Chapter 156: Code and Conflict-3
There was a faint, collective intake of breath. Damien’s lips twitched into a barely-there smile. Ashcroft’s smirk thinned, a muscle ticking along his jaw.
Kenji grinned, mischief bubbling up now that the heat was on. “Ane-are you actually with this guy? “His tone was teasing, loud enough for the room to hear. “Oh-Otosan is going to flip when he
finds out!”
Harper’s face flushed-scandalized and amused-as she jabbed a finger at Kenji off-camera. “No!
Of course not! And shut up! You better not say anything to Dad-or I’ll tell Mom about summer
camp!”
Kenji’s laugh chimed through the speaker, unabashed. “Who, me? Never.” He bowed theatrically
toward the elders gathered around the table, then straightened with a wink. “But seriously-she’s
not bluffing. Give her twenty-four to forty-eight hours, and you’ll stop doubting.”
Ashcroft’s gaze darkened, jaw tightening as Harper’s rapid denial echoed in his mind, every other
sound around him fading to a dull hum. That sharp “No! Of course not!” reverberated in his
thoughts, twisting into jealousy and suspicion.
“Fine,” he said finally, voice low and dangerous, carrying across the table. “If that’s the case… I’m
coming.”
Harper froze mid-laugh, her expression caught between shock and incredulity. “What?!” she demanded, eyes wide.
Ashcroft leaned back, measured and deliberate, a predator assessing his territory. “Just in case
you’ve forgotten,” he said, each word sharp, controlled, “Jaime’s under my medical team’s care. It’s
only proper that I personally oversee everything involving his surgery and recovery.”
Harper’s mouth fell open, her fingers gripping her phone. “Maya…”
Maya’s lips pressed into a thin line. She glanced at Damien. His subtle shrug said everything: don’t
get involved. His hand brushed hers under the table, a quiet anchor.
Maya’s eyes flicked back to the screen, softening with pity. “Harper… I’m sorry… but…”
Kenji caught the tension in his sister’s reaction and couldn’t resist a sly tease. He leaned closer to the camera, eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, let Mr. Ashcroft come,” he said, voice playful, almost conspiratorial. “By the time he gets here, Hiro will already be recovered. He’ll be in charge of everything, and trust me… they’ll get along just perfectly. I can practically see it already!”
Suppressed laughter rippled around the table. Charles chuckled softly, shaking his head, while
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Chapter 156 Code and Conflict-3
Claum
Eleanor’s lips twitched in a failed attempt to hide a smile. Dahlia and Dominic shared a knowing glance, a secret smirk passing between them. Even Damien’s mouth lifted in a subtle, approving arc, eyes fixed on Ashcroft as he quietly savored his friend’s self-inflicted predicament.
Ashcroft’s eyes narrowed, every line of his composure stretched taut. Every gaze around the table
-curious, amused, or wary-seemed to pin him in place. Kenji’s words were a clear challenge, and
Ashcroft wasn’t the type to back down. Perhaps it was finally time to meet this so-called “perfect
husband.” Beneath his calm exterior, the smoldering heat of jealousy and pride churned, coiling like
fire ready to ignite.
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.