Chapter 8

Anyone who sees their long-awaited fiancé returning home with a gorgeous, attractive woman by his side, with that woman’s hand on his arm, would be angry and hurt. Especially Hudson Riley.

Leana Frost wasn’t aware of anything unusual. After spending over a year abroad, she had become much more outgoing and comfortable with maintaining a friendly distance from others. It wasn’t until she heard the murmurs from the Yun family’s elders that she realized something was off. Just as she was about to explain, the girl beside her pulled back her hand first, creating distance between them.

Leana Frost frowned slightly, hesitating for a moment. But the girl reassured him with her gaze, and he nodded imperceptibly.

Seeing that the girl kept her distance on her own, Lady Riley’s expression softened slightly. But Hudson Riley’s expression became even worse.

If earlier, what annoyed her was the overly intimate behavior between the two of them, then now, those subtle eye contacts and unspoken gestures between them were like little worms gnawing at her heart. Jealousy and panic wrapped around her like vines, leaving her unable to breathe.

The girl wore a gentle yet confident smile on her face. She stepped forward two steps, bowed slightly to Mr. and Mrs. Riley, and spoke in a soft, polite voice, “Hello, Uncle and Auntie. My name is Ashley Kaler. I’m a senior at the university where Leana Frost studied. Back at school, Leana always took good care of me. She often said that Auntie is an excellent cook, and that Uncle is not only a responsible teacher but also an excellent chess player. Since I’m returning to the country with Leana Frost, I really hope to try Auntie’s cooking and learn some chess from Uncle.”

After saying that, she turned her gaze toward Hudson Riley, her smile becoming even softer. “You must be Hudson Riley, Liana Frost’s fiancé, right? Just as Liana Frost described you—clever, gentle, and charming. I haven’t been to Nanjing in ages. Hudson Riley, if you have time, would you mind accompanying me for a walk? I’ve brought lots of American specialties with me. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.”

These words were spoken in a manner that was neither overbearing nor humble. They showed respect for the Yun family’s elders, while also hinting at the close relationship between herself and Liana Frost. Yet, the tone was measured, avoiding any hint of impropriety, leaving no reason for anyone to get angry.

Hudson Riley was upset, but he merely responded in a vague manner without saying much else. Mrs. Riley was too sharp-witted to fail to pick up the underlying meaning in Ashley Kaler’s words. But since Ashley behaved politely, Mrs. Riley couldn’t bring herself to react negatively.

Only Mr. Riley was flattered by Ashley Kaler’s words. His opinion of her changed instantly. He nodded repeatedly, saying, “Good, good. I’m honored to learn from you. Let’s exchange ideas with each other.”

Leana Frost took the opportunity to step forward, put her arm around Hudson Riley’s shoulders, and said solemnly, “Uncle and Aunt, don’t worry. Once I’ve settled down in my job, I’ll definitely marry Hudson in a grand manner and make her the happiest bride ever.”

In the past, upon hearing these words, Hudson Riley would have been overjoyed. But now, she felt that they were merely perfunctory, as if they were being said out of duty rather than from sincerity. Feeling aggrieved and angry, she abruptly shook off Liana Frost’s hand on her shoulder and turned to walk toward the parking lot.

Leana Frost was stunned, staring at her with a puzzled expression. Her eyes held a hint of reproach, as if to say that she was being unreasonable.

None of those present noticed the faint, almost imperceptible glint in the eyes of the gentle and quiet Ashley Kaler. Only Lady Riley saw it clearly.

A woman’s sixth sense told her that this Ashley Keller was by no means ordinary. She would undoubtedly become the biggest obstacle on Hudson Riley’s path in love. In the past, she never worried about Leana Frost’s feelings for Hudson Riley. But now, she could see that Leana Frost had changed. That change made her uneasy. And she knew all too well the ambition and possessiveness in Ashley Keller’s eyes—that was the look of someone who wanted to take what belonged to someone else.

Her daughter was as innocent as a blank sheet of paper. How could she possibly compete with such a cunning fox? In this first battle, Hudson Riley was utterly defeated.

Mrs. Riley sighed and quickly tried to defuse the situation. “Come on, let’s go home. Today is New Year’s Eve, and family reunion is what matters most.” Then, she turned to Ashley Kall with a calm tone, “Miss Ashley Kall, where are you going? We drove here, so we can give you a ride.”

“No need to bother the auntie,” Leana Frost interjected before Ashley Kall could speak. “Ashley Kall arrived in a hurry and didn’t have time to book a hotel. She can stay at our place for tonight.”

In Ashley Kaler’s eyes, the smile grew even brighter as she said gently, “Then I’ll leave it to Uncle and Auntie, and Leana Frost.”

Hudson Riley’s shoulders stiffened suddenly. He quickened his pace, got into the car, and closed the door. All his resentment and frustration remained trapped inside the car.

Mrs. Riley stared at Leana Frost, her feelings of dissatisfaction and distrust growing stronger by the moment. Only Mr. Riley continued to think happily about playing Go with Ashley Kaller that evening, completely unaware of the awkward atmosphere around him.

Upon returning home, Ashley Kaller took out gifts from her bag as soon as she sat down: a rare Go game book for Mr. Riley; a set of German-made kitchen utensils for Mrs. Riley; and a new Chanel outfit for Hudson Riley.

Mrs. Riley and Hudson Riley were able to resist the temptation. But Mr. Riley was completely captivated by that go manual. He held it in his hands, reading it with great interest, ignoring even the hints from Mrs. Riley.

“Old fool, you forgot to prepare dishes and utensils for Miss Ashley Kaler!” Lady Riley said, frowning deliberately and in a tone of guilt, trying to hint at Mr. Riley.

Mr. Kelleher didn’t even look up, muttering, “Weren’t there extra dishes and utensils at home? Just use those. Don’t bother me while I’m studying the chess moves.”

Mrs. Riley was extremely frustrated with him. She almost threw the spatula at his head. What a fool! He’s practically helping the enemy by counting their money!

Hudson Riley watched the harmonious scene in the living room, and his heart felt even more painful. Mr. Riley held the chess pieces in his hands, unable to put them down. Leana Frost and Ashley Kaller sat together, flipping through old photos and whispering to each other from time to time. The atmosphere between them was so pleasant it was almost painful to watch.

This isn’t her fiancé returning to the country at all. It’s clearly the son bringing his future daughter-in-law home, with the sister acting up in a fit of temper!

Hudson Riley could take it no longer. He turned around and ran back to his room, slamming the door shut behind him to block out all the noise.

Leana Frost frowned, but didn’t get up to comfort her. Instead, she stayed in the living room, talking with Ashley Kaler. In his mind, Hudson Riley was just being capricious and would calm down once she settled down. But he had no idea that his actions made Hudson Riley’s heart grow even colder.

Mrs. Riley stood at the kitchen door, watching the scene in the living room, and sighed deeply.

This emotional battle seems quite difficult to win. Even Leana Frost, whom she trusts most, is about to turn against her. Her beloved daughter is in a very precarious situation.

If she had known she’d encounter a fox like Ashley Keller, she should have made Hudson Riley watch more court dramas and learn how to outwit others.

In the room, Hudson Riley sat on the bed, tears falling silently. She stared at the fireworks outside the window, her heart filled with unease and fear. Liana Frost, are you still the same Liana who was always kind to me? Will Ashley Kaler take you away from me?

She had no idea that a much bigger storm was yet to await her. And Ashley Kall’s ambitions were far greater than she could have imagined.