Chapter7 

Sam was equally surprised, a pang of disappointment hitting him. He’d been looking forward to having his mom around at night. And his hands were urting from polishing seashells; he 

wanted her help. 

Ashley hadn’t seen Chase for months. She went through a lot to come, but still didn’t see Chase. Remembering the apparent dejection on Ashley’s face when she left, Maria couldn’t help but mention, “Sir, Mrs. Sterling didn’t look happy when she left. She seemed… upset.“. 

Maria initially assumed Ashley had an urgent matter. Now, realizing Chase was unaware of Ashley’s departure, she sensed something was amiss. 

Upset? Ashley was always patient and accommodating. This was rare. 

Chase shrugged it off, giving Maria a noncommittal answer before heading upstairs. He was about to open Ashley’s envelope when Tanya called. He answered, tossing the envelope aside and leaving the house. 

Chase didn’t return that night. The next morning, Maria, found the envelope while cleaning. Assuming Chase had read it, she placed it on his nightstand. 

Ashley landed back home and started packing. There were eight years of memories in this house. and her beloved books. toiletries, few clothes, But she only took a 

used her 

some 

Chase gave her and Sam monthly allowances, deposited into separate accounts. Ashley mostly 

of part 

and Sam’s remained untouched. She loved Chase and often bought him money clothes, shoes, cufflinks, ties–whatever caught her eye. She didn’t have much overhead, and she had spent most of her allowance on Chase and Sam.