More Than A Favor
Chapter 74
“I understand, Mrs. Mercer,” Ashton replied politely.
Meru
“Working all morning must have been tiring. I brought lunch for everyone; please have some,” Tessa said, her tone softening into that of a caring mother.
Ashton nodded his thanks and went to eat. As she watched him walk away, Tessa remarked, “That young man seems strong and handy.”
I understood the subtle implication behind her words. She saw Ashton as a mere laborer. Last night, Logan had been the one expressing disdain for Ashton. Today, it was Tessa’s turn.
It finally dawned on me why she had come. She must have heard something from Logan and wanted to see Ashton for herself.
“He’s the engineer in charge of all the lighting work,” I clarified.
But as the chairman’s wife, accustomed to mingling with influential people, she merely gave me a faint, polite smile.
“You must be hungry. Let’s have lunch in the office. We can talk while we eat,” Tessa suggested warmly.
“Okay,” I agreed.
When we reached the office, her driver had already set the table beautifully, filled with all my favorite
dishes.
I was sure it was different from what Maya and the others were having.
“Thank you, Tessa,” I said, my voice filled with genuine gratitude.
“This was the only way to see you since you won’t come home,” she said as she gestured for me to sit. “Go ahead, dig in. It won’t taste as good once it gets cold.”
I didn’t hold back and began eating.
“Slow down,” Tessa laughed at my enthusiasm.
“It’s so good,” I replied, playing along. I wasn’t being insincere–it was delicious. But I’d also grown used to behaving this way after living with the Mercers for so long. It made everyone happy, so why
not?
“Elaine, is there really no hope left between you and Logan?” Tessa finally asked, cutting to the chase.
I froze for a moment before nodding.
Tessa sighed. “It’s his loss–and a loss for Ethan and me.”
“No, Tessa. It’s my loss,” I said, feeling a wave of sadness.
I had always fr
felt Ethan and Tessa’s genuine care for me. While I wasn’t devastated about leaving Logan, parting ways with these loving figures was undeniably difficult.
“Sigh, it’s no use forcing a relationship. Since you’ve already made up your mind, I won’t press you any further,” she said, her words bringing a sense of relief. I had been worried she might try to insist.
As I lowered my head to sip some soup, she continued, “Even though you and togan won’t be together,
22.93
Chapter 24
I still hope you’ll find a good man.”
Was she hinting at me and Miles?
“Tessa, I’m not interested in getting into another relationship, I quickly interected, cutting offany further suggestions.
Tessa looked momentarily surprised but then smiled warmly
“What are you saying, child? You can’t lose faith in men just because of that rascal Sure, there are bad men out there, but there are plenty of good ones too,” she replied, her tone laced with horrez
Even in her 50s, Tessa spoke with a modern flair.
I chuckled. “There are good men, but I’m just not interested right now. I need some time to myself said, hoping to deter her. Some topics were better left untouched to avoid awkwardness
“I suppose that’s fair.”
I was relieved at her agreement, but then she quickly added, “Still, it’s best to start looking early. The good ones get snapped up fast.”
We both laughed, and Tessa added a compliment, “With how beautiful and kind you are, where enth up with you will be the luckiest man alive.”
Her words made me feel a little anxious, but I played along “Like you said, only the best can match my worth. Until that man comes along. I’d rather wait.”
“Exactly. Never settle for less, and never… settle for someone just because of a little heartbreak
Her words clearly pointed toward Ashton.
I responded directly. “I would never enter a relationship recklessly. If I ever decide on someone, it be because they’re the best for me.”
It was my way of letting Tessa know that my decisions–including letting go of Logan–were deliberate, not impulsive.
Tessa studied me for a moment before nodding. Having known me for over a decade, she understood my temperament well.
‘That’s good to know,” she finally said, ending the conversation.
Tessa stayed with me until I finished eating, only leaving when I said I needed to get back to work. Before she left, she reminded me again to visit Mercer estate whenever I could, assuring me it would always be my home.
I agreed to her request, at least for now, and saw her off before returning to work. However, when I got back, I only saw Maya–Ashton was nowhere to be found.
“Where’s Ashton?” I asked.
“Mr. Gray called for him,” Maya replied.
She stared at me curiously. “Elaine, even your future mother–in–law came to mediate. Are you-
“I have no future with Logan. It doesn’t matter who shows up. Don’t overthink it,” I cut her off, making my stance clear once more.
Maya sighed. “Honestly, Logan’s family is great–it’s just the leading man himself who’s the problem.”
23.04%
< Chapter 74
Mera
She was right. The Mercers were a wonderful family, but I wasn’t marrying the family–I’d be marrying Logan. And if Logan wasn’t the right one, nothing else mattered.
Even after waiting half an hour, Ashton still hadn’t returned. I decided to call him, but his phone was left on the table in the rest area.
“Elaine, Ashton must be single. Look at how he just left his phone lying around. If he had a girlfriend, he’d have it on him all the time,” Maya commented knowingly.
I didn’t engage and instead stood up. “I’m going to Mr. Gray’s office.”
As I approached the door, I heard Ashton’s voice from inside.
“If I’m transferred, I dare say it’ll take at least half a month longer to complete the adjustments–maybe
even more.”
I stopped, stunned. Ashton was being transferred? What was going on?
I was about to push the door open when I heard Victor’s voice.
“Mr. Mercer said this was our responsibility. It won’t count against you.”
The pieces clicked into place. This was Logan’s doing. I pushed the door open and walked in. “I don’t
agree.”
Victor looked startled to see me and quickly explained, “Ms. Hart, this is a direct order from Mr. Mercer.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m in charge of this amusement park project, and I won’t agree to a replacement, no matter who orders it,” I said firmly.
Victor looked conflicted. Knowing he was just the messenger, I softened my tone slightly. “Mr. Langston, please tell Mr. Mercer that this is my stance. If he insists on replacing Mr. Drake, he can replace me too.”
“Ms. Hart-”
“Let’s get back to work, Mr. Drake,” I said, cutting Victor off and turning to Ashton.
He didn’t move, so I walked over, grabbed his arm, and pulled him toward the door.
But just as we reached it, we ran into Logan. His gaze immediately locked onto my hand holding Ashton’s.
First, Logan sent Tessa to probe Ashton. Now, he was trying to have Ashton transferred. How had I not seen how despicable this man was before?
