Game of Love and Deception: The Billionaire's Ex Wife
Chapter 40: To what do I owe the surprise?

Chapter 40: To what do I owe the surprise?

Grumbling, Lorenzo snatched up the damn phone, tempted to smash it but putting it to his ear instead. "Amelia," he said, his voice edged with warning—sharp enough to make his assistant tread carefully.

Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. She had worked under Lorenzo Grey long enough to know when he was in a foul mood, and right now, she had no idea what, or who had pissed him off.

"Are you going to speak, or did you call just to hear me breathe?" he snapped, his patience wearing thin.

"I—I’m sorry, sir," Amelia stammered, immediately straightening up. There was no room for error when Lorenzo was in this mood, so she quickly got to the point. "Miss Ashley called. She wants to see you."

Lorenzo froze.

His brows shot up as his grip tightened around the phone. "What did you just say?" he asked, not sure he had heard correctly.

Amelia repeated herself with a racing heart.

For a brief moment, he wondered if he had dozed off again—if this, too, was just another dream. Ashley had told him to stay away. She had made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him. And yet... she called? How did she even...

Then it clicked. The gifts. He had always attached the penthouse contact to them. That’s how she got the number. He had stopped sending the gifts after Ashley told him to stay away, not because he wanted to, but because he didn’t want to upset her further.

"What should I tell her, sir?" Amelia’s voice pulled him back to reality.

"Tell her I’m free."

"Okay, sir," she replied.

"Clear my schedule for the rest of the day," he added, his voice calm, careful not to let his excitement show. "And after she arrives, guide her into my office."

He leaned back against the desk, exhaling slowly, trying not to let too much hope crawl into his chest. Ashley had been clear—she hated him and didn’t want his help finding her daughter. If she was coming to see him now, there had to be another reason.

Could it be about her company?

He knew about the investors pulling out. He had been keeping tabs on her, tracking the company’s struggles and the progress she’d made. She had been searching for investors—had secured only two—but soon, time would no longer be on her side.

He planned to help her, but only when he was sure she had exhausted every other option.

Ashley wanted to prove herself to those who underestimated her, and he never wanted to interfere with that, especially not too soon. Besides, she would never accept his help, which was why he intended to do it in secret—if the opportunity ever presented itself.

She would never know about his involvement. Just like she didn’t, and never would know that he had an insider in her company feeding him information. If she ever found out, she’d probably drive a blunt knife into his throat and make him die a slow, agonizing death.

But it was for her own good, for moments like this, when trouble came knocking and he needed to help.

Just then, a knock on the door snapped Lorenzo out of his thoughts, forcing him to pull himself together.

Lorenzo Grey was never the type to feel self-conscious, disoriented, or nervous because of a person—he usually left that to the women he mingled with. But Ashley? Ashley had a way of making him feel all kinds of shit without even trying.

He quickly scanned his perfectly arranged office to ensure everything was in place, then straightened the invisible crease in his tux. A subconscious habit. He even checked himself, making sure his erection had completely calmed down.

But the moment that thought crossed his mind, a fresh wave of sweat rushed to his forehead. Damn it. How the hell was he supposed to look Ashley in the eyes when the reason behind his earlier... situation was still vivid in his mind?

The door finally opened, and the second his gaze landed on the woman who unknowingly held his heart, it pounded so loudly he swore both women could hear it. But they didn’t.

Amelia gave a respectful bow and quietly walked away, leaving them alone.

Lorenzo remained rooted to the spot, watching Ashley like a lost puppy. He had seen countless beautiful women, but Ashley? She was in a league of her own.

"Hey," Ashley greeted softly, her voice laced with nerves as she shifted on her feet. The way Lorenzo stared at her, unwavering and intense, sent heat crawling up her cheeks. Yet, he remained unfazed.

As if her voice snapped him back to reality, he blinked several times before clearing his throat and forcing out an awkward apology.

"Forgive my manners. Please, have a seat." He gestured toward the leather chair in front of his desk.

But Ashley walked past it, going instead for the couch in the corner of his office.

Lorenzo’s eyes followed her every movement—from the confident sway of her hips, made obvious by her tight gown, to the effortless grace with which she lowered herself onto the couch, like a queen settling into her throne.

He swallowed hard, feeling like he was trapped in her spell, powerless to resist.

Ashley silently took in the elegance of Lorenzo’s office—the breathtaking city view, the luxurious furnishings—so much like her own, yet somehow grander. She found herself wondering just how wealthy he was to own such a massive, stunning penthouse, or what exactly he did. But she didn’t dare ask.

Another agonizing silence stretched between them. Lorenzo leaned against his desk, pretending to be relaxed while battling the onslaught of images his mind refused to let go of.

Having Ashley so close only made things worse. And God help him, he felt guilty for even thinking about it.

Desperate to break the suffocating tension, they both spoke at the same time.

"It’s been a while." Ashley asked.

"To what do I owe the surprise, sunshine?"

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