My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin novel Chapter 239

Chapter 239: Of course, I will.

Ashley considered herself lucky because meeting Liza had opened a door for her to build something for herself outside of Dominion. She met experienced entrepreneurs like Shyaan and Mr. Ramirez, who gave her a chance to grow — all because of some dirt.

With little knowledge of the people she could trust in Dominion, she chose those she knew she could rely on—people who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of her, Lucian, and Primo.

Betty died in her previous life, using her body to shield Ashley.

Red died making sure Lucian got out of that country alive.

And Nolan spent his entire life caring for Primo, and even in his final breath — after sacrificing himself for the young master — he never complained.

In this life, she planned to make sure these people, who never turned their backs on them even when they weren’t given importance, lived longer than they had before. But for that to happen, Lucian and Ashley needed to keep living, because these people’s lives were already tied to theirs.

"Madam," Betty called awkwardly, barely touching the food Nolan had prepared.

Ashley sat across from her while Nolan stood near the table. Both of them were staring at her, studying the conflicted look on Betty’s face.

A deep exhale escaped Betty as she looked around. "Am I really going to stay here?"

"Mhm," Ashley nodded with a smile. "Don’t you like it?"

"It’s not like that..." came Betty’s conflicted voice, her eyes darting between Nolan and Ashley.

Nolan maintained a smile as he studied the two of them. Of course, he was glad to see Betty again. However, he also knew the young lady was always quite careful.

"Madam," Nolan remarked as he turned to Ashley. "I forgot there’s something the chefs want to give to you and Miss Betty. I will pick it up first."

Ashley just nodded, knowing that was only an excuse for Nolan to leave and give them some private time.

Having said that, Ashley and Betty watched Nolan leave before Ashley faced her secretary again.

"Betty, what is it?" She cocked her head to the side. "This place isn’t so bad, right? Dominion originally wanted us to stay here because it’s one of the biggest houses in the neighborhood."

"That’s exactly the point, Madam," Betty sighed with a deep frown. "This house you’re asking me to stay in is supposed to be yours, the master’s, and the young master’s. Yet you’re telling me to stay here instead."

She fidgeted with her fingers, looking at Ashley. Even if Betty was getting used to Ashley’s unpredictability, she found this a little excessive. It made her uncomfortable.

"I can stay elsewhere," she said. "Even a shared room is fine."

Ashley smacked her lips as she crossed her arms, resting them on the table. "Betty, how important am I to you?"

"Huh?"

"Will you die for me?" she asked again, blinking almost innocently. "If we’re in a situation where only one of us can get out, what will you do?"

"Of course I will prioritize you!" Betty blurted out, only to bite her tongue. "I mean, if there’s really no other option, I will help you and think of a way for me to get out too... if possible."

After all, Betty’s loyalty didn’t only stem from the fact that Ashley signed her paycheck. She was grateful to Ashley for giving her a chance... even though that chance came with what felt like a forced contract she had to sign.

In the end, Betty was grateful Ashley had forced her into it. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Silence fell between them as they looked at each other. Ashley’s brows rose while Betty’s furrowed.

Betty thought about it for a second, and slowly, realization dawned on her. Ashley had pointed out the house she had been staying in, and Nolan’s was in the car, making Betty realize how small it looked and how identical it was to Nolan’s and the houses lined up along that row.

"It would be this house," she whispered, and Ashley nodded.

"If I were the enemy, I would check this place first too," Ashley shrugged. "Why? Because it stands out like a sore thumb in this neighborhood."

Then Ashley let out a light chuckle as she leaned forward again, resting her arms on the table.

"The chances of that happening are small because before anyone could reach this place, they would’ve already faced Dominion’s elite members. But just in case — one person could escape much more easily on their own rather than three people, especially with a child," she added with a slight nod and a smile.

"That’s why I’m asking you... how important am I to you?" She tilted her head. "Am I important enough for you to take that risk for me? Living in this house and enjoying the comfort of it is, I think, a fair trade for that risk."

In other words, to be the Madam’s decoy.

Betty opened and closed her mouth, her mind going blank for a moment. All she could do was stare at Ashley before biting her lip and nodding.

The corners of Betty’s lips curled into a smile. "Of course, Madam," she whispered, her smile stretching wider. "Worst-case scenario, I know you would come for me."

Ashley let out a chuckle, her eyes squinting.

"Of course, I will."