Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter twelve

Ashley

I kept talking with Jessica for what felt like hours, yet I knew in my mind that the time we had spent discussing various topics and learning about each other was actually significantly shorter. I also couldn't deny the fact that I liked her, feeling that we could develop a good friendship, although I knew deep down that was not the purpose of my stay here.

I watched as Jessica excused herself to the bathroom, leaving me by myself and allowing me to collect my thoughts. However, my alone time seemed like it would be cut short when I saw Jackson approaching me from across the room. I kept my eyes on him, waiting to see why he had decided to seek me out.

"That was quite the show earlier," Jackson commented as he approached and sat down next to me, unbuttoning his suit jacket and crossing his legs, one arm casually resting on the back of the couch behind me. I felt a sense of apprehension as he settled into place next to me, my heart beating slightly faster as I wondered what he wanted.

"What do you mean?" I asked Jackson, feigning ignorance of his words. I mirrored his actions, crossing my legs as well and adjusting my seat to face him more directly.

Jackson leaned in towards me, his finger pressed delicately to his lips. "Let me make one thing clear, Ashley," he began, his tone serious as a smile flashed across his face. "All of these people?" he said, gesturing towards the crowd. "All of them are highly significant individuals, and between us, none of them give a crap about the Augustus death." He continued, leaning in a bit closer so that only I could hear him. "They're only here to display their fake sadness," he said. "But their real aim is purely professional."

Jackson leaned back against his seat, his tone becoming slightly softer. "So, when you pull a stunt like that with Stefan, especially with his current situation, you're making things complicated," he repeated, his expression becoming more serious once more. "And that is not why you were hired," he continued, his words implying that I need to be extremely careful with my actions.

I met Jackson's warning with a nonchalant expression, trying to show that I was not bothered by his comments. "I'm well aware of why I was hired." I replied, my words echoing his earlier response. "But, in contrast, Stefan seems to forget that." I continued. Jackson shifted his eyes to where my hair was brushing up against his arm as I leaned back into my seat, the moment growing increasingly tense as we exchanged barbs. "This conversation should be directed towards him." I replied, my tone becoming slightly more defiant. "Not me."

I watched Jackson's reaction, wondering if he would get off my back. I had been hired to do a job, a job which required that I dig up the truth about this family. I had an obligation to continue, despite the risks.

Jackson pulled his arm back and rested it on his knee as he laughed, then adjusted his glasses. "I see," he spoke, a slight smile on his face before he got up and buttoned his suit. "I hope I made myself clear, Ashley," he said.

I leaned back against my own seat, crossing my arms against my chest as I replied with a faint smirk of my own. "Crystal."

I watched as Jackson walked away, feeling a growing frustration within myself as I realized this was not the first time he had warned me to back off. Deciding to have a drink to calm my nerves, I approached one of the servants holding a tray of champagne glasses. I grabbed one and turned around, only to immediately bump into someone, my glass spilling its contents on the person as I tried to adjust myself. "Jesus," I exclaimed, the champagne leaking from my hand and spilling onto who I bumped into.

"Fucking hell, lady, can y-" The man said before he paused as he looked at me in surprise. I couldn't help but feel a stab of embarrassment as I realized how clumsy I had been. Before I could even apologize, however, his face shifted into a playful smile, and I looked up at him with wide eyes.