“Asher…” Kimberly whispered. His lips brushed her cheek. “I’m here.”

“About Davenport, and the fight with Drake…” she hesitated. “If your family knew you nearly killed someone because of me, would they call off our engagement?”

Asher kissed her forehead. “They won’t find out. I won’t let that happen.”

She lowered her eyes, her voice small. “You shouldn’t risk everything for me.”

“Kimmy.” He tilted her chin up, making her meet his gaze. “You’re worth everything. You matter more to me than my own life.” His dark eyes burned with intensity.

Kimberly froze, overwhelmed by his words. She hadn’t realized how deeply he cared. Her eyelashes fluttered with fresh tears. She was terrified—not of him, but for him. The thought of him nearly going to prison because of her made her heart ache.

“Why more tears?” His voice drew her back.

She pouted. “Then wipe them away.”

His thumb gently brushed her cheeks. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest like a small cat seeking comfort. Asher’s heart melted.

“You smell nice,” she murmured against him.

He chuckled. “Enjoy it then.”

Chapter 68

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

Asher thought he’d misheard. He held her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “What did you say?”

Blushing to her ears, she bit her lip. “Kiss me…”

His lips met hers instantly. For her first kiss, Kimberly froze, unsure how to respond. Her heart thundered in her chest. Asher kissed her gently. When his breathing grew uneven, he pulled away. Kimberly saw his flushed face and darkened eyes.

“Why did you stop?” she asked dazedly.

“You should rest,” he managed, struggling for composure. “If we continue…”

Kimberly understood his meaning, her face burning. “Goodnight then. Be careful going home.”

He gazed at her intently. “So sweet.”

“What?”

His finger brushed her lips. “Here. So sweet.”

Kimberly’s whole body tingled. She fled to her bedroom. “Goodnight!”

Watching her retreat, Asher smiled tenderly.

The next day, Kimberly prepared to visit the Blackwood estate for dinner. The Blackwood and Jordan estates were in the same exclusive neighborhood in Kensington. Kimberly stopped at her family home first. Both Ronald and Victoria were there. “Where have you been staying?” her father asked.

Chapter 68

Now knowing the truth about her father’s remarriage—that it had been her mother’s wish—Kimberly’s manner toward him had softened.

“In the flat Alexander gave me,” she replied. “It’s near the firm, convenient for work.”

Ronald nodded. “When you have time, I’d like to introduce you to some associates. Good connections for your practice.”

Appreciating his offer of networking opportunities, she didn’t refuse. “Next weekend would work.”

Lucy came running down the stairs, wrapping her arms around Kimberly’s legs. “Sister, you’re back!”

Kimberly patted her head affectionately. “Yes.”

Victoria asked warmly how she’d been finding life on her own. Instead of her usual coldness, Kimberly simply nodded. “I need to get some things from upstairs.”

As she left, Victoria turned to Ronald. “Did you notice? She seems different—her attitude toward us has softened.”

Ronald nodded with relief. “She’s growing up, moving past childish resentments.”

In her bedroom, Kimberly changed clothes and approached her dressing table. There she found a crayon drawing—a family portrait showing four happy figures. She stared at it, emotions welling up. Lucy had drawn their family: Ronald and Victoria on the sides, Kimberly as the taller girl in the middle, and Lucy as the smaller one. After a long moment, she rolled up the drawing and placed it in her keepsake box.

Properly dressed in an apricot-colored dress with white heels—an outfit chosen to please the older generation—she joined her family. Lucy wore a red dress with her hair in two buns, adorned with strawberry clips. The sisters walked ahead with their parents following as they entered the Blackwood estate. Asher himself came to greet them.

Chapter 68

Inside, Lord and Lady Blackwood welcomed them warmly. Grace stood beside them, making polite conversation. Kimberly’s eyes passed over her without expression.

Dinner was lavish, clearly arranged with care—every dish a favorite of Kimberly’s. Afterward, the families gathered in the drawing room to discuss engagement details.

Before Lady Blackwood could begin, Asher spoke. “Now that we’re all here, there’s something that needs addressing.”

All eyes turned to him.

“Grace,” his voice was cold, “apologize to Kimberly.”

Grace’s eyes widened, her lips trembling.

“Asher!” Lady Blackwood’s tone was disapproving.

Ignoring her, Asher fixed Grace with a penetrating stare. “I said apologize. Did you not hear me?”

Lady Blackwood looked bewildered. “What’s happening?”

“Tell everyone about the incident at the riding grounds,” Asher said, his voice icy.

Grace’s face paled as she looked pleadingly toward Lady Blackwood. “Grandmother…”

“Asher, Grace has already explained that incident to me,” the elderly woman said. “It was a misunderstanding. Don’t be harsh with her.”

Kimberly’s lips twitched slightly, but she remained silent. Ronald and Victoria exchanged confused glances. “Why does Grace need to apologize?” Ronald whispered to Kimberly. “What happened?”

“Let’s see what she says,” Kimberly replied evenly.

Asher’s patience was wearing thin. “Grace Bennett, tell everyone exactly what happened that day. If you hide anything, I’ll tell them myself.”