Game of Love and Deception: The Billionaire's Ex Wife
Chapter 78: Energy ball

Chapter 78: Energy ball

Ashley blushed at Kai’s words, and it irked Lorenzo more than he cared to admit. He didn’t want to come off as a jerk, but the urge to punch Kai square in the teeth was strong.

"I’m Ashley," she replied with a smile, appreciating that they were being friendly to her.

Lorenzo scowled. Why was she playing along? That smile—she never smiled at him like that. Does she happen to love everyone except him?

"You’re welcome to the hood, mama," Kai winked. "The big guy hasn’t said much about you, but I bet it’s cause’ he’s scared we’ll steal you right from under his nose."

Ashley chuckled.

He brought her hand to his lips, aiming to kiss it—but Lorenzo smacked it away and took her hand into his own.

Ashley turned to him, startled. Lorenzo couldn’t tell if she was annoyed or just surprised, but to avoid making things more awkward, he changed the subject.

"Carl! She’s waiting," he barked, voice sharp. Then, turning back to Ashley, he softened. "Or... do you want to have breakfast first?"

She shook her head. Eating was the last thing on her mind.

Lorenzo stormed toward the door, not realizing he was still holding her hand, and practically dragging her along—until Carl’s voice cut through.

"Darling, are you okay? Can you breathe with him gripping you that tight?"

Only then did Lorenzo realize he hadn’t let go. He quickly released her, muttered an apology after casting a quick glance on the wrist to be sure he hadn’t hurt her.

Seeing she was okay, he shot Carl a death glare. Carl just grinned, completely unbothered. He was definitely getting banned from this house after this.

Outside, Carl shared the news: he’d found Madam Roseline’s location.

Ashley’s eyes lit up, hope blooming fast in her chest. She immediately stepped aside and called Nicolas. He asked Carl to meet him at the station.

Once she ended the call and Carl took off, a sleek car glided into the compound. Lorenzo instantly recognized the pink Porsche, and cursed under his breath.

Of all times.

To make matters worse, Ashley was still wearing her dress. And he hadn’t exactly mentioned that it belonged to his annoying sister, who somehow had the spooky talent of showing up when you least expect.

He prayed Genevieve wouldn’t notice, or at least wouldn’t say anything.

She stepped out, pressed the button to turn off the ignition, and closed the roof. Eyes glinted with mischief as they landed on Ashley.

Ashley glanced at Lorenzo, silently asking if this was his sister.

"Unfortunately," he muttered, and she stifled a laugh at his tone.

"Hey, buddy. If I knew you’d be this happy to see me, I’d have come earlier," Genevieve teased, sauntering over.

"I really need to buy a new house. Preferably far away from any place you might know," Lorenzo murmured.

Genevieve ignored him, her gaze sweeping back to Ashley. Her eyes lingered on her dress just a second too long.

Ashley smiled awkwardly, understanding the look.

"Hey, I’m Genevieve," she introduced herself, then added with a smirk, "and you’re wearing a very familiar dress."

Lorenzo’s face lost all color. He knew Genevieve too well—filtering her words was never her style. If he didn’t act fast, she was going to embarrass him.

"Genie, I know you’re here for my credit card. It’s, uh..." He tried to change the subject, but Ashley cut in.

"I actually think it’s yours. Your brother borrowed it for me. I’m sorry if it offends..."

"No, no, you don’t have to apologize." Genevieve waved it off, smiling. "It looks way better on you than it ever did on me, after all. Plus, I was thinking of giving it away," she added sweetly.

After a brief pause, she continued, "I’m guessing you’re the girl my sweet brother personally went shopping for." She gave Lorenzo a knowing smile. "He’s never done that for anyone else, but I guess I know why now. You’re even more stunning in person."

Ashley blinked, stunned by her candidness. It was her first time meeting Genevieve even though she used to frequent Lorenzo’s house in the past. Genevieve and their mother were always away. She hadn’t expected her to be so warm—or so unbothered about her wearing her cloth without initial permission. Many people would be upset, but she wasn’t, not even the tiniest bit. It left a strange warmth in her chest.

Ashley glanced at Lorenzo, then turned back to the silver-haired smart mouth with a genuine smile.

"Nice to finally meet you," Genevieve added, pulling her into a hug.

Ashley stood frozen, her body tensing with surprise, shock, and a bit of awe. She didn’t hug back, but she didn’t pull away either.

"Thank you for the dress," she murmured once Genevieve released her.

The girl’s earlier words kept echoing in her head: "He’s never done that for anyone else." Was it true, or was she just trying to make her feel special? And if was true, why?

Lorenzo let out a sigh. "Genie, when are you going back to school? I’m so done with you."

Genevieve was in her third year of college, studying theatre art.

"My school doesn’t resume for two months, Aladdin. So, lucky you... you’re stuck with me," she said, sticking out her tongue at him. Ashley chuckled , amused by the "Aladdin" nickname.

Then, lowering her voice, she added, "Your mother sends her love. Said she might drop by soon, since you’ve refused to bring "her" yourself. "Thanks for the credit card. I know it’s upstairs."

She kissed him on the cheek, threw Ashley a playful wink, and strolled into the house, leaving Lorenzo with a clenched jaw and one certainty: his credit card was about to take another blow.

In trying to escape her unfiltered tongue, he’d ended up shooting himself right in the foot.

As soon as Genevieve disappeared into the house, Lorenzo turned to Ashley. "I’m really sorry about my sister. I didn’t know she would show up."

Ashley waved a hand dismissively. "It’s fine. She was actually very kind."

Her gaze lingered in the direction the energy ball had gone. She didn’t know much about the girl, but there was something vibrant and likable about her. Her banter with Lorenzo revealed a witty, talkative personality that she couldn’t help but enjoy. And judging by Lorenzo’s expressions, it was clear Genevieve was a constant pain in his ass. She had always wished she’d a sibling to share this kind of relationship with.

Lorenzo’s face now mirrored the exact expression he’d worn earlier in the living room when his friends had teased him—frustrated, cornered, and just slightly embarrassed. Ashley found it oddly entertaining. Especially the moment he’d slapped Kai’s hand away from hers and possessively taken her hand instead, dragging her off without even realizing it. It had stirred an unwelcome flutter in her stomach, and though she couldn’t explain it, the jealousy he’d shown made her... happy.

She almost envied how perfect his life seemed—surrounded by friends who teased him with affection, a family who clearly loved him.

At that moment , her thoughts wandered to Maddy; the only person she used to consider family after her marriage fell apart, before she’d reconnected with her grandparents. The pain of her best friend’s betrayal still stung everyday, but concern for her well-being remained more important to her. She often wondered how Maddy was surviving life with that monster she lived with; she wished she could at least contact her.

Despite everything, Ashley couldn’t deny the warmth she had felt from her grandparents during the short time they spent together before Mikael’s illness took center stage. For the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe she did have a place in the world—maybe she still deserved a little love, after all. She’d been anticipating their return ever since Michelle informed her that her grandfather was starting to respond to treatment. Slowly, but still, it was progress. According to her, the new doctor had run some tests, and they were now awaiting the results.

She sighed softly, brushing those thoughts aside.

Turning to Lorenzo, she asked, "What about my car?"

Her gaze darted around the massive compound for any sign of the black vehicle.

"Your car’s still at the clubhouse," he replied. "I brought you back in mine. But it’s safe."

Ashley groaned inwardly. "Okay. I’ll just grab an Uber then."

Lorenzo’s brow creased. "An Uber? To where?"

"To go get my car... and then head home," she answered, confused by the question.

He slid his hands into his pockets and tilted his head.

"You seem to be forgetting the part I said I wouldn’t be letting you out of my sight for a while," he said smoothly.