Chapter 146 The Reckless Little Rebel-2
Chapter 146: The Reckless Little Rebel-2
Clam
He let his gaze drop to the untouched cup of coffee before him, masking a flicker of guilt with a
faint, knowing smirk. “Nothing I couldn’t handle,” he said, the words calm-but carrying the weight
of more than he let on.
His hand stirred the coffee in front of him, motionless almost, eyes repeatedly drifting toward the
resort entrance, half-expecting Harper to appear.
But she didn’t.
The absence settled around him like a weight, the soft morning light doing nothing to warm the
ache that had settled in his chest overnight.
Though the morning sun spilled warmth across him, a cold unease lingered-a sharp ache that neither last night’s whiskey nor the gentle sea breeze could soothe.
Maya’s gaze flicked to him, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. She and Damien exchanged a brief, knowing glance-a silent acknowledgment that something was happening between Nick and
Harper.
Her curiosity tugged at her, urging a question, but a subtle shake of Damien’s head was enough to still her lips before any words could form.
The conversation moved on-Dahlia outlining their departure schedule and the preparations for the family dinner that evening, James giving updates on the yacht’s readiness-but Ashcroft barely registered a word.
His
gaze drifted once more toward the resort entrance, the subtle tension in his jaw betraying how little control he actually had.
He couldn’t help it any longer. His voice cut through the gentle hum of conversation.
“By the way… looks like the crazy lady is still enjoying her sleep, huh?”
The comment earned a few curious glances, Maya’s brows knitting together in mild amusement, Damien suppressing a smirk, and Dahlia raising an eyebrow but staying silent, her expression
unreadable.
Ashcroft’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smirk, eyes distant as if trying-and failing-to erase her image from his mind. “Seems she’s taking her time,” he said, casual, but the edge in his voice was unmistakable.
A sharper grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Don’t tell me we’re supposed to wait for the ‘prin cess’ before we leave. Last I checked, the world doesn’t revolve around her.”
Chapter 146 The Reckless Little Rebel-2
He leaned slightly, mock-serious, letting the sarcasm roll off him. “Or should we send a search party? Maybe a royal decree? Heaven forbid she misses her morning beauty nap.”
Clawn
Ashcroft tilted his head, smirk widening. “Honestly, at this rate, I’m expecting a parade and confetti
when she finally shows up.”
Maya’s eyes flicked toward him, the corners crinkling with mischievous curiosity, as if daring him to
say more.
Before anyone could respond, James cleared his throat, stepping slightly closer. His tone was calm, measured-but a sly glint betrayed a teasing undercurrent. “Um… excuse me, sir. But… Ms. Lin already left.”
The words hit Ashcroft like ice. Every muscle in his body tensed, his mind snapping into sharp
focus.
“She left?” His voice was low, clipped, dangerous-the calm façade cracking just enough to reveal the flicker of restlessness beneath.
James nodded. “Yes, sir. Before sunrise. She also submitted a last-minute leave request for a week
said there was an emergency she needed to attend to.”
Ashcroft’s fist tightened above his lap, knuckles whitening. “What emergency?!”
Dahlia spoke casually, taking the last sip of her coffee, her voice deceptively light. “Her father… sent some men to handle a matter. But when they arrived at the location, it was a trap. They were locked in, exposed to gas poisoning. A few didn’t make it, but most survived-including Hiro. The poison is… potent, and no one has been able to identify it. Time is running out, so they have no choice but to call on Harper.”
Ashcroft’s eyes narrowed, sharp and incredulous, a flicker of frustration tugging at the edges of his otherwise controlled facade.
His mind filtered through Dahlia’s words, and everything blurred-except one name. Hiro. The man who had always carried the image of perfection, the so-called “ideal husband,” and now, just hearing his name, a tight knot of irritation-and something darker-coiled in Ashcroft’s chest.
“But… why her?” His voice was low, controlled, but the edge betrayed the storm underneath. “What could she possibly do? Entertain them with her loud mouth? She’ll just annoy them with her yipping and yapping.” The sarcasm dripped from his tone, but beneath it, every word carried a pulse of restrained worry-and something else he wasn’t ready to name.
Dahlia set her cup down, she gently shook her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips. Her gaze remained steady. “Don’t underestimate Harper,” she began, her voice calm but carrying an edge of
Chapter 146 The Reckless Little Rebel-2
Charm
warning. “You may know her as the rebel, the loud, carefree young woman who laughs too easily… but that’s only the surface. When she said she’s been training since she was young, calling it’ training’ is an understatement.”
She leaned back slightly, letting the weight of her words settle. “While you and Damien were enjoying summer vacations at elite programs, building connections. Harper spent hers in the mountains under a Kodoku master-one of Japan’s last remaining experts in ancient poisons.” Ashcroft’s lips twitched into a dry smirk. “Oh, so she’s some little poison prodigy now?”
Dahlia’s gaze didn’t waver. “There, she learned not only antidotes and rare herbs, but techniques and secrets even most modern scientists would call impossible. Dangerous knowledge… and she mastered it.”
Her eyes flicked toward Ashcroft, steady and unwavering. “They’re counting on her to find the antidote. Because if anyone can… it’s Harper.”
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle, then continued, her tone calm but firm. Besides, she’s already accepted her role as their Oyabun. It’s her responsibility to take care of her people.”
Ashcroft’s jaw tightened, a flicker passing through his eyes-sharp, restless, unspoken. Worry, irritation, and a possessive edge he refused to name all tangled together, tightening his chest. He let out a low, sardonic laugh, voice clipped. “Great. So the reckless little rebel is suddenly the only one who can fix this mess. Perfect.”
His words dripped with sarcasm, but beneath it, the tension in his body betrayed the storm inside- he wasn’t just annoyed. He was restless, unsettled… and the thought of Harper with Hiro coiled something dark in his chest.
It burned low and hot-an ache that made him want to break something, anything, just to drown out
the feeling.
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.