chapter 34

"Are you sure we won't get in trouble at work, Ashleigh?" James, the ever-present voice of doubt, asked again, hoisting himself upright in his hammock.

"You should have worried about that three days ago, James," Fiona countered, rolling her eyes beneath the cucumber slices adorning her face.

"We're halfway through the week; why not enjoy it?"

Ashleigh, nestled in the furthest hammock, hummed along to music filtering through her earbuds, blissfully unconcerned. James had initially balked at the idea of escaping to this secluded resort, but Ashleigh's fervent desire for a break from the city had swayed them. Nestled two towns away amidst a lush forest, the resort catered to luxury camping enthusiasts. Fiona, with a well-placed "favor" owed by the owner, secured them a discounted rate, while Ashleigh discreetly transferred a substantial sum into Fiona's account on the eve of their departure.

Work and, more importantly, the mansion, were far from Ashleigh's mind. She'd informed he