The Illegitimate Flame: Bride of Ashes
Chapter 68- afraid.

Chapter 68: Chapter 68- afraid.

"Harold came looking for you?" Charles’s expression darkened as he pulled Janet into his office. From the lounge, he took out a tube of ointment for blood stasis and gently applied it to her injured wrist.

A cool sensation seeped through her skin, and Janet immediately felt the swelling ease and the pain fade.

"No, it wasn’t him who came to see me," Janet hesitated as she answered. This was also the reason she felt a little reluctant—Harold had gotten into such serious trouble but hadn’t told her. Was he trying to protect her from worry?

Perhaps Harold still had some feelings for her—after all, he had once loved her mother deeply.

"Is that true?" Janet pressed when he didn’t answer. But before she could say more, Charles’s finger covered her red lips.

"This world is cruel—only the strong survive. Harold mismanaged his business and caused the stock price to fall. That only means he wasn’t capable. Don’t bring this up to me again, Janet. The fate of the Louis family is none of your concern."

What Charles didn’t say was that he had done this deliberately—all for her, this silly but adorable woman who still worried about others. Harold was just trying to use her weakness to make Charles compromise.

Not a chance.

"But..." Janet exhaled softly, her breath warm against Charles’s palm. His large hand caressed her face as he gestured for silence. Janet couldn’t bring herself to ask any further. He had his principles; surely, he wouldn’t change because of her.

Feeling somewhat disappointed, Janet lowered her lashes, thinking he didn’t care about her as much as she had hoped.

Charles didn’t notice her change in mood—he only saw things from his perspective, planning everything for her without realizing her true feelings.

With resentment lingering in her heart, Janet left the office right after work without waiting for him. As she stepped out, she saw Giles enter Charles’s office. Judging by that, Charles probably wouldn’t be coming out anytime soon.

As she stepped out of the elevator, Janet caught sight of August emerging from the adjacent private elevator. He was dressed in a crisp white suit, the diamond-like gleam of the earring in his right ear highlighting his healthy complexion. Ever since Janet learned about the painful past he carried, whenever she saw him, she couldn’t help but want to soothe his wounded heart.

"Hi, Janet!" August noticed her too and greeted her with a warm smile. Janet nodded and walked toward him, calling his name for the first time, "August!"

In Janet’s clear eyes, August saw a kindness that hadn’t been there before. It surprised him—because of Charles, Janet had always been cautious around him, so how could she suddenly look at him with such warmth?

"Is Charles still busy? Want me to give you a ride?" August offered as they walked out side by side.

Though he knew Janet was from the Elwin family, he didn’t mind her closeness. She reminded him of his mother, Sienna—there was a similar warmth about her that made him feel comfortable and at ease.

"No, thanks!" Janet declined just as she spotted a familiar Lotus sports car parked outside. Peggy saw them and eagerly rolled down the window, waving. "Janet! August!"

Hearing Peggy call her by name, Janet glanced at August for confirmation—and noticed a faint blush rising on his pale face.

How many years had it been since he’d been near a woman?

August groaned inwardly. Ever since Manfred introduced him to that loud, persistent woman, a ray of sunshine had entered his otherwise cold, lifeless world.

But he didn’t need it.

Because it was a woman, and that made him afraid.

"That day Manfred said he’d treat us, but he bailed—so you ended up paying! Today it’s my turn, August, come on, give me some face!" Peggy hurriedly jumped out of the car as August headed toward the parking lot, quickly grabbing his sleeve.

After Manfred chased Janet out that day, Peggy had acted like a curious child, pestering August with questions nonstop. If it weren’t for Manfred, August would have coldly walked off right then, but instead, he endured her for over two hours!

"Let go!" The moment Peggy’s hand touched his arm, August jolted as if shocked and shook her hand off, flames flickering mysteriously in his eyes. That night in the restaurant was the same—whenever Peggy got close, he dodged her, finally sitting a few steps away from her.

Now Peggy believed what Janet said: August really did have a fear of women.

But that didn’t make sense. She wasn’t as beautiful as Janet, but she was still a pretty and delicate lady. This was her first time actively pursuing a guy, only to be rejected like this. Peggy chased after the retreating August with a stubborn pout, "Hey, where are you running? It’s only fair to treat you back! Wait up!"

"Peggy!" Janet watched the two of them running one after another. The more challenging things were, the more Peggy’s spirits rose. Just as Janet looked up, Peggy suddenly appeared in front of her. "Here, Janet, you drive my car back first—I’m going to catch my angel!"

Peggy thrust her car keys into Janet’s hand, then, without waiting for a reply, sprinted toward the parking lot exit. She spread her arms wide and ran right into the path of a black Stutz car coming toward her.

Janet’s heart skipped a beat, terrified Peggy might get hit...

Before she could think any further, the black Stutz came to a smooth stop right in front of Peggy. A radiant smile, brighter than the sunset, spread across Peggy’s face. She turned to Janet and gave an "OK" sign before hopping into the passenger seat of August’s car.

Janet let out a relieved sigh and watched the car disappear. A smile unknowingly curled on her lips. At least when faced with such an enthusiastic and lively Peggy, August showed different expressions—adding some color to his lonely heart. Even if it led nowhere, it was okay.

Janet turned and got into the Lotus sports car parked by the curb. She had never driven before, but Peggy had taught her a bit—driving slowly should be fine!

Before Janet could even insert the key and shift into gear, the car door was suddenly pulled open. Charles grabbed Janet out of the driver’s seat with one hand, slid into the driver’s side himself, and gave her a pointed look signaling her to take the passenger seat.

"You foolish woman, do you want to ruin your hand?" Charles’s warm yet commanding voice whispered in her ear as she settled beside him, his sharp eyes locked on her injured wrist.

With a hand like that, driving was out of the question—he didn’t even want to imagine it.

"It’s not that bad!" Janet muttered, a little annoyed, but secretly pleased by his sudden concern. The gloomy mood that had been weighing on her moments ago instantly lifted.