Where the hell is she?
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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.