My Secret Billionaire Husband Chapter 2854 - 2864: It’s Time to Settle This

Was Ashton Heath feeling the pangs of jealousy once more? Or perhaps he had given credence to those baseless claims, imagining a clandestine rendezvous between her and Frank Parker and consequently becoming enraged?

Joanna Lawrence found herself uncertain of his true motive. Nevertheless, she recognized her duty as his wife to assuage his anger upon sensing his displeasure.

This was hardly the first occasion she had found it necessary to soothe Ashton Heath. Experience had, in this regard, become her reluctant tutor.

After a brief period of contemplation, Joanna proceeded to recount the entirety of the previous night's events to Ashton Heath.

"So, you see, I had no idea he would be present. Had I known, I would have certainly avoided it. Ashton, you must believe me, right? Surely you wouldn't lend credence to the fabrications of those reporters, would you?"

"What I've told you is the unvarnished truth. I cannot fathom why those reporters possess photographic and video evidence; I distinctly recall deleting all associated content."

Joanna concluded her explanation, but the silence that followed from Ashton was notable.

This lack of response prompted her to elaborate further.

Could it be that Ashton Heath harbored doubts regarding her account, leading to his reticence? The notion seemed preposterous.

He had always placed his trust in her. Even if skepticism were to arise, he would never harbor suspicions concerning such matters.

Joanna held a firm conviction in this assessment.

However, if doubt was not the cause, then why the uncharacteristic silence?

"Ashton, do you not believe me?" His continued silence amplified Joanna's growing anxiety.

"No, I do believe you."

Ashton finally broke his silence, his deep voice imbued with an unusual gravity, as though he were consciously restraining an underlying emotion.

"Then you accept my account as truthful?"

"Yes, I have faith in your words. Joanna, have I ever cast doubt upon your statements? If such a fundamental level of trust were absent between us, these recurring situations would inevitably have led to numerous disputes."

"Then, I must inquire, why the silence just moments ago?" Joanna exhaled a sigh of profound relief.

"Because I was experiencing a degree of anger."

"Anger?" Joanna registered her surprise. "At what were you incensed? Was it related to last night's unfortunate turn of events? However, I..."

"My anger is not directed at you, but rather at myself," Ashton interjected with gentle firmness. "You found yourself in a precarious situation last night, yet I was not present to offer protection. The individual who ultimately came to your aid was, regrettably, him."

The 'him' Ashton tacitly alluded to was, without question, Frank Parker.

Upon hearing his words, Joanna too fell into a contemplative silence.

"You cannot fault yourself; you were not present during that critical juncture," Joanna offered after a noticeable pause.

"Nevertheless, a sense of unease persists within me."

"Is this disquiet perhaps stemming from the fact... that the individual who assisted me was Frank Parker?" Joanna ventured, her question laced with a trace of hesitation.

Ashton offered no immediate reply. Following a brief moment of reflection, he responded: "I am aware of his affections for you. This situation is not of your making, nor is it within your power to control. What I did not anticipate was his continued, unwavering persistence."

"Although no genuine connection exists between you two, a constant barrage of rumors has nonetheless surrounded your association. Those unaware of the reality might be inclined to accept these false narratives. Joanna, I remain indifferent to public opinion regarding myself, nor do I concern myself with whether others choose to believe such gossip. However, I cannot abide the potential damage to your reputation."

His voice deepened, carrying a chilling undertone: "Certain matters now necessitate decisive action."

Joanna's heart constricted: "Ashton, what actions do you intend to take?"

"Nothing drastic. I shall simply delegate the task of addressing these baseless rumors circulating on the blog."