Chapter 133: Chapter 133 Honey, I’m Scared

Blinking rapidly, Ashley finally realized what she had been doing and immediately averted her gaze, pretending nothing had happened. She cleared her throat and straightened her posture, desperately trying to recover her composure.

"A-Alright," she said, forcing her voice to sound casual. "Since the two of you are ready, let’s go."

Only then did she notice that Gideon’s assistant had already followed his employer’s lead. His suit jacket was draped neatly over one arm, and the sleeves of his dress shirt had also been rolled up.

Together, the two men still looked like they had stepped straight out of a fashion magazine.

At the very least, however, they no longer stood out quite as absurdly as they had when they first arrived in full business attire.

The moment they stepped out of the alleyway, Ashley picked up her pace.

Without saying a word, she led the group into the bustling marketplace, weaving through the sea of people with practiced ease. Gage, Gideon, and his assistant followed closely behind, squeezing through narrow gaps in the crowd as they struggled to keep up with her brisk pace.

Unsurprisingly, their appearance attracted plenty of attention.

Heads turned wherever they passed.

Many of the vendors and shoppers couldn’t help but stare. The four of them were simply too eye-catching. Ashley’s beauty alone was enough to draw glances, while Gideon and his assistant possessed the kind of striking looks and commanding presence rarely seen outside magazines or television screens.

Combined with Gage’s handsome features, the group looked less like ordinary visitors and more like celebrities strolling through the marketplace.

Some people even looked around curiously, wondering if a movie or television drama was being filmed nearby.

However, before anyone could approach them or satisfy their curiosity, Ashley had already led the group farther into the crowd. They moved so quickly that many of the lingering gazes could only follow their retreating figures before eventually losing sight of them altogether.

After several minutes, Ashley gradually slowed down.

Without warning, her attention shifted toward a group of rough-looking men moving through the marketplace.

The men appeared ordinary at first glance, but there was something suspicious about them. They walked with purpose, frequently scanning their surroundings while trying not to appear obvious.

Ashley immediately changed direction and began following them.

The others exchanged puzzled glances but remained silent.

Whenever the men looked back, Ashley would casually guide the group behind a wall, a vendor’s stall, or any object large enough to conceal them from view. Her movements were smooth and natural, as though she had done this countless times before.

No one interrupted her or asked what she was trying to accomplish.

Curiosity burned in their minds, but they trusted that Ashley had a reason for everything she was doing. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

So they continued following her in silence.

Eventually, after winding through several streets and side passages, the suspicious group arrived at a larger building situated near the edge of the slums.

Only then did Ashley finally slow to a stop, her eyes narrowing as she studied the structure before them.

The group of men entered the building, and Ashley immediately followed after them.

However, instead of going inside, she stopped beside the entrance and casually leaned against the wall. Her expression remained relaxed, but her ears were focused on the sounds coming from within. For several moments, she remained perfectly still, listening to the conversations and movements inside the building.

Only after confirming that they had indeed arrived at the right place did she straighten up.

She casually patted the wrinkles from her clothes.

Then her entire demeanor changed.

The alert, calculating woman from moments ago vanished as though she had never existed.

A charming smile appeared on her face as she leaned toward the nearest person beside her. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, that person happened to be Gideon rather than Gage.

By the time Ashley realized it, her arm had already slipped around Gideon’s, hugging it naturally as though she belonged there. She leaned against him like a spoiled, affectionate cat, her posture boneless and dependent.

The transformation was so seamless that anyone watching would never suspect it was an act.

Standing beside her, Gideon’s tall frame and naturally imposing presence made the picture even more convincing. With his partially unbuttoned shirt, rolled-up sleeves, and handsome features, he looked every bit like a wealthy young master indulging in a secret outing with his beautiful lover.

Gideon glanced down at the woman clinging to his arm.

A faint amusement flashed through his smoky gray eyes, but he played along without missing a beat.

Nearby, Gage nearly exploded.

The sight of Ashley wrapping herself around another man made his jaw tighten instinctively.

For a brief moment, he wanted nothing more than to pry her away from Gideon.

Then realization struck him.

They’re acting.

Suppressing his emotions, Gage immediately adjusted his role.

His expression hardened, becoming cold and intimidating. A dangerous aura seeped from him as he positioned himself slightly behind the pair, looking every bit like a ruthless bodyguard prepared to break bones for his employer. The murderous pressure surrounding him was subtle but enough to discourage anyone from approaching recklessly.

Meanwhile, Gideon’s assistant quickly caught on to the unspoken arrangement.

Without needing instructions, he lowered his presence and assumed the role of a silent subordinate, quietly following a few steps behind his boss.

Within seconds, everyone had fallen naturally into character.

Satisfied, Ashley gave Gideon’s arm a gentle tug and tilted her head toward the entrance.

"Let’s go."

Together, they stepped forward and entered the building, looking exactly like a wealthy young master, his pampered canary, and the entourage that followed behind them.

From the outside, the building looked abandoned.

Its cracked walls, faded paint, and broken windows gave the impression of a structure long forgotten by time. Anyone passing by would dismiss it as nothing more than another decaying building hidden within the slums.

However, the moment they stepped inside, they realized appearances could be deceiving.

A dimly lit corridor stretched before them, illuminated only by a handful of weak bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The air was stale, carrying the faint scent of smoke, sweat, and something else that was difficult to identify. Though the hallway appeared empty at first glance, an invisible pressure lingered in the atmosphere, making it clear that this place was anything but deserted.

At the far end of the corridor stood two massive men.

Both were built like walls of muscle, their broad shoulders nearly blocking the entire passage. Their intimidating appearances alone were enough to make ordinary people think twice about proceeding further.

The moment Ashley’s group stepped into view, the two gatekeepers straightened and fixed them with hostile stares.

"Stop right there."

One of the men stepped forward, his heavy boots echoing through the corridor. His sharp gaze swept over the group before settling on Ashley and Gideon.

"What are you doing here?" he barked, his voice carrying an obvious threat. "This isn’t a place for people like you. Turn around and leave."

As he spoke, he deliberately puffed out his chest and released an intimidating aura, attempting to scare them away before they could take another step forward.

Unfortunately for him, the people standing before him were far from ordinary.

"Honey, I’m scared. He looks so frightening."