Chapter 3 Come Have A Drink With Me

Ashley's body trembled slightly. "I wasn't-" she began, but Elijah was quick to cut her off. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and with a menacing gesture, he pinched her waist with the other hand, causing her to cry out in pain.

"I recognize that voice. Last night, you knew it was me, and you still dared to climb into my bed. Who sent you?" Elijah's voice was cold, thick with suspicion.

This was not the first time Elijah had been targeted in such schemes.

Previously, Wyatt had tried to send many women to his bed, but none succeeded.

Ashley's attempt to entice him on his first night back sparked suspicions.

"Think carefully before you answer. You only get one chance," he warned her.

Trapped in Elijah's powerful grip, Ashley felt utterly vulnerable, her life at the mercy of him.

Elijah was a formidable figure in the Warren family. She had cozied up to him to escape the Kirk family, yet here she was, her life on the line.

"I didn't mean to-" Ashley's voice cracked, and tears quickly followed.

She was desperate to keep their liaison a secret.

Being exposed would brand her as the woman who seduced Elijah, jeopardizing her engagement and Hadley's medical support.

"I was drunk at the auction last night. I don't even remember how I ended up in your room. I was terrified-please, don't let anyone know about last night," Ashley pleaded.

She could never confess that she had orchestrated their encounter.

Elijah, skeptical, studied her intently. "Oh? You got drunk and wandered into the wrong room?"

"I was with Daniel at the auction. I would never intentionally do such a thing," Ashley sobbed, her voice a mere whisper. "I still have to marry Daniel. I can't let my mother's efforts be in vain. I don't want to destroy my life in high society."

Elijah's disappointment was palpable, his voice tinged with anger. "Tsk, in just three years, the Ashley who once was bold enough to dance on rooftops has been completely destroyed by Claire."

The Kirk sisters' reputation in Daville was already tarnished, and Ashley, known for her beauty in high society, carried the weight of this infamy.

Last night, Elijah saw a different side of her. He had been her first, which intrigued him.

He had believed that her determination would keep her from being manipulated by the Kirk family. He would have even applauded her if she had admitted that last night was her little scheme.

Despite his earlier impressions, he ultimately viewed her as just another beautiful, soulless plaything, molded to meet the desires of others.

Tears filled Ashley's eyes as she absorbed the weight of his words.

Three years ago, on her eighteenth birthday, Claire had taken her to a family banquet at the Warren family's home.

She wore a stunning red gown and became the center of attention. Her foster mother had insisted she perform a dance to captivate the audience.

That night, Ashley overheard a devastating truth-Claire was parading her as a mere commodity, available to the highest bidder.

Realizing she was ensnared by invisible chains, Ashley later rebelled by dancing alone on the rooftop under the dark sky, an act of defiance against being treated as an object.

She believed she was alone, unseen, but much to her shock, Elijah had witnessed everything.

With her secret exposed, Ashley felt it put her in great danger.

"My mother has provided everything for me, and I owe her so much. I don't want to ruin my chance to marry into a wealthy family over a single mistake. Please, I beg you, let me go. I acknowledge my error," Ashley implored, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.

She had only met Elijah a few times and knew little about this dangerous man.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Miss Kirk, Mrs. Kirk asked me to remind you to get ready," a servant called from outside.

Ashley's heart raced with fear as Elijah showed no signs of relenting.

"What do I need to do for you to keep this a secret? I have to marry into the Blake family. If I do this one more thing for you, will you let me go?" Ashley said, her eyes searching Elijah's for any sign of agreement while her hands nervously reached toward his belt.

At that moment, Elijah's anger flared visibly.

His fleeting interest vanished, replaced by disgust at seeing how low Ashley had stooped.

With a disgusted look, he released her, no longer willing to expend any energy on her.

"Don't flatter yourself," he commented coldly.

Ashley collapsed to the floor, disheveled and sobbing, as Elijah walked away, clearly disappointed.

But once he was gone, Ashley's tears ceased. She overcame the pain from his harsh grip and quickly changed into her dance gown.

When she reappeared, Claire informed her that there was no longer any need for her to perform.

Feigning disappointment, Ashley breathed a sigh of relief. She had managed to deceive Elijah.

Understanding when to retreat and when to push forward was crucial if she was to navigate risks without consequences.

Yet, she pondered if she could truly handle someone as formidable as Elijah.

...

Charm was the most upscale nightclub in Daville.

That evening, Ashley donned a revealing dance dress, her striking makeup concealing her natural features. She accessorized with a golden wig, blue contact lenses, and a face veil.

Tonight, her purpose was clear: she was here to earn money through dancing.

Kaleigh Mitchell, clad in a provocative uniform, encountered Ashley and expressed her remorse. "Ashley, I'm so sorry. I initially brought you here to play the piano, but the boss demanded more engaging performances. He insisted you dance instead. I feel terrible about this."

"It's fine, honestly. It's not a big deal. I couldn't find a part-time job that pays as well as this," Ashley responded, her reflection in the mirror appearing unfamiliar to her.

From a young age, Claire had trained Ashley to develop traits appealing to men, steering clear of any chores that might roughen her hands.

But the need for money was pressing.

Without it, Hadley's ongoing medical expenses would remain a tool for Claire to exert control over her.

Determined to secure her future freedom and dignity, Ashley was prepared to make sacrifices now.

"Yeah, if it weren't for the money, who would want to be here?" Kaleigh remarked, a single mother herself, who did whatever necessary to support her ill daughter.

Kaleigh was Ashley's sole genuine ally.

...

After her performance, the bar owner directed Ashley to the VIP section. "Mr. Wright has arrived. Go and greet him," he instructed.

Anthony Wright was a VIP known for his prestigious status and frequently requested Ashley's performances. She couldn't risk offending him.

Ashley anticipated a brief greeting, yet she was taken aback to find Elijah seated beside him.

"Mr. Warren, you're fortunate to see her dance tonight. She's truly the gem of the club," Anthony remarked, having never actually seen Ashley's real face. He noted her distinct purity compared to other dancers in the club.

"Oh? A gem, huh," Elijah responded indifferently, lounging on the sofa and idly playing with his signet ring, his intense gaze examining Ashley.

Ashley froze, wondering if Elijah recognized her.

He looked away nonchalantly. "Dancing is boring. Come have a drink with me," he suggested.

Ashley, masking her voice, declined. "Sorry, I only perform. I can't drink."

"Is it that you can't drink, or you just don't want to drink with me?" Elijah challenged, his demeanor turning threatening. "If you don't drink, then you can't work here. I'll shut down this bar."

Stunned by his irrational demand, Ashley was cornered.

Refusing him could jeopardize not just her job but also the livelihoods of others at the bar.

"Fine, I'll drink," she conceded reluctantly, hoping he wouldn't recognize her.

With cautious steps, Ashley approached to pick up the drink.

Suddenly, Elijah extended his leg, nudging her off balance.

Her knees buckled, and she inadvertently ended up sitting on Elijah's lap.