Search code [644223] on [NovelShort] APP to read the full book.#stories#booktok#novel

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]water, one careful spoonful at a time.

[00:00:01]Now another man was lying on it, and she was at his side tending to him like something precious, something caught in my chest. But strangely, it didn't hurt anymore. The moment Julian saw me, he sat up. "Ash, don't get the wrong idea.

[00:00:11]I felt so guilty I passed out, so Felicity was just giving me some honey water." I didn't acknowledge him. I walked straight to Felicity's desk and slapped the report down in front of her.

[00:00:19]"At the client's current asking price, closing this deal cost us $120,000." I looked from one to the other. "Which one of you is covering it?" Julian's eyes went red instantly. "It's all my fault.

[00:00:28]I should have woken Felicity up. I just couldn't bear to because she was so exhausted. I'll go find Mr. Lee right now. I'll beg him myself." Felicity stared hard at the documents, brow furrowed, and made no move to stop him.

[00:00:37]Kenneth and I stood right where we were with zero intention of stopping him either. Caught in his own bluff, Julian froze in place. I folded my arms and watched him. "Julian, crying and begging don't close deals." He threw off the cashmere blanket and took two steps before crumpling to the floor. But Felicity, the woman hailed as a business prodigy, bought every second of it. She helped Julian up and settled him gently back onto the sofa. "Ashton Whitfield, you never change. Always pushing people too hard. Does the whole world have to revolve around you?" I freed one hand and wrapped my knuckles on the desk.

[00:01:02]"Cut the crap that has nothing to do with this project. $120,000, what's your plan?" Her eyes were bloodshot. "If taking the job means losing money, then we drop the project." I let out a cold laugh. "Do you even remember how many drinks we downed? How many all-nighters we pulled to land this client? And besides this project, we've got other contracts with them. If we walk away, how many more 120,000s do we lose?"

[00:01:19]"Felicity, have you lost your mind?" She shot me an impatient look and muttered, "So petty," then pulled out a bank card and flung it at my face. "It's only 120 grand. I'll cover it for him. Happy now?" My cheek stung, but I was eerily calm. Since she didn't care about 120,000, what about 100 times that? I wanted to see if she'd still be this casual then. I met up with my buddy Stanley Barnes for afternoon tea. He hadn't even finished cursing Felicity out when I got a message from Kenneth.

[00:01:40]"Mr. Whitfield, get back to the office now." The second I reached the office door, I saw Julian directing people to haul my desk out. Contracts, files, documents, all scattered across the floor. Years of work, every bit of it built from nothing with my own hands.

[00:01:50]Who the hell did he think he was? "Put it all down, now." I closed the distance in two strides and drove my fist straight into Julian's face. "Who told you to touch my things? Julian clutched his cheek, but his eyes stayed defiant.

[00:02:00]Felicity said you blew a major deal. You don't deserve this office anymore. She wants you move to one of the cubicles in the main hall. She must have heard the commotion. Felicity showed up. Her gaze swept the wreckage on the floor, and something flickered behind her eyes.

[00:02:10]Julian, I told you to notify him. Who said you could touch his things? Julian lowered his hand, revealing the fist-shaped bruise blooming across his cheek, and turned those pitiful eyes on Felicity. She caved instantly. Ashton, the decision was mine. If you want to take it out on someone, take it out on me. But rules are rules. Yes, Julian sent the price sheet, but it was one of your people who handed it to him. You bear direct responsibility. She sighed, placing both hands on my shoulders. I saw you booked a plane ticket. I don't have time to go back with you though.

[00:02:33]Why don't you use this as a chance to take a few days off and head home, hm? I shook her hands off. Who said I needed you to come? I'm going home because She scoffed. To get set up on a date and married? Drop the threats already.

[00:02:42]Julian told me your village doesn't even have some tradition about going back to marry at 30. Julian chimed in. Ash, don't blame me for telling her. I just couldn't stand watching you lie to her anymore. I looked him over, slow and measured. Designer suit, Hermes belt, Louis Vuitton shoes. None of it matched his salary. He looked at me and