Chapter 872 I Trust You Won't Tell Her

Ashton glanced up, her eyes flicking to the rearview mirror, confusion was evident on her face.

William began, "He made me swear that, if I didn't help him flee the country after he returned the person to me, I wouldn't live to see my next birthday. He said I'd die without a grave to be buried in."

William chuckled in disdain. "What a despicable man... But I swore, so I had no choice but to let him go."

Ashton knew that William wasn't one to believe in gods or superstitions, so she couldn't understand why he was suddenly so concerned with such a hollow pledge. Was it because of his health?

She slowed the car unconsciously. "Mr. Middleton?"

William didn't continue explaining himself. "Take me to Pearl Bay."

Ashton sighed inwardly before saying, "Yes, sir."

By the time they arrived at Pearl Bay, it was only nine in the evening.

They ran into Elias, who was out for a stroll with Ashley in the neighborhood. So, the four of them entered the house together.

Elias teased William. "You know, you and Ms. Hoven should be married by now."

William slipped into disposable house slippers, relaxed at the comment. "I like the sound of that. Don't hold back, but why did you bring this up suddenly?"

Elias headed into the open kitchen, where he had left a pot of milk heating for Ashley before they went out. It was ready, just in time for her to enjoy it.: text © owner.

As he poured the warm, fragrant milk into a cup painted in the style of an oil painting, he explained, "Ms. Hoven met with us this afternoon. And now, here you are tonight. Feels like you two are already a couple with that kind of synchronicity."

This was news to William. "Emelie met with you? What was it about?"

Elias was clearly still annoyed and replied, "She's trying to drive a wedge between me and my wife. Now, Ashley is keeping secrets from me."

William raised his brow.

Elias handed Ashley the cup of milk with a delicate dried rose petal floating on top. Then, he tossed bottles of mineral water to both William and Ashton. The difference in treatment was noticeable.

Ashley gave him a look. "Emelie only invited me. You insisted on coming along. She was discussing personal matters, so of course she'd send you away. What business do you have listening to women's conversations?"

Elias gave her a pitiful look, his eyes wide like a puppy that was scolded by its owner.

William, not one to tolerate nonsense, spoke up. "I've got some personal business with Ms. Thornton as well. Elias, could you step out for a moment?"

Elias was surprised and quickly grew defensive. "It's one thing for Ms. Hoven to push me aside, but you? Come on, Will. We're practically brothers. You can't just cut me out like this."

William smiled politely. "Well, Emelie and I are a real couple. Naturally, we're on the same team."

Elias was left speechless. He fought the urge to fire back something sharp and cutting, knowing it would sting his friend too deeply.

If he weren't holding back, he might've shouted, "Has she even acknowledged you as her partner? She's about to marry Wesley, and here you are still living in some fantasy."

Ashley eyed Elias. "Are you going to leave or not?"

Elias grumbled under his breath as he shrugged on his coat. "Fine! I'll go throw myself in the moat! Then, you'll

all regret losing me forever. I'll make sure that my death haunts you ungrateful people for the rest of your lives!" With a dramatic slam of the door, he was gone.

William hadn't seen Elias for a few days, so he wasn't prepared for his theatrics. He glanced at Ashley and pointed to his head. "Is he...?"

Ashley was unfazed. "Yes, there's something wrong with his brain. Now, what can I do for you, Mr. Middleton?" Whether it was Elias's antics or something else, William suddenly broke into a cough.

Ashton instinctively got to her feet, ready to fetch his medication, but William waved her off.

He twisted the cap off his bottle of water and took a sip. After he rested and composed himself, he casually said, "I need your help drafting an agreement regarding the Cloudex Corporation's current assets."

Ashley frowned, confused. "Doesn't Cloudex have its own legal team?"

William replied calmly, "We do, but I don't want anyone knowing about this just yet. Cloudex is in chaos. Board members and executives are staking their claims, acting like warlords. Even the legal tearn... I can't be certain of their loyalty. If this leaks out prematurely, it'll jeopardize my future plans."

Ashley studied him. "And you trust me? Let's be clear-you're Elias' friend, and I'm Emelie's. I'm myself first, then Elias' wife.

"So, I'm closer to Emelie than you. If this involves her, I might tell her. I'm not going to stand by and let you hurt her again."

William smiled. "I know how close you are to Emelie. And yes, this does involve her. But I trust that once you hear what I have to say, you won't tell her."