Chapter 2 — The Most Expensive Mistake
Chapter 2 — The Most Expensive Mistake
Silence swallowed the boutique.
The manager's confident expression vanished the instant the little girl whispered, "Papa."
Every employee instinctively stepped back.
The man kneeling on the marble floor wasn't simply a wealthy customer.
He was calm.
Too calm.
His tailored gray suit never wrinkled as he wrapped Mia inside the oversized sweater Karen had placed around her shoulders moments earlier.
His large hand gently stroked the back of her blonde hair while she buried her face against his chest, her trembling breaths slowly becoming steady.
"You found me," she whispered.
"I always will," he replied softly.
Then he stood.
Six-foot-four.
Perfect posture.
The room suddenly felt smaller.
His eyes settled on Karen.
"You were the one who protected my daughter?"
Karen nodded awkwardly.
"I... I just didn't want her to be scared."
For the first time, a faint smile appeared on the man's face.
"My name is Jonathan Ashford."
The manager's knees nearly gave out.
Everyone in New York knew the Ashford name.
Hotels.
Banks.
Hospitals.
Entire city blocks.
The boutique itself occupied property leased from Ashford Holdings.
Jonathan slowly removed his jacket and wrapped it over Mia before turning toward the manager.
"You fired her?"
The manager immediately forced a nervous smile.
"It was... a misunderstanding, Mr. Ashford."
"No."
His voice remained perfectly level.
"It was a decision."
A long pause followed.
Then Jonathan spoke to one of the silent men behind him.
"Call corporate."
The man answered with a single word.
"Already done."
The manager suddenly realized no one in the store was looking at her anymore.
May you like
They were all waiting.
Waiting for what Jonathan Ashford would do next.
