Ashton send the location to Esther for her hair and make up.
Esther freshen up and took a last glance in the mirror. She took a deep breath and smile ...
She was startled by the knock on the door.
"come in" - Esther
She was smitten by Ashton's look. His handsome face and semi large eyes with his beautiful eyebrows that compliment each other. And of course his sweet smile.
Ashton on the other hand was stunned by how sexy Esther is. Her body shape was evident in her dress as it perfectly show her curve. Her lips where he felt like he wants to taste them.
"You look gorgeous" - Ashton
"you too" - Esther
Ashton then pick something in his pocket and slowly stand behind her. Then he put a silver necklace with diamonds in it on Esther's neck.
"it's my mom's favorite necklace. I'll give it you since no one in the household is deserving to wear this necklace." Ashton
"but, how about your sister or Anne" Esther
"let me repeat again beautiful, no one in my household is deserving to wear this. Only you" Ashton
Esther smile at him
"I am flattered Mr. Taylor. I'll take care of this tonight and make sure to return it to you flawless." Esther
Ashton step away and stare at her figure in the mirror.
"it's yours. No need to give it back " Ashton
"but-" Esther
"Let's go, we're getting late." Ashton
Ashton then offer his hands and guide her.
On there way to the event Esther is a little nervous, she know that this might cause an uproar to the media. Knowing that Anne and her family will be there and also Carlson.
She was in deep thoughts when she felt someone hold her hands.
"relax, i will be your firm foundation tonight. I won't let go of you" Ashton
with those words Esther could not explain what she felt, it feels like she felt secured for the very first time in her life.
She gave him a smile of gratitude.
Even if she is confused on why this man Right here offer himself to be used just for her plain revenge.
Specially when the other person involved was his niece. She want to know, she want understand why.
"Boss we're here"
Esther look outside and she saw multiple camera and media waiting for them to show up.
Ashton took a deep breath then he opened his door. And walk towards Esther door and open it.
He gave his hands as a sign of help, she took it and both of them smile over those flashing cameras.
"Ms. Smith why you and Mr. Taylor together?"
"are you two dating?"
"Mr. Taylor what is your relationship with Ms. Esther Smith"
different questions from media were echoing in yhe the lobby of the hotel.
Neither one of them respond to the media until they enter the function hall.
And now all eyes on them as the door shuts.
Anne Brown and Carlson saw them and they were shocked that the two of them came in together.
"This is ridiculous! " Anne whispered.
"Don't make a scene, there are media everywhere. Let's settle this at home" Barbara
Esther and Ashton walks towards them and when they saw the necklace that Esther is wearing they were all shocked in disbelief. Even Ashton's father was shocked when he saw the necklace, for them whoever wears it will be considered as his daughter-in-law.
Is he making a statement?
What is he trying to do?
Those are the questions running on Ashton's fathers mind
"Nice to finally meet you Ms. Esther Smith" Barbara
She then lay her eyes on the necklace.
"That is a beautiful necklace, it looks familiar." - Barbara
"oh, Ashton gave it to me to wear for tonight's event. " Esther
"Ashton? so your on the first name basis? " Barbara
"and?" Ashton
"why are you wearing that necklace Esther? That's my grandmother's necklace. You are not eligible to wear it unless you'll be married to our family." Anne
"Well, that's a good Idea. You can call me aunt" Esther
Anne was annoyed in her response. Carlson was a bit shocked.
"And besides, no one in our household is worthy to wear this necklace. And look, it looks perfect on her" Ashton
Barbara glared at Ashton... what are you doing??!! type of look
"If you'll excuse us we will meet some of our guests." Ashton
He then guide Esther to walk into a different table. They can't do nothing apart from they can't control Ashton, also there were media watching over.
"you heard him dad! He is getting out of control! you should talk to him. That Esther is trying to take everything away from Anne." Barbara
"Ashton owns the necklace, he will decide who will wear it. And I guess you need to get your facts straight. It was your daughter who's taking away everything that Esther owns"
then he look at Carlson who bows his head out of shyness.
Barbara and Anne were unable to make any rebuttals, they don't have a choice but to keep smiling like nothing is happening.
The party started and Ashton's secretary lead the party.
"Tonight, let me call on the President of A.T GROUP and the founder of ASH CHARITY PROGRAM to come here in front to give us a small message" - Lark
Ashton smile at the crowd while they clap their hands to him. He then give Esther a smile, for some reason she felt like her face was burning.
Am I blushing???
"Good Evening ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming on tonight's event. This is a mark of the 4th year anniversary of ASH CHARITY PROGRAM. This Charity was established with one main reason to help those students who wants to excel in their studies. To help those fresh graduate undergoe free trainings that is suitable with their chosen career. For those children that were not given a chance to have a parents. This is for everyone who need help" Ashton
He then look directly to his family
"We only help those people who lead life in honesty and integrity. Who work hard not to bring people down but to be a better version of themselves." Ashton
Anne was conscious so she keep her head down. Barbara also tries to assess the crowd if there were murmuring or whispers. Good thing they are all just focused on Ashton
"I want to Introduce to you Ms. Esther Smith."
He signals her to come up on stage. She stand up and went to the stage even if she's quite confused on what is going on
"The moment that we announced about her being the new face of A.T GROUP the company sales went up by 5% everyday. I want to thank her for accepting my offer." Ashton
Esther smile at the crowd and also make some remarks
"Thank you Mr. Taylor for noticing my talent and my purpose. I will do my best to represent A.T GROUP well and support all your programs and activities. You can rely on me." Esther
Everyone gave them an applause, it is no doubt that Esther's reputation is so high. She keeps herself on low profile even if she is known as the heir of their family business. Even their business were under her name. And she manage them so well between her modeling and acting careers.
Suddenly a reporter raise her hand
"I have a question to you Mr. Taylor, if you don't mind. It's the first time that A.T GROUP chose someone to be the official face of the company. What lead you to make this decision and why Ms. Esther Smith?"
"Well, we all know that A.T GROUP is doing well even if there's no celebrity involved. However, I am touched and in awe on Ms. Esther's reputation not just an artist and model. She is known in handling their family business very well. From E.S MAGAZINE, E.S NEWS and E.S ENTERTAINMENT she was able to handle everything in order."
He then face Esther
"on personal aspect, Esther is honest and works with integrity. She cares about others first before herself. Well to be honest she's almost perfect. I might take her as my wife"
Everyone laugh at Ashton's last words, but Esther was taken aback on what he said. Barbara and Anne were also frustrated and upset on what Ashton said and did.
"I won't entertain anymore question, let's just enjoy the party. And for those who wish to be part of this amazing platform and help more people don't hesitate to reach me or my secretary. Have a wonderful evening"
He then holds Esther hands and assist her in going down the stares.
Esther was about to talk about his speech when Ashton hug her.
What is he doing?
Why is he doing this?
And pair of eyes from Barbara and Anne were staring at them in anger. While Carlson is feeling a little jealous on what is happening.