<h4>Chapter 320: Chapter 320 Who’s the Liar?</h4>


    Naomi sounded puzzled. ‘What is it? So mysterious that you can’t even let me tell Ryan?’


    ‘I’ll exin everything over dinner. You’re the only one who can help me with this.’


    ‘Okay, okay, don’t worry. I won’t say a word. Where shall we meet?’ Naomi could tell I was serious and quickly agreed.


    ‘You choose. But are you sure it’s alright, in your condition?’ I knew how protective Ryan Fenty was about her and their unborn baby.


    ‘It’s fine, really. Let’s meet at The Galleria. I’ll go there this afternoon to look at some baby things, and we can have dinner when you finish work.’


    ‘Alright, but please be careful. I wouldn’t bother you like this if I had anyone else to ask. I feel terrible asking you toe out while you’re pregnant. Ryan would probably me me if he found out.’


    But I needed to know the truth. Even though a part of me suspected Rhys was right, I still clung to a sliver of hope that Ashton was innocent, that he wouldn’t do this to me.


    ‘Don’t be silly. I’m d to help,’ Naomi reassured me. ‘I’ve been so bored stuck at home. Ryan’s probably going mad with me around all the time. He might be d to see me go out for a bit.’


    ‘Okay. Thank you, Naomi. See you tonight.’


    ‘Sure. I’ll have a nap and then head out. I’ll call youter.’


    ‘Sounds good.’


    I ended the call and let out a long, weary sigh.


    The afternoon dragged on, and I found it impossible to focus.


    <fn3ae3> This update is avable on F?ndNovel</fn3ae3>


    At one point, Ashton called.


    I answered with a t ‘Hello.’


    ‘I’ll take you out for dinner tonight. Where do you want to go?’ His voice was low and husky, like he was tired.


    It reminded me that he’d only just left hospital, that the gunshot wound he’d taken for me was still healing.


    The thought still filled me with gratitude.


    But then, if what Rhys said was true—if Genevieve was behind it all, and Ashton had gone to such lengths to set up Catherine and lie to me—the feeling soured into something stuck and painful in my throat.


    ‘I can’t tonight, I’m afraid. Naomi Fenty just called and asked me to join her for dinner and a bit of shopping. I’ve already said yes.’ I kept my voice light and cheerful.


    ‘Can you reschedule?’


    ‘I’ve already promised her. Next time?’ I forced augh.


    ‘Fine. Alright. Just be careful,’ he relented.


    ‘Don’t worry. Right, I’d better go, I’ve got loads to do,’ I said brightly.


    He sounded faintly annoyed that I was rushing him off the phone. ‘Are you that busy today?’


    ‘Unfortunately, yes. Client problems. Talkter.’ I hung up before he could ask more.


    Once the call ended, I sighed heavily. ‘How does he act like nothing’s wrong?’


    The rest of the afternoon was pure agony, each minute stretching longer than thest.


    Finally, work finished. I quickly packed up and headed for The Galleria.


    ‘Mirabelle, over here!’ Naomi waved at me from her booth. ‘Sit. Let’s order first. What do you want to eat? You look like you need the fuel.’ From my expression, she could tell something was seriously wrong.


    ‘Yeah, you’re right.’ Even if I had no appetite, I couldn’t let a pregnant woman go hungry.


    After we’d ordered, I looked her over. ‘How have you been?’


    ‘Pretty good. I’m past the four-month mark now, so I’m eating and sleeping well. But look, I’ve already put on so much weight.’


    ‘You still look slim to me. You should probably eat more. I’ve heard that if the mother is healthy, the baby will be too.’


    ‘That’s what Ryan says too. He’s constantly trying to feed me more.’ A sweet, happy smile touched her lips.


    I envied that sweetness and happiness. I envied their loving marriage, and the fact they would soon have their own child.


    ‘What about you and Ashton? Any ns for a baby?’ Naomi’s round, curious eyes fixed on me.


    I shook my head. ‘Let’s not talk about that.’


    ‘What’s wrong? Have you two had a fight?’


    ‘No. We don’t really fight; he always gives way to me.’ I looked at her with a pained smile. ‘The reason I asked to see you... I need a favour. But you have to promise me you won’t tell your husband.’


    ‘What is it? You’re making me nervous. And I’d been meaning to ask, whye to me instead of the all-powerful Ashton? Go on, tell me, what’s going on?’ She was practically buzzing with anticipation.


    ‘A little while ago, something happened at my studio. Someone sabotaged it. They hacked into my database and altered the job sheets, which messed up all the customer orders...’ I exined the whole situation to her. ‘Look, here’s all the evidence.’


    ‘What? Ashton did that? He covered for Genevieve and lied to you?’ Naomi was incredulous.


    I pressed my lips together, my smile bitter. ‘Look at all this proof. If someone hadn’t shown this to me, I’d still believe Ashton’s version.’


    Naomi studied the documents carefully. ‘Hmm, it does seem... real. But wait, this transfer record... why is it from my husband? What the hell? Was Ryan involved in this too?’ Her brow furrowed.


    ‘Yes. That’s actually why I need your help.’


    ‘So... what do you need me to do? Ask him about it?’ Naomi looked at me seriously.


    ‘I know it’s a huge favour to ask, but...’


    ‘Say no more.’ Naomi patted my hand. ‘I’d do the same thing in your position.’


    I gave her a grateful smile. ‘I don’t want Ashton to find out about this.’


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