Chapter 72
Chapter 72:
Jealousy simmered within him, but Fraser’s expression quickly returned to neutrality. Trained from a young age to maintain his composure, especially in Rosalie’s presence, he kept up his facade. No other man outside the Campbell family had ever been so close to Rosalie, yet Fraser had no intention of revealing his true feelings over someone like Ashton. His smile remained polite and refined as he seamlessly joined the conversation.
“Ashton, Rosalie has always been a fiercely independent and sensible woman,” Fraser began, his tone even. “After college, she chose to move out of the Campbell estate to live here with Selena. Rather than questioning her decisions, I believe she deserves our full trust. I have faith in you, Rosalie. I’m sure you’ll impress us with your culinary skills today,” he continued, offering Rosalie a warm, supportive look that belied his inner turmoil.
Unaware of Fraser’s hidden agenda, Rosalie responded with a playful stick of her tongue at Ashton before darting into the kitchen. While Fraser’s smile remained, the jealousy within him flared even stronger. He had known Rosalie since they were children, yet he had never seen her this playful and endearing.
Holding back his irritation, Fraser turned to Ashton with a casual glance. “So, Ashton, where are you working these days? And how did you come to meet Rosalie?” he inquired, masking his feelings with a facade of casual interest.
“I’m currently a teacher,” Ashton replied, managing a faint smile without going into any details. Though it might have gone unnoticed by most, Ashton could feel an undercurrent of hostility.
At that moment, Selena, who had been asleep in her bedroom, was roused by the noise in the living room and came out to investigate. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, brightened immediately upon spotting Ashton.
“Ashton!” she exclaimed joyfully, quickly taking a seat beside him.
It wasn’t until then that she noticed Fraser sitting nearby. Her excitement undiminished, she introduced Ashton. “Fraser, this is Ashton. He’s incredible! He even saved my life p>
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Fraser, feigning heartbreak, responded with a polished smile, “You little rascal, I watched you grow up, and not even a hello first? I used to take you out, buy you gifts during the holidays. You’re breaking my heart!” His words gently underscored his long-standing bond with the Campbell sisters.
Ashton, however, seemed distant from the conversation, his attention focused on Selena, whose pallor seemed worse than he remembered. Observing Selena’s cheerful demeanor, and since there were no immediate alarming symptoms, Ashton chose to delay a discussion about her health, opting instead for lighter conversation.
Their exchange was abruptly interrupted by a cry for help emanating from the kitchen. Rosalie’s attempt to charm Ashton with her culinary skills ended in a smoky disaster, with the ingredients charred beyond recognition. Luckily, there were enough ingredients left for Ashton to take over. His adeptness in the kitchen saved the evening, allowing dinner to go on without further hitches. Selena, observing the array of enticing dishes spread out on the table, visibly brightened.
Before Ashton had even finished laying out the spread, Selena began to dig in, lavishing praise on the dishes as she savored each bite.
Fraser, witnessing this scene from the sidelines, couldn’t help but feel his mood sour. The Campbell sisters’ warm reception of Ashton was far more enthusiastic than he had anticipated. To any onlooker, Ashton and the sisters appeared to be one happy family—a sight that only deepened Fraser’s unease and fanned the flames of his jealousy.
After dinner, an irked Fraser found an excuse in work to make an early exit. Before departing, as the sisters busied themselves cleaning up, he signaled to Ashton for a private word. With a tone dripping more with sarcasm than concern, Fraser remarked, “Mr. Baldwin, I’m not familiar with your background, yet it’s clear you’re aware of theirs. They’re not the sort of people someone of your station should mingle with. It would be best if you concentrated on your career, and steer clear of such futile entanglements in the future p>
Ashton responded with a slight, serene smile. “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Horton, but since our acquaintance is so recent, I assure you there’s no need for you to fret over my social engagements p>
Fraser’s face tightened with annoyance; he was poised to retort, but the timely appearance of the Campbell sisters to bid him farewell cut him short.
He quickly resumed his polished facade, offering them a charming smile and a courteous farewell before departing. Yet, the moment he turned away, his features twisted into a scowl.
Casting a bitter glance back at the closed door, he muttered venomously, “We’ll just see about that, Ashton p>