Throughout everything that had happened so far, Ashley had learned many things.

One of them was that there were explanations behind many of the events from her first life.

Had she not chosen to stay—even if her reasons had initially been selfish—and opened her heart, she never would have known Lucian’s feelings.

She never would have realized that getting involved in Primo’s life was far better than keeping her distance to prevent him from becoming attached.

And the same applied to everything else.

Especially the major events within Dominion.

"In my past life, this project was the reason Lucian’s face got exposed," she muttered to herself. "And Interpol finally obtained a photograph to attach to his file."

Although Lucian had ultimately escaped the consequences through his power, connections, and wealth, the incident still placed him firmly on the authorities’ radar.

And that wasn’t even the worst part.

His enemies—many of whom had never seen his face before—also learned about his declining health, which Ashley assumed was connected to the transplant he underwent after the ambush.

On top of those consequences, another significant event unfolded behind the scenes.

Lukas ended up being prosecuted for taking responsibility for the project.

But Ashley knew Lukas’s name might have appeared in the papers, yet he wasn’t the true culprit.

He had merely served as a front.

A willing scapegoat.

After all, Lukas had thrown himself into the line of fire to protect someone else.

Worse, he blamed himself for everything Lucian had gone through.

That part, Ashley couldn’t deny.

Lukas had contributed to the disaster because his emotions had clouded his otherwise sharp judgment.

"So..." Ashley hummed, idly spinning her chair now that she had finished reviewing everything she needed before her meeting. "I can’t let him anywhere near this project."

Personally, even after learning that Lukas had been one of the children from her past, she didn’t feel particularly attached to him. She didn’t have fond memories of him.

In other words, he could die for all she cared.

However, Lukas occupied an important position within Dominion.

Lucian could replace him, eventually.

But trust took time to build.

Trust and competence were things Lucian valued above almost everything else, and when it came to Dominion, he wasn’t someone who handed out trust freely.

If Lukas’s downfall would hurt Lucian, then Ashley had to ensure neither Lukas nor anyone else ended up stepping on the landmine hidden beneath this company.

Ashley tapped her fingers against her desk.

Just then, her phone lit up.

She glanced down and smiled when she saw a message from Liza.

Picking up her phone, she chuckled.

"I should go see her and ask for some tips on how to make my husband even happier."

Just like Lucian, she wanted to do more for him.

The problem was that she didn’t know what else she could offer.

Aside from taking care of him at home and handling his work at the company, what else could she give a man like him?

A man who seemed to have everything.

A man who could afford anything — even her cheap ass.

The thought made her giggle.

Excitedly, she messaged Liza for advice.

After all, Liza and Tommy had been happily married for years.

Unfortunately for Ashley... she was about to discover just how innocent she truly was and another side of Liza.

*****

"Fuck."

Lukas clicked his tongue as he sat in his office, staring at the document in his hand.

"A fucking charity project. Doesn’t she know I don’t touch these?"

Besides, charity work was mostly about public relations.

While the company invested heavily in businesses and research ventures for mutual benefit, it also funded numerous charitable foundations.

Many of those projects existed to polish the company’s image. Others served as convenient loopholes for moving undocumented money.

Shaking the thoughts away, Lukas forced himself to focus.

At least Ashley had given him something to keep him occupied.

With that, he began reviewing the preparations for the charity project.

Ashley had left a note explaining that the event focused on helping street children.

The rest of the day passed quickly.

When it was time for meetings, Lukas accompanied Ashley throughout the afternoon.

Eventually, the workday ended.

Ashley instructed him to drive himself home since she planned to leave immediately instead of making her usual rounds.

As for Lukas, he returned to the office to collect additional work he intended to finish at home.

But just as he stepped out of his office and headed toward the elevator, he froze.

Nikki stood waiting outside.

"Shit." He exhaled and eyed her.

His tongue pressed against the inside of his cheek as he debated whether to continue forward or turn around and leave.

In the end, he chose to walk over and stand beside her.

He didn’t look at her.

His attention remained fixed on the closed elevator doors.

As for Nikki, the moment she sensed him approaching, the corners of her lips curved upward ever so slightly.

*****

Meanwhile, Ashley quietly stared out the car window.

Only Khan accompanied her.

She had already sent Lukas away because she had no intention of dropping him off before heading home.

"How was your day with Lukas, Madam?" Khan asked, breaking the silence.

It was unusual.

Normally, he spent the entire ride observing quietly.

Ashley hummed thoughtfully.

"Not bad," she answered casually. "He’s as efficient as ever. I suppose one day of rest was all he really needed."

Khan studied her through the rearview mirror. He could tell she didn’t fully believe her own words.

"Is that so?" he asked without pressing further.

"Mhm."

Suddenly, Ashley’s brows twitched.

The car slowed as they approached a red light.

She blinked. Her gaze landed on an elderly man pushing a large cart overflowing with flowers along the roadside.

"Stop the car."

"Madam?"

Khan glanced back and immediately noticed her reaching for the door handle.

The car was still moving, albeit slowly. Without hesitation, Khan pressed a few buttons before pulling over.

The moment the vehicle stopped, Ashley jumped out and jogged toward the roadside.

Khan turned around to watch. His brows furrowed.

Ashley had stopped beside the flower vendor.

She was talking animatedly while gesturing toward the cart.

"Does she know him?" he wondered.

Then his gaze shifted to the enormous collection of flowers.

A feeling of dread washed over him.

"Huh." He narrowed his eyes. "I have a feeling about this."

And, as expected, his suspicions proved correct.

A few minutes later, Ashley returned.

Dragging the flower cart behind her.

Khan watched in silence as she began stuffing flowers into the trunk.

Because apparently... she had bought all of them.