Chapter 465
Chase suggested, “Let’s grab lunch. My treat.”
Tim wasn’t keen on dining with him. “Thanks, but I’m a little tired and would prefer to grab something quick in the cafeteria. Help yourself.”
Chase smiled. Cafeteria sounds great. Can we join you?”
Tim didn’t know what to say.
Minutes later, the three of them were in Eternal’s cafeteria. Tim and Chase were both exceptionally handsome. They drew immediate attention.
Ashley was already seated, Gabriel across from her. Engrossed in conversation, she didn’t notice Tim until someone called out, “Mr. Reed!” She looked up, spotting not only Tim but also Chase and Jackson.
Gabriel also glanced up.
Seeing Ashley and Gabriel dining together like close friends, Chase remained unaffected.
Tim saw Ashley, too. He gave her a subtle nod, encouraging her to enjoy her meal. He would handle Chase.
Ashley nodded and turned her attention back to her meal.
From the moment Tim decided to partner with Chase, he had planned to handle the collaboration alone. He aimed to minimize Ashley’s interaction with Chase. After ordering, he led Chase to a table far from Ashley. Chase offered no objection.
Throughout the meal, Tim avoided looking at Ashley. Jackson, however, kept stealing glances in her direction. He’d heard rumors about Ashley and Tim but wasn’t sure of their validity.
This morning, Ashley’s coldness towards Chase had been too obvious; her demeanor hadn’t changed in the cafeteria. It seemed she had truly moved on.
Jackson found that even though Ashley and Gabriel seemed close, it didn’t seem to bother Chase. He wasn’t surprised. He’d witnessed how much Chase disliked Ashley and his unwavering devotion to Tanya.
He withdrew his gaze.
By the time Tim and Chase finished, Ashley had already left the cafeteria.
Chase had other matters to attend to and left Eternal around 3:30 PM, although their partnership wasn’t finalized. He came to Eternal several times over the next few days, but apart from the first time, he didn’t see Ashley again. They had zero interaction. Except for Tim, who knew the truth, no one would imagine they were married.
Because of Chase’s several visits, word spread through Eternal about the impending collaboration between Sterling Corp and Eternal.
That day, Ashley entered the meeting room. Then, she overheard a female employee exclaim, “I saw Mr. Chase Sterling, the CEO of Sterling Corp, in the elevator just now! He’s ridiculously handsome!”
“And he’s super rich! I heard he was deeply in love with his girlfriend. He even gifted her his own company! That’s incredible generosity. I’m so jealous!”
