Joseph paused the moment he saw me standing there. His expression changed slightly, like he hadn't expected me to show up at all.
"Ms. Stovall… what are you doing here?" he asked carefully, polite but guarded.
I didn't waste time. My voice came out firm. "Where is Ashton?"
He hesitated only for a second before answering. "He left with Mr. Quinn."
The words didn't fully register at first. I blinked, sure I had misunderstood him. But his expression didn't change. It was true. He was already gone.
I forced a small smile, though it felt tight on my face. "I see. Thank you."
Then I turned away.
Seriously, Ashton?
I drove back to the villa faster than I should have, my grip on the wheel tight the entire way. By the time I reached the gates, my thoughts were already tangled. Nothing made sense anymore. Every time I tried to step closer to him, he moved further away.
