Griffin was still really weak . Just sitting up and chatting for a bit left him struggling to breathe . Briar quickly told Ashton to help him lie down , then w This time , the treatment was a lot more complicashed b hands and got to work . It two full hours . Briar had to constantly adjust her technique based on Griffin's condition . It drained her , but she stayed focused . Traditional medicine wasn't widely practiced in Dasmieca by Briar's acupuncture skills . He liked her even more now . 50 even someone like Griffin - who'd seen just about everything - was blown away Ashton stayed the whole time , asking a few questions about Griffin's condition while secretly keeping an eye on Briar . Honestly , even though he'd only met her twice , he was getting more and more curious about her . He'd already looked into her background , but her overseas records were clearly fake - anyone could see that . Her files claimed she started cutting class and getting into fights when she was fourteen . That was a joke . No one would believe someone like that could handle advanced acupuncture like this . And that experimental drug Ashton had ordered came from a top - secret lab , the kind of stuff one couldn't even buy on the black market . There was no way some regular girl could've gotten her hands on it , let alone delivered it alone . Files that vague rarely came without reason . It was either a sign of a major scandal that had been buried with money and influence , or the person had another identity altogether , and the profile was crafted to hide it . Ashton narrowed his eyes . His instinct leaned toward the second explanation - Briar's identity was protected . Briar had to adjust the needles every fifteen minutes , so she just sat Most people would've felt awkward being stared at by two of the casually at the edge of Griffin's bed . Both Griffin and Ashton ended up watching her . most powerful men in Shoneport . But Briar didn't care . She even got bored and pulled out her phone to play The gunfire sounds were loud and crisp . Griffin glanced between Briar and Ashton , clearly amused . It was probably the first time he'd seen someone so completely ignore Ashton .. To Briar , the head of the Wade family wasn't nearly as interesting as her phone . After two hours , Briar finally pulled out the last needle and gave Griffin a few instructions . " Same treatment again in five days . Keep taking your medicine , and more importantly , stay in a good mood . " " Got it . Thank you , Miss Jennings , " said Miranda , the housekeeper who managed Griffin's daily care alongside the bodyguards . She had been looking after him for over thirty years and was one of the few people he fully trusted . Outside , Emily had been waiting with the others . When she overheard that, she immediately jumped in with a snide comment . " Wow , really ? So my grandpa still has to take regular medicine , huh ? " she sneered . " If your acupuncture's actually working , why does he still need that ? Or are you just afraid to take him off it because your acupuncture doesn't work ? " All of Griffin's medication had been prescribed by those military doctors . Emily felt she'd caught a flaw in Briar's words and started mock However , because Ashton had kicked her out earlier for being too loud , she didn't realize that Griffin already looked a lot better after Briar's acupuncture . Briar was just about to walk out the door when she heard it . She didn't even look annoyed . She was still holding her phone , playing her game one- handed . The breeze blew through her hair as she turned slightly , eyes cool and full of quiet confidence . Chapter 13 " You're not the one who gets to judge whether I'm good at this or not , " she said flatly . " If you've got a problem , go talk to Ashton . She didn't even i back - just pointed her thumb toward Ashton . Ashton's eyes turned sharp the moment Briar said his name . He looked past her at the people outside, and the intensity in his gaze was enough to max everyone - including Emily - freeze . He didn't need to say a word . Just that one look sent them all scrambling , mumbling excuses as they quickly left . Once they were gone , Ashton's expression softened . He gave Briar an apologetic smile and motioned toward the dining room . " Sorry about that , Miss Jennings . It's already past lunchtime , so I'm afraid you'll have to settle for something simple for now . But I'll make it up to you with a proper dinner tonight . " Briar waved it off . Her eyes landed on the food already laid out . " Don't worry about it . This all looks pretty good . " She wasn't just being polite . Even a simple lunch at the Wade family's place beat anything most people got to eat . Ashton ladled her a bowl of chicken soup and set it in front of her with a smile . " Miss Jennings , you've done a lot for my grandfather . Buying you dinner is the least I can do . " Briar was caught off guard by his smile . It was a bit too charming . She cleared her throat and mumbled , " You can just call me Briar . Besides , I should be the one thanking you for helping me get into Shoneport University . " She couldn't help but wonder if Ashton was smiling like that on purpose . Ashton nodded . " You're right . Calling you Miss Jennings feels too stiff . I'll call you Briar then . " " Okay ," Briar said softly . Her heart skipped a beat . She'd heard her name plenty of times , but somehow , it sounded different Poming from him . Ashton gave a quiet laugh but didn't push it . He picked up his spoon and started eating . The rest of the Wade family had already cleared out , and the servants had disappeared as well . The two of them were alone in the dining room . The only sound was the occasional clink of silverware . It was peaceful and calm . Ofer AD Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!