Chapter 6

Edwin kept his mouth shut. With him silent, all the servants stood there like statues, not daring to breathe too loud.

But Ashley wasn't about to let the chance slip away while she had someone powerful on her side. She stared hard at Amelia with big eyes full of fear and helplessness.

Eleanor flared up, furious. "You brat, you even laid hands on your sister-in-law? What's next, ignoring me too?"

That shameless wench! Acting all pitiful in front of Grandma?

Amelia shot Ashley a death glare, fighting back. "Grandma, you were coughing up blood! I was just too worried about you—"

"Worried or not, the lady of Kingsview Garden isn't someone you're allowed to mess with!" Eleanor snapped, then turned to Ashley with a gentle smile and opened her arms. "Poor girl, you must've been scared. Come here."

To Ashley, Eleanor was now basically a human shield. She moved toward her without a second thought.

But just as she stepped forward, a sharp kick landed on the back of her leg, making her stumble. She nearly face-planted—but someone caught her just in time.

She looked up in surprise, only to meet Edwin's deep, unreadable eyes.

"Since you're oh-so-good at acupuncture..." his voice was low and smooth, laced with danger as he leaned in closer, "I guess you'd also know which pressure point on the neck makes the limbs go numb in a flash, right?"

Ashley's heart skipped a beat.

Her mind immediately flashed back to that incident in the cave when she'd hit him with a needle... Crap. Did he figure something out?

She quickly put on an innocent, scared look, eyes darting to Eleanor in silent pleading.

Without a second thought, Eleanor pulled her to her side protectively and shot Edwin a glare. "That sweet little wife of yours, and you're not even trying to shield her properly!"

Sweet?

Edwin glanced at the sly little fox at his side, lips curling with interest. "Sometimes, the more well-behaved a woman looks, the wilder she is underneath. Just begging for some proper training."

Ashley: "..."

What the heck is he saying?!

Completely ignored now, Amelia was about to explode.

She'd just used her long dress as cover to sneak a kick at that mute loser, hoping she'd fall flat on her face and feel some shame—but instead, Edwin actually caught her!

"Grandma! That woman can't hear or speak! How is she even worthy of Edwin?"

"Shut it!" Eleanor snapped, her voice cold as ice. "I handpicked her as my granddaughter-in-law. She and Edwin are meant to be! Keep badmouthing her, and I'll smack that filthy mouth of yours!"

Amelia had never been scolded like that before—her face twisted in jealousy and frustration.

"Edwin..." She ran over to him, looking like she was about to cry, pointing at Ashley. "You hate this mute too, right? Just divorce her! I'll beg Dad tomorrow to bring you back to the company!"

Ashley's eyes lit up at that moment, full of hope, staring straight at Edwin.

Say yes now!

Just dump her already!

Then everyone could go their own way and live happier lives!

Edwin caught her look, his lips curling up slightly, replying lazily, "Relax. You're so ‘well-behaved'—why would I ever want to divorce you?"

"..." Ashley almost choked.

Amelia's beautiful face contorted in rage.

"Edwin, are you out of your mind?! You're giving up on the company for a mute—"

"That's enough. Shut your mouth!" Eleanor frowned deeply and barked, "I'm tired. Get out and go home!"

Amelia was fuming, shooting Ashley a death glare as she stomped off. "Just wait and see!"

Wait and see?

Ashley didn't have that phrase in her vocabulary.

A sharp glint flashed in her eyes. She quickly followed, grabbing Amelia's arm.

"What the hell?!" Amelia turned, clearly annoyed. Seeing the timid look on Ashley's face, paired with a fake smile that reeked of flattery, she rolled her eyes in disgust.

What a coward.

Ashley gave an innocent smile, all soft and sweet—while slipping that powder from her palm onto Amelia's jacket.

You wanna kick me and walk away like nothing happened?

Yeah, right. Life's not that kind.

"Get lost! I won't let you off!" Amelia jerked away from her and stormed off.

Eleanor frowned slightly.

This granddaughter-in-law of hers might be too kind and passive.

"Edwin, you'd better take good care of Ashley. She's so kind-hearted, it's easy for people to take advantage of her."

Edwin watched Ashley walk back, lips quirking coolly. That look alone made her scalp tingle.

"Don't worry, Grandma," he said casually. "I'll make sure to take real good care of my bride."