Game of Love and Deception: The Billionaire's Ex Wife
Chapter 47: Tell me the rules

Chapter 47: Tell me the rules

Claire shook her head with an amused expression. "No, I don’t want you to," she replied.

"Then spill," Ashley said, raising a hand in the air.

Claire’s expression turned serious. "There was a call from Grey Group. They’re interested in investing with us... In fact, they’re willing to buy all our available shares."

Ashley’s eyes widened in shock. "You mean "The Grey Group"?" she asked, needing confirmation.

Claire nodded. "Yes... and they’re ready whenever we are."

The news felt too good to be true. A wave of excitement shot through Ashley’s stomach, but she took a step back, trying to process it. One of the biggest companies in the country, with branches across several continents, was offering to invest in them—just like that. The thought of approaching them had crossed her mind once, but she dismissed the idea just as quickly. A company of that caliber wouldn’t spare a second glance at a new CEO like her, even though Flynn Enterprise was far from small. And yet, here they were, coming to her.

Was this sheer luck? Or a well-timed move to take advantage of the company’s vulnerable state? The thought made her uneasy, but she quickly brushed it off. What could Grey Group possibly gain from them?

’I’m just overthinking things again.’

She turned to Claire. "How can we contact the person who called you?"

"He sent an email."

"Alright then. Let’s get to it. Tell them I’m ready to meet."

Claire nodded before asking, "Where do you want the meeting to be held in case they ask?"

Ashley hesitated, weighing her options before replying, "I’ll meet them here in my office."

She had considered letting them choose a place that was convenient for them, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Even though she needed their help, she didn’t want to come across as too desperate.

"Alright, I’ll email them right away," Claire said before walking out.

Ashley watched the door close, pressing her hands to her lips, still in shock over what had just happened.

"Oh my God, this is a miracle," she whispered, her eyes watering. A grin broke across her face. "This is a fucking miracle!" She exhaled sharply, did a little dance, then quickly straightened her skirt.

She had known about Grey Group since her days with Christian. Every year, the company sent shockwaves through the business world, despite the mystery surrounding its true owner. Bloggers had tried to uncover the identity of the mastermind behind it, but they always hit a dead end. Some speculated it was someone hiding in plain sight—perhaps even blending in as an employee.

Though it seemed impossible, Ashley had always wished she could one day cross paths with the owner. She admired how they had managed to build such an empire while staying out of the spotlight.

The thought that it might be a strikingly handsome figure sent heat rushing to her cheeks, and she quickly scolded herself for the silly idea.

A knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts. She composed herself, though her smile refused to fade.

Claire stepped back in. "Everything’s set. The meeting is scheduled for 2 PM. One of their representatives will be coming."

Ashley nodded. If this deal went through, she wouldn’t just be keeping her promise to the shareholders—securing a partnership with Grey Group would make everyone want to invest in Flynn Enterprises. Any company that landed a deal with Grey Group instantly became a magnet for investors.

"Claire," she said softly. "Do you think this is pure luck? It almost seems too good to be true."

Claire nodded. "I know. I was just as surprised. But maybe God saw how hard you’ve been working to fix everything and decided to reward you."

Ashley smiled warmly. "You’re the best assistant anyone could ever ask for. Thank you."

*******

Evening of the Same Day

Lorenzo was in his penthouse, working late as usual. After dismissing Amelia for the night, he had just settled back into his office when a knock interrupted him. He frowned—she should have left by now.

"Amelia, I thought I told you to go home," he said, arching a brow.

"Yes, sir. I was about to leave when Miss Ashley called. I figured you’d want to know before I left," she replied.

Lorenzo stiffened. After five days of silence, he had assumed she wouldn’t yield. Did she finally consider accepting his offer? Or had she put the pieces together and suspected his involvement with the investors? He wasn’t sure which it was.

"What did she say?" he asked, keeping his tone even.

"She’s outside the penthouse. She wants to see you."

Lorenzo’s frown deepened. "Then why are you here instead of her?"

"Considering how angry she left the last time, I wanted to be sure you were..."

"If she’s not in front of me in two minutes, you’re out of a job," he cut in, his voice sharp.

Amelia’s eyes widened, and she bolted from the room, not willing to risk her position. Lorenzo paid her well, better than any boss she’d ever had—and despite his cold demeanor, he treated her fairly. If she had to carry Ashley on her back, she would.

Alone again, Lorenzo let out a nervous breath. He rolled his sleeves down, then changed his mind and pushed them back up. He was always in control when it came to business, but with Ashley it was different.

He adjusted his pants, ran a hand through his hair, and glanced around his office, suddenly wishing he had a mirror.

For the first time in years, he felt unprepared.

Just as he was about to check his wristwatch for the zillionth time, the door slid open. Ashley stood before him, alone.

She looked like a goddess on a mission to seduce the world in her off-white two-piece skirt and top.

Lorenzo instantly lost focus, his gaze dropping to her slightly exposed thighs. Fuck. Don’t tell me she was at the office like this. A simmer of anger rose in him as he imagined how many men had laid lustful eyes on her.

He was too busy planning their demise to notice something was off—until she spoke.

"Are you going to...to keep ogling at me...or invite me in?" she slurred, her hand landing on his chest in an attempt to push past him.

All murderous thoughts vanished from Lorenzo’s head. A deep frown replaced them.

"Fuck, you’re drunk, sunshine," he muttered, catching her just as she swayed. His mind raced. Had she been at a party? If so, that meant at least fifty men had gaped at her bare legs.

That thought made his blood boil.

Ashley clumsily tried to slap his hands away. "Get your greedy hands off me. I don’t need you," she slurred again.

Lorenzo didn’t budge. Instead, he pressed the door button, and it slid shut behind them. She didn’t need him—yet here she was.

She pushed at his chest again, but he was unyielding. She began to beat his chest in an attempt to fight him off.

In the end, Lorenzo had her pinned, her back against the glass door. When she kept resisting, he caught her wrists and raised them above her head. With their how intimate their new position was, he was so tempted to claim her lips and kiss her senseless.

But he held himself.

Ashley gasped, eyes flashing as she glared up at him. But in her drunken state, it only made her look like an adorable, furious kitten.

Lorenzo smirked. "I want to know, sunshine," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. Ashley stiffened at the touch, her breath hitching. The closeness, the heat of his body, and the intoxicating mix of his earthy cologne—it was slow torture.

"...how and why you got yourself so fucking drunk."

Ashley batted her eyelashes at him. Instead of answering, she whispered. "Tell me the rules... if there’s any."