Chapter 4 Valerie Thorne

**Third person**

Ashley was already out the door, the sound of his protests fading behind her.

As she sprinted down the stairs, a hysterical laugh bubbled up from her chest, the awkwardness of the situation finally hitting her.

She had just slept with a stranger and told his wife what happened.

Phew...

What a way to start her day!

She hoped she'd never see him again.

***************************************

Ashley sat in Matthew's spacious living room, her fingers tapping nervously on the plush leather armrest.

Matthew, noticing Ashley's nervousness as he poured tea into a cup, reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "I understand your pain. But don't you think you'll be in danger if you go back?"

Tears welled up in her eyes yet again, spilling over and tracing a path down her cheeks.

"What do you suggest then, Matt?" She shouted. "That I just let them be? That I just... just..." her voice broke.

"They put me through hell!" Ashley's chest heaved in pain, her croaked and hoarse voice mirroring the devastation she felt.

"Ash..." Matt soothed, his voice gentle as he pulled her into a comforting embrace.

After a moment of silence, he spoke up again. "This new face, this new body... could it be a chance for a fresh start?"

"I mean..." He whispered, his fingers stroking her hair gently. "Isn't this a chance to escape your toxic family and be with someone who actually cares about you?"

Ashley pulled back, her eyes flickering with a mixture of uncertainty and defiance.

"Someone who actually cares?" She echoed, her lips curling into a self-deprecating smile. "No way I'm giving up; that company is my sweat!"

"I know, Ash," Matthew conceded. "Still, going back is risky. They might..."

"They might do what?" She cut him off. "I've got nothing more to lose."

A year ago, she never would have expected her life to turn out like this.

She was expecting, and even if Adam had been cold to her before, those four months had been different. He'd told her to stay home and rest for the baby.

He'd been very caring and had even suggested the ship cruise celebration for her birthday.

Now it's clear why he acted that way.

"I've already lost everything!" Ash cried. "Myself, my baby, my family... That old Ashley is dead." She furiously wiped her cheeks, irritated by her persistent tears.

Just yesterday, she'd walked into Harrison Enterprises with medical proof and pictures to prove to her parents that she was still the same Ashley-their lovely daughter.

But who would have thought that her parents were involved in all this?

She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "No matter what it takes, I'll make sure that they all pay."

Her revenge was the only thing she had right now, and she wasn't going to let it go.

Matthew stared at her for a while, the glint in her eyes fierce, and he knew that arguing was futile. "If that's what you want, then I'm with you," he sighed out.

Ashley turned to face him, her gaze finally softening. "Thank you for everything, Matt. I truly owe you a debt I can never repay. But..." Her voice hitched.

"This isn't something I can drag you into. It's dangerous, and I have to face it alone."

"And what about you?" Matthew countered, worry etched on his face. "Isn't this just as dangerous for you?"

She blinked rapidly to suppress the tears welling up in her eyes again. "My mind's already made up. I'm done being Ashley; it's time to let go."

Matt's gaze was fixed on her face, waiting for her to elaborate.

But instead of speaking, she picked up the cup of tea and brought it to her lips, inhaling the scent of the lavender before taking a sip.

Once the tea was in her system and her head felt a bit clearer, she turned to Matthew.

"I'm already a new person physically; I just need a new identity to infiltrate their lives." Her dangerously calm voice and the icy gaze on her face made Matthew swallow.

He'd never seen her this way. At least for the past year that he'd known her.

"Well, have... Have you thought of a new name?" Matt stuttered, unsure of what to say next.

"Yes," she replied firmly. "Valerie Thorne."

It was the name that she'd already told Adam and her parents that day.

Matthew took her hand in his again. "If you want to make them pay, then I have your back. I'll help you get your revenge."

Ashley gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Matt," she whispered, a spark of newfound purpose flickering in her eyes.

Matthew rose to his feet, a playful glint in his eyes, as he bowed dramatically and extended a hand to Ashley.

"So, Valerie Thorne, let's get started with arranging a new identity for you."

**Valerie**

Two weeks had already passed, and today I was standing in front of Harrison's enterprises again.

I hope I left quite an impression on Adam the last time I was here, because that'll determine if I get this job or not.

After taking a deep breath, I pushed open the imposing glass doors and stepped inside.

Once inside, I immediately headed to the receptionist's desk.

"Good morning," I greeted curtly.

"Ms Thorne? Glad to see you again," she started with a grin.

"You didn't drop your contact information the last time, and the boss asked about you," she continued.

So Adam even asked about me? Interesting...

A smile stretched across my face. "I'm sorry for the trouble, I had an emergency."

She nodded.

"Ok, just a moment." She picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"Miss Thorne is here," she said into the receiver.

There was a pause before she continued, "Yes, sir."

And then she dropped the phone.

Turning her gaze back to me. "You may go in now. The office is the last one on the second floor," she instructed.

"Sure," I murmured, an unnoticeable sarcasm laced in my voice.

Of course I know where the office is because it's mine!

After a curt knock, I was directed into Adam's office by his secretary.

It seems he's already hired someone else.

There, behind my mahogany desk that seemed to stretch the length of the room, sat Adam. His face, etched with the lines of stolen power and privilege, remained impassive.

Ugh, he'd even changed my cushion.

I preferred the old one."

Adam's face lit up as soon as he saw me. "Take a seat, my dear," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

"You just left last time without dropping your contact information," Adam scolded softly.

I took a seat before rendering an insincere apology. "I'm sorry, I..."

I stopped halfway when I noticed his eyes land on my cleavage briefly, and he licked his lower lip. "Would you like anything, dear?"