Chapter 77

The air in the room was less frigid now, but Ashleigh could not help but still feel hot inside. Her heart was literally racing as she saw that the distance between her and Adrian was almost nonexistent, and not only were they physically close but now they were emotionally close as well. Adrian who was oblivious to her thoughts was deep in conversation with someone on the phone about her college case, and he only looked at her from time to time. A knock at the door disrupted her spiraling thoughts. Mr. Atkinson entered, carrying a tray of food, followed by Susan, who carried water and a small dish containing her medication. Susan's eyes lit up when she saw Ashleigh sitting up, her usual warmth battling a nervous tension. Ashleigh instantly knew Adrian had been intimidating her again. 'Mrs. Cagliari," Susan greeted softly, her voice tinged with hesitance. 'Susan," Ashleigh said, reaching out to gently grab her hand. 'Are you okay?" Susan hesitated, casting a wary glance at Adrian, who continued his phone conversation but was clearly listening. 'Yes, madam. Now that you're better, I'm fine." Ashleigh smiled at the reply, but her chest tightened at the unspoken strain between them. 'And the staff? Has everyone eaten?" Mr. Atkinson stepped forward, bowing slightly. 'Yes, Mrs. Cagliari. All is well, and most of the staff has retired for the evening." 'I'm sorry for keeping you so late," she apologized, glancing between them. Susan shook her head, her smile gentle. 'It's never too late to serve you, madam." Ashleigh's heart swelled at the kindness but couldn't shake the unease. 'Thank you, Susan. I'll call for you later. There's much to discuss." Adrian's voice broke through the moment, low and decisive. "That will be all for tonight." Susan hesitated but curtsied quickly before leaving with Mr. Atkinson. As the door clicked shut, Adrian leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Ashleigh. "You'll be staying in my room tonight," he said casually, as though he'd just announced the weather. Ashleigh blinked at him, stunned. "I'm sorry, what?" 'I have arranged for your things to be moved to my room, and from tonight you will stay with me" 'For what reason, Adrian?" Ashleigh asked foolishly, knowing the answer herself. His smirk deepened, and without another word, he picked up her plate of pasta, twirled the fork, and held it out to her. 'Eat first." Her stomach growled at the sight of the creamy dish, and reluctantly, she took the fork. The first bite was heavenly, but her mind refused to let her relax. 'You didn't think it was necessary to consult me about this ‘decision'?" 'It is not a decision, but a necessity. With everything that has happened to you in the past few days, I need to keep a very close eye on you" Ashleigh's heart skipped, but she wasn't sure if it was from anger or something else. She sat up straighter, leaving the plate of pasta on her laps to cross her hands on her chest. 'I don't need a babysitter Adrian, and you know well the countless times you have tried to do this it ends up badly. I'm fine staying in my room, aren't I under your watch already?" Ashleigh stated, her tone rising as she felt irritation bubbling over. Adrian leaned forward to Ashleigh, grabbing the plate of her laps and twirled the cream pasta on the fork. As he held the fork up, Ashleigh saw his eyes gleaming with mischief. 'Ashleigh I never said you needed a babysitter. I think You'd enjoy my company" Adrian teased. The audacity of his words made her gasp, and before she could retort, he gently pushed the forkful of pasta into her mouth. She chewed, glaring at him the entire time, but the heat rising to her cheeks betrayed her. ' And what makes you think I'd enjoy your company" she shot back once she swallowed, unwilling to give him the last word. 'Well Mrs. Cagliari," he started with a chuckle deep and rich 'You don't seem to mind when I carried you here. Not to talk of the fact that the reason you've been sulkimg the last few weeks was because I did not talk to you" Her eyes widened, and she turned away, her cheeks burning. How could he see through her so easily? 'I wasn't sulking," she muttered, refusing to meet his gaze. 'Of course not," he teased, his voice laced with amusement. He leaned back, letting the silence stretch. Ashleigh forced herself to speak, her voice firmer this time. 'I'll be staying in my room. That's final." Adrian's expression softened, though amusement lingered in his eyes. 'Alright," he conceded, surprising her with his sudden agreement. 'But we'll revisit this matter soon." 'I've ended the discussion," she declared firmly, though her voice wavered slightly under his piercing gaze. Adrian leaned back, his fingers brushing hers briefly, the touch sending an unexpected jolt through her. 'As you wish," he murmured, his voice laced with something she couldn't quite identify. Ashleigh broke the stare first, grabbing the glass of water and the pills Susan had left. She swallowed them quickly, her throat tightening under Adrian's watchful gaze. The atmosphere between them was electric, charged with emotions she couldn't quite name—annoyance, attraction, something deeper and far more dangerous. 'I'm going to bed," she announced, standing abruptly. Adrian rose as well, his height making her feel uncomfortably small. 'Goodnight, Mrs. Cagliari," he said smoothly, his eyes never leaving hers. Ashleigh's heart raced , suddenly feeling the weight of his gaze pressing in on her. She left his room with brisk steps and entered the silent hallway. Her steps quickened as she approached her door, desperate for the solace of solitude. But as she opened her room, a flicker of movement caught her eye. She froze, her breath hitching. There, just beyond the glass pane of the balcony door, was a shadow—a fleeting figure disappearing into the night. Her blood ran cold, and the heat that had consumed her moments ago was replaced by a chilling dread. Someone had been watching. And now the thrill and warmth of their earlier exchange were gone, replaced by a growing unease. She stepped into her room, locking the door firmly behind her, her mind racing.