Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 6: The Bewitching Man
Mathew set his teacup down with a heavy sigh. His eyes narrowed, and his voice was tinged with a deep sadness. “When Ainsley married you, your mother was cold and unkind to her. Every time your mom was sick, Ainsley was the one most concerned—calling the doctor, bringing the best care. She knew your mother’s likes and dislikes and would buy her everything she wanted. When you came home late, Ainsley was the one waiting for you with a warm meal. And when you had that stomach ache because of Kaliyah, Ainsley even burned her hand making soup for you.”
He paused, letting the words sink in, before continuing. “When her father passed away and she was living with the Salters, she didn’t receive the same care from anyone. But for you, she did everything—without asking for anything in return. And yet, you’re moved by Kaliyah’s simple gesture of serving you a bowl of soup?”
As Cason listened, his hands slowly clenched into fists. A storm seemed to swirl in his chest, his gaze darkening. The weight of Mathew’s words bore down on him like a crushing wave. His heart pounded, conflicted between guilt and frustration.
Ainsley, meanwhile, was oblivious to the conversation. She finally managed to sleep peacefully that night, a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in a long time.
The next morning, at 8:30 AM, Ainsley called Cason to finalize the divorce arrangements.
“Mr. Baldry,” she said in a steady voice, “if it’s convenient, please come to the local court at 9:00 AM. I will be waiting for you at the door.”
Cason’s voice on the other end was dismissive. “I have a meeting later. I don’t have time. Let’s talk about it in two days,” he said flatly before hanging up.
Ainsley stood still, staring at the phone for a moment, confused. She had specifically reminded him the day before. If he was busy, why hadn’t he told her earlier? But she didn’t call back. Instead, she decided she would wait—two more days wouldn’t change much.
As she walked back to her apartment, Ainsley remembered what Lainey had mentioned about Cody and decided to visit the professor. He had been a mentor during her time in university, and she hadn’t seen him in a while.
When she arrived at Cody’s house, the butler led her to the study. Before she entered, she overheard a conversation.
“Manuel, I’m sorry I can’t be of more help to your sister. Psychological treatment takes time, and it can’t be stopped halfway. My current health condition might affect the treatment,” Cody said with a hint of regret.
Ainsley froze, hearing the familiar, deep voice that followed. “Of course, your health is important. If there’s a suitable candidate, please let me know,” came a low, smooth voice—a voice Ainsley immediately recognized.
Her heart skipped a beat as she entered the study. Standing in the shadows was a man who radiated both danger and elegance. His features were sharp, almost chiseled, with eyes that were deep and dark. His calm presence was captivating—yet there was a cold indifference about him that made him seem both untouchable and magnetic.
The man turned slightly, acknowledging the visitor, before quietly excusing himself from the conversation. “I’ll visit another day,” he said softly, his voice carrying a quiet authority.
Ainsley’s heart raced as she realized who this man was. Cody had mentioned him, but she had never imagined their paths would cross like this. The man standing before her was none other than Manuel Gage—the heir to the Gage family, one of Seattle’s most influential and powerful families.
Manuel was known for his charm, ruthlessness, and low-key presence. The Gage family’s real estate empire was unstoppable, and all of it was thanks to Manuel’s strategic brilliance. He was a man whose face was rarely seen in public, yet everyone who knew of him was drawn to his presence.
Ainsley couldn’t help but wonder how this man—who seemed so out of place in the world of corporate meetings and power—would fit into the hunting trip Lainey had mentioned. From what Ainsley had gathered, Manuel didn’t seem like the type to enjoy outdoor activities.
As the thought passed through her mind, she couldn’t help but feel curious.
Cody, noticing Ainsley’s curiosity, smiled warmly. “Ah, Ainsley. It’s been a while. Come in, come in,” he said, motioning for her to join him.
Ainsley stepped inside, her attention still partially on Manuel as he left the study.
Once inside, Cody couldn’t help but ask, “I heard about your divorce, Ainsley. I’ve been thinking a lot about you. Back in university, you were one of the brightest psychology students we had. It’s such a shame you had to leave for a man… But now that you’re free, have you considered going back to your studies? Psychology is still waiting for you.”
Ainsley paused, absorbing his words. She hadn’t thought much about her future since her divorce, but hearing Cody’s words reignited something in her. She had once been passionate about psychology, and now, free from the constraints of her marriage, perhaps it was time to explore that path again.
She smiled, a spark of determination lighting up her eyes. “You know, Professor, I haven’t thought about it much, but now that you mention it, maybe it’s time I do something for myself.”
