Mia wrapped her arms around Ashley's waist, nestling her head against Ashley's chest. She glanced up as Ashley leaned down to press a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I didn't know your mother was here," Mia murmured, her voice muffled as she buried herself closer to Ashley.

Ashley chuckled, tightening her hold around Mia and resting her hands on her waist as Mia's legs draped over hers. "I didn't know either. Trust me, I was just as surprised when she suddenly barged into my firm."

"But... she seems fine with you running away," Mia said, her brows knitting in confusion.

Ashley let out a laugh, the vibration of her chest soothing. "Oh, don't be fooled. She's not exactly thrilled about it. But that's just my mom—loving in her own way. The real issue is their expectation for me to take over the family business, which I refuse to do. Plus, let's not forget the arranged marriage thing they tried to pull," she added with a wry chuckle.

"Family business?" Mia tilted her head, frowning. "Why didn't I know about this?"

Ashley smirked, brushing her fingers through Mia's hair. "Because I never told you," she said simply, pulling Mia closer and planting a kiss on the top of her head. "Ever heard of Aegis Global Solutions?"

Mia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, isn't that a big security services company? They're huge in Europe. I think their second headquarters just—wait, hold on." She froze, the realization dawning on her. "You're not about to tell me that's your family's business, are you?"

Ashley's laugh was rich and full of amusement. "Bingo," she said, nodding. "My parents own it. They're planning to pass the president position to me while my brother, Azriel, takes over as CEO."

Mia's eyes widened in disbelief. "You were about to become the president of your family's company?!"

Ashley blinked, confused by her reaction. "Why are you so shocked?"

Mia smacked Ashley lightly on the shoulder, covering her mouth with her free hand. "And here I thought you were just a detective and a small business owner! I didn't know you were this high-profile! I even announced your identity publicly!" she exclaimed, flustered.

Ashley's shoulders shook as she burst into laughter, covering her mouth. "Oh, Mia," she said through her chuckles. "Is that why you're freaking out? It's cute, really. But your friends already knew. You're the only one who didn't seem to pay much attention to me," she teased, feigning hurt.

"Hey! That's not true!" Mia protested, her cheeks flushing. "I just... didn't care about all of that. Once I love someone, I love them for who they are, no matter what. Even if we're different," she said softly, biting her lip.

Ashley sighed, stroking Mia's hair gently. "Don't let it bother you, okay? Sure, my family has their legacy, and generational wealth has its perks, but I'm not part of that world. I've built my own life—my firm, my business. That's what I rely on."

Mia blinked up at her, her lips twitching into a small smile. "I just... wasn't expecting it. You're like the Pierce-level of a different industry," she said, clicking her tongue playfully.

Ashley grinned. "And you're the Pierce-level of your own industry, aren't you? I mean, you've got your own impressive background."

Mia huffed, laughing softly. "It's not Pierce-level, mind you! But seriously, how did I not realize you came from that clan?"

Ashley smirked. "Because I don't want the public to recognize me as the Fletcher-Amosa heiress. I've worked hard to keep a low profile. That's how I like it," she said, her gaze softening. "As long as I have you, nothing else matters."

Mia laughed, her cheeks turning pink as she buried her face in Ashley's chest. "So cheeky, Detective," she teased, squeezing Ashley tightly.

Ashley smiled, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "Only for you, sugarplum."



Startled, Ashley blinked and turned to look beside her, only to feel a playful smack on the back of her head. Gabriela was laughing at her reaction. Straightening up, Ashley gave her an incredulous look.

"Lab queen!" Ashley exclaimed, grinning as Gabriela slung an arm over her shoulder. "Long time no see!"

"Long time, indeed!" Gabriela rolled her eyes dramatically. "And why didn't you tell me you're in a relationship with the actress Mia Tran?" She raised a brow, smirking. "Now it makes sense why she gave me that look back then—like, 'Back off, bitch, she's mine!'"

Ashley scoffed, shrugging casually. "I didn't get a chance to tell you. But you already know, right? I mean, she announced it publicly." She chuckled softly.

Gabriela grinned, nudging her. "Wow, look at you, all smitten."

Ashley hesitated, then asked cautiously, "Are you mad at me? You know, because I rejected you back then?"

Gabriela frowned, then laughed, waving the question away. "What? Of course not! I told you that day—I just wanted to share how I felt, no strings attached. No hard feelings at all." She smiled as they continued walking toward the mall exit near the station.

Before Ashley could respond, Gabriela collided with someone.

"Oh fuck, come on!" the woman groaned, glaring at Gabriela. "Can you not watch where you're going?" She rolled her eyes, clearly irritated.

Ashley blinked, recognition dawning on her face. "Vera?" she asked, confused.

The woman raised a brow, her irritation growing. "I'm not my twin, for goodness' sake!" she snapped, rolling her eyes again.

"Oh!" Ashley said, pointing at her. "Vien, right? Vien Briar?"

Vien frowned, her gaze flickering between Ashley and Gabriela. "And what if I am? Who are you two, and why do you know my twin?"

Ashley chuckled lightly. "Right," she said. "I'm Nyx's friend—that's how I know Vera." She glanced at Gabriela, who was staring wide-eyed at Vien.

"Will you tell your friend," Vien said, gesturing at Gabriela, "to quit gawking at me?" Her tone was sharp, her eyes narrowing.

Ashley bit her lip, nudging Gabriela. "Gabi," she mumbled.

"Oh!" Gabriela blinked, her cheeks flushing as she smiled sheepishly. "I—I'm sorry!" she stammered, bowing slightly.

Vien arched a brow, giving Gabriela a once-over before brushing off an imaginary speck of dirt from her shoulder. "Fine, whatever. Just watch where you're going next time. I'm sure you're not blind enough to miss someone like me," she said sharply before walking away.

Ashley clicked her tongue, watching Vien disappear into the crowd. "Wow. That's some attitude," she muttered under her breath.

Gabriela straightened, her grin returning as she turned to Ashley.

Ashley frowned, eyeing her suspiciously. "What's with that look, Gabi?"

Gabriela gulped, her eyes sparkling. "She's beautiful, Ash," she mumbled, almost dreamily. "Wait, did I hear you right? She's Vera Briar's twin? As in the Vera Briar, the high-profile attorney?"

Ashley nodded, crossing her arms. "Uh, yeah. That's her twin."

"So," Gabriela began, tilting her head. "Do they look alike? Who's prettier?"

Ashley smacked Gabriela lightly on the back of her head. "What are you, a creep?" she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "But if you must know, Vera's more attractive—which makes sense. No wonder Nyx Pierce got completely tamed." She laughed.

Gabriela peeked over her shoulder, as if checking whether Vien was still around. "But that one," she said, motioning in Vien's direction. "I think... I just fell in love."

"What?" Ashley scoffed, trying to suppress her laughter. "Oh, come on! You're unbelievable, Gabi!"