Save Myself From Desperation by Cara Agnes novel Chapter 254

Noah continued, "He got wind that you're a pro at fixing old stuff, so he shows up with something, thinking he could get some advice from you."

Noah, fully clued in on Ashley's deal with the Ramos family, knew it was up to Ashley whether she would deal with Charlie or not.

After catching Noah's talk on the phone, Ashley raised an eyebrow. "What's he bringing?"

"He has got some mystery item inside a box. I couldn't figure it out, probably some old thing he wants your magic touch on. Are you up for a meet?"

"Nope." Ashley turned him down flat-out.

Getting Ashley's vibe, Noah said, "Got it. I'll tell him you're a no-go."

Today, thanks to Ashley, StarGavel Auctions got some serious online love together with the name, Rita Grant. Even folks who weren't into auctions had heard the buzz.

Lots of online folks were hoping StarGavel Auctions would spill the beans on Rita.

But StarGavel Auctions wasn't going to spill the tea on Ashley without her say-so.

After wrapping up the chat with Noah, Ashley checked the clock. It was pushing past seven in the evening.

Strolling over to the bed, she took a peek at Valentin's situation, a worried frown creasing her forehead.

He had been out cold for six days now.

And tomorrow would hit the one-week mark.

Zain had the chef whip up some fancy dinner, but they couldn't really chow down.

Joseph, eyeballing the hands that handled the fake statue and replaying the toilet episode in his mind, had his appetite plummeting even more.

'Oh, I might need some therapy for that!' he thought.

But to keep Zain's spirits up, Joseph filled him in on the StarGavel Auctions scene. "Grandpa, everyone online is dying to know who Rita is. Ashley's a total boss."

Zain, all praises, chimed in, "Ashley is indeed something."

Ashley blushed at the compliment.

Joseph let out a soft sigh. 'If Valentin saw how great Ashley was, he would praise her as well. Looking back, he always has her back and cheers her up,' he thought.

She grabbed his sturdy hand, her teary eyes locked on his pale and knocked-out face. Without even realizing it, she drifted off into dreamland.

*****

Ashley had a dream where someone was holding her.

The embrace felt warm, like gentle spring water or the warmth of sunlight. However, the person's face was blurry, and she couldn't make out who was holding her.

Ashley murmured softly, instinctively moving towards the comforting embrace.

The sensation of the hug became increasingly real.

Her eyelashes trembled, and beneath her light eyelids, her eyeballs twitched. She slowly opened her sleepy eyes.

In the next moment, she met the deep gaze of a man.

Ashley jolted, the drowsiness instantly fading away. She fully awoke from the dream, her eyes widening in realization.

"Val...Valentin!"