A Love Trap
Chapter 78 Thoughts

Ashley and Ellie began to prepare for their cake shop after they rented the storefront Greyson found for them.

For the whole day that day, they were on their feet, running to and from different places to take care of things. And, as if knowing that they'd be very busy, Greyson didn't show up.

The next day, Ashley and Ellie went to check the storefront. The middle-aged man was still there and astonishingly, he decorated the store according to the design Greyson showed him. The two were very thankful about that.

After a few days, Ashley and Ellie were able to get everything ready, except for a baker.

Greyson then showed up, and brought two cake bakers and two servers with him.

The two couldn't help but be amazed by Greyson's timing. "It's as if he knew what we needed," Ellie whispered to Ashley, unable to hide her excitement.

Despite deeply appreciating Greyson's help, they just couldn't accept what he was giving them anymore.

They were already able to rent the place at such a low price because of him!

After hearing what the two girls had to say, Greyson chuckled and said, "Guys, hear me out before you say no!" He sat them down and his expression became serious.

"Actually," he started, "I've always wanted to have a cake shop, but I don't know how to operate one." He leaned on the table and lowered his voice. "I want to be partners with you two. I will be responsible for the recruitment of employees, and then I would receive dividends by the end of the year," he said, looking Ashley and Ellie in the eyes, one at a time.

"So," he said, clapping his hands once and leaning back on his chair. "What do you girls say?" His voice was back to being bubbly. "Would you let me join the management of your cake shop?" The two girls were visibly taken aback.

Ashley was the one who broke the silence, and asked, "Are you serious about that?" It was something she never expected would happen. "Do you really want to be in our business? Because Ellie and I are just taking a shot, and if this doesn't go well..." "I 100% trust you guys!" Greyson exclaimed loudly, interrupting whatever she was going to say.

'He's not lying, I could see it in his eyes, 'Ashley said to herself, breathing deeply. She wanted to think about it longer, but Greyson's enthusiasm really reeled her in.

"You know what, okay!" Ashley said, raising her hands as if surrendering. "Welcome to the company, Greyson!"

Greyson let out a loud "yes" and hugged Ashley and Ellie. Being a new partner of the business, Greyson turned to the people he brought and congratulated them for being hired. "Ashley," he said, turning to Ashley, his voice once again serious. "No taking this back!" Not knowing what to reply, she just shook her head and laughed. But somehow, things didn't feel right to her. She felt like it was a trap.

And she was right. Greyson knew that Ashley wouldn't accept his help, so he quickly made up the story about wanting to have a cake shop and wanting to be the girls' business partner.

But his father had enough money for him to squander, so even if investing in Ashley and Ellie's cake shop was just for fun, it wouldn't make any difference for him.

Now, everything was ready. Ashley and Ellie's, and now Greyson's cake shop was ready to open.

...

Compared to how Ashley had to face so many challenges to develop her knack for business, Lena had developed smoothly by working for the Luo Group.

Though many people had considered her as someone incompetent, she had learned a few things over the years.

She had pushed herself to surpass Ashley in every way she could.

When they were in college, she worked extra hard to be able to have better grades than her adopted sister.

She knew that Ashley was one of the reasons she became who she was today.

In the Luo Group, everyone knew she was a person of high status with a prestigious background. No one would dare reprimand her even if she did nothing. Everyone knew that she was engaged to the president of the company, and that they should get out of her way. A lowly clerk was sitting quietly in his desk. He took a deep breath, and looked around. 'No one here, ' he said to himself. He stood up, and walked up to Lena's door.

With another deep breath, he knocked on the door. "Come in," Lena answered from the inside.

Since Raymond returned to the Luo Group, she had to be polite to the people around her. After all, she was his fiancée.

Everything she did would impact her chance of marrying into the Luo family.

When the door opened, she saw that it was Benjamin Chen. She relaxed and asked, "Why are you here? What happened this time?"

Before Benjamin could answer any of her questions, she gestured for him to come to her. "Massage my shoulders," she commanded, "I've been so exhausted these days." She had kept her straight posture for the whole day because she had no idea when Raymond would come to her office. The only time she could relax was during lunch.

'I shouldn't have promised mom that I'd work in the Luo group, 'Lena began to complain in her head.

Peggy told her that since she would be wife of the president of the Luo Group, she should start being acquainted with their business. "Most importantly," Peggy told her, "You could keep an eye on Raymond."

Lena rolled her eyes at the memory. Her mom told her that since Raymond was at his peak age, he would be very impulsive. Moreover, there were a lot of women working for the Luo Group. "They would definitely want to have an affair with him in order to get wealthy," Peggy said.

Lena understood all of those. Also, she planned on winning Mrs. Luo's affection by asking her for her advice on different things.

Without saying anything, Benjamin followed Lena's orders and walked behind her, put his hands on her shoulders and massaged her.

Just within a few minutes of doing that, Lena's body aches were relieved.

Despite having mediocre looks, Benjamin had a warm personality and it made him very attractive.

Enjoying Benjamin's massage, Lena said lazily, "You wouldn't come to my office if nothing happened. So tell me what happened?"

"You ordered me to prevent Ashley from renting a store, right?" Benjamin started, his voice shaky. "Well, it worked in the beginning. Ashley was ready to give up, but then a man whom I don't know suddenly appeared and helped her rent a storefront." He was massaging Lena's back a little too hard now. "Also..."

Benjamin's voice trailed off.

Lena's intuition told her that Benjamin wouldn't bring her any good news.

As impatient as she was, she frowned and asked in a threatening manner, "What? Just say it!"

Glancing at Lena, Benjamin continued, "The man may be of high status, because the store they rented belongs to Harkim." Benjamin's heart was beating so fast. "I didn't dare act harshly."DD