Chapter 159
Chapter 159:
Ashton smiled, unaffected by the warning. “Thanks for your concern, but I have faith in myself p>
With those words, he confidently made his way toward the group centered around the Campbell sisters.
Rosalie and Selena were unaware that Ashton had switched cars. When a figure emerged from the new car and strode toward them, their initial reaction was a wary frown, their minds already set on rejecting him.
However, their expressions softened into smiles of recognition as they realized it was Ashton.
Selena stepped forward with a warm greeting, her voice tinged with feigned exasperation. “Ashton, you are so slow. We’ve been waiting ages for you p>
Bystanders, who had hoped for a bit of drama, were taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere.
What? Was it true that a dashing man could bend the rules so effortlessly?
Ashton, flashing a charming grin, explained, “My sports coupe is too cramped, and I was worried we wouldn’t all fit comfortably, so I opted for a rental. Sorry for the delay p>
He then turned to address Rosalie, but before he could speak, Selena interjected, “Ashton, perhaps you’re not aware, but my sister was so excited about the trip, knowing you’d be coming with us, that she even took time off work to join us. She really cares about you p>
Rosalie’s cheeks flushed a lovely shade of crimson at her sister’s words. She quickly tried to set the record straight, though her voice betrayed her nerves. “Ashton, don’t mind Selena. I came only because I was concerned about her health. It’s nothing more than sisterly concern p>
This explanation, however genuine, stirred whispers and chuckles among the choir students.
“Rosalie, your explanation doesn’t make sense. Why are you still worried about Selena when Mr. Baldwin is here p>
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻
“Yes, I noticed Rosalie’s smile was even brighter than Selena’s at the sight of Mr. Baldwin p>
The comments, though playful, caused a blush of embarrassment to spread across Ashton’s cheeks.
He also noticed Rosalie’s discomfort, which prompted him to intervene with a chuckle. “Let’s not tease too much, or we might end up scaring Rosalie away p>
Quickly steering the conversation away from the teasing, Ashton scanned the surroundings and asked, “Rosalie, didn’t you drive here? The vehicle I rented has plenty of room, and it’s getting late. Let’s pack up and head out p>
Without waiting for a reply, Ashton began to move the assortment of camping gear stacked nearby into the rented vehicle.
Rosalie, keeping her gaze lowered, joined in to help.
The others exchanged knowing smiles at the scene but held back further comments. They all pitched in, loading up the picnic essentials.