Ethan explained everything to Ashley, not only about the corruption case but also about Arkban. Ashley listened. It was one of the things she feared.
She was afraid Ethan would find out everything, and that was why she had been hesitant about the city alliance plan he suggested. She worried Ethan's view of her would change once he learned the whole truth.
Ashley was afraid Ethan would be disappointed and leave her. She was afraid he would no longer trust her. She was afraid all of that would happen once Ethan learned the worst parts of her leadership.
"I… I'm sorry."
"I should've told you about this earlier. I know you must be disappointed in me because you heard it from the officers," Ashley said.
Ethan stayed quiet. He was still sitting on the long sofa in Ashley's room, holding a glass of wine in his hand.
The woman sat on her knees on the bed, her hands placed on her thighs, her head lowered, too ashamed to look at Ethan's disappointed face.
