His Forbidden Rose Novel

Ashen Roads Toward the Sleeping Moon by Trevon Hale Mist 17 Summary In Chapter 17 of "Ashen Roads Toward the Sleeping Moon," the tension between Caroline and Christian escalates as they navigate the aftermath of a mysterious night. Caroline hesitates to address the events of the previous evening, leaving Christian confused and anxious about what he might have revealed.

As they converse, Chase, Christian's uncle, observes them closely, sensing the unspoken tension and prompting Caroline to reassure Christian about their future together, despite the underlying fear she harbors regarding Chase's manipulative nature. Christian, feeling a chill of dread, grapples with the possibility that he may have inadvertently disclosed sensitive information. Chase's cold demeanor and probing questions only heighten Christian's anxiety, leading him to realize that he could be in a precarious situation.

As Chase attempts to extract information from Christian, he threatens to access Christian's phone, which could expose their secret relationship. The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as Christian struggles to maintain his composure while trying to protect his connection with Caroline. In a moment of desperation, Christian cleverly distracts Chase by hinting that the nighttime messages between him and Caroline are inappropriate. This tactic buys him time, allowing him to regain possession of his phone.

When he finally checks his messages from Caroline, he understands her subtle warnings and realizes that she has been carefully managing their communication to keep their relationship under wraps. Her messages reinforce their bond while ensuring they remain cautious about revealing too much. As the day progresses, Christian learns he must attend a banquet with Chase, which he dreads due to the implications of drinking and further potential exposure of their secret. He feels trapped, knowing that Chase's intentions are likely to pry information from him while he is inebriated.

In a bid for help, Christian reaches out to Caroline, expressing his concerns about the banquet and seeking a way to avoid the situation. The chapter concludes with a sense of urgency as Christian seeks support from Caroline, emphasizing the precariousness of their relationship amidst the looming threats from Chase. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **TITLE: Ashen Roads Toward the Sleeping Moon by Trevon Hale** **Chapter 17** Caroline's lips parted slightly as if she was about to speak, but she hesitated, sensing the weight of the moment.

"What's going on?" Christian asked, casually shrugging on his jacket while moving closer to her. His expression was a mix of curiosity and concern, the kind that made Caroline's heart race just a little faster. "Do you remember anything about last night?" Caroline's gaze remained fixed on him, careful not to be too overt, especially with his uncle nearby, watching them like a hawk. Christian's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? What happened last night?" Caroline remained silent, her mind racing as she searched for the right words. Christian's mind was working overtime.

"Didn't we just have dinner with Chase? I mean, I'm a lightweight, so I was pretty much out of it after just a couple of drinks." Caroline simply stared at him, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern. Christian felt a chill run down his spine. What on earth did I say? "Is there something you want to share with him?" Chase interjected, having noticed the silent exchange between them. His eyes were sharp, studying Caroline with an intensity that made her stomach churn.

"Nothing at all," Caroline replied, forcing a smile as she stepped closer to Christian, adjusting his collar with a tenderness that felt both comforting and unsettling. "Just make sure you listen to Chase at the office, okay? We have a future to work hard for." Her voice was laced with affection, but the underlying tension was palpable. "Sure thing!" Christian responded quickly, a sinking feeling settling in his gut. He couldn't shake the nagging thought that he must have revealed something he shouldn't have the night before. Otherwise, why would Caroline be acting so strangely?

Chase glanced at them, his expression inscrutable, before turning on his heel and exiting the room without another word. As the door clicked shut behind him, Caroline felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest. She had tried to drop hints about the precarious situation, but Chase was a master manipulator, capable of twisting any situation to his advantage. He could easily exploit Christian's memory lapse to ensnare him in a trap. Lost in her thoughts, she quickly sent Christian a text, hoping to clarify things before they spiraled further out of control.

Christian had just settled into the car when his phone erupted with notifications. He fished it out of his pocket, but before he could even unlock it, Chase's hand shot out, snatching it away from him. "Hey, that's my phone!" Christian protested, bewildered. Chase's voice was cold as ice. "You want it back?" "Of course! Who wouldn't want their own phone?" Christian shot back, trying to maintain his composure, a cocky smirk dancing on his lips. "First, we need to discuss how you've been deceiving me.

After our little chat, you can have it back," Chase said, his dark eyes boring into Christian with an intensity that made him feel exposed. Christian froze, his mind racing. Lying? "Forgotten already?" Chase pressed, a hint of mockery in his tone. Christian's heart raced. He recalled the strange atmosphere in the apartment and the way Caroline had fussed over his clothes. A horrifying realization began to dawn on him. Oh god, did I actually spill the beans about us?

"Still drawing a blank?" Chase observed, his gaze unyielding as he watched Christian's expression shift, confirming that last night's drunken ramblings were not mere nonsense but a revelation of hidden truths. Christian's heart pounded in his chest. Staring at the phone in Chase's grip, he realized the incessant buzzing was likely a warning from Caroline, a plea for him to be careful. "Maybe you could give me a hint?" he suggested, trying to sound casual. "Your relationship," Chase replied flatly, the words hanging in the air like a dark cloud.

Everything clicked into place: Caroline's reaction, the things he'd said, the report from Aaron Phillips-it all pointed to one damning conclusion. There was no way Chase believed their relationship was purely innocent. Christian feigned ignorance, his face a mask of confusion. "What about our relationship?" Chase merely raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Christian scratched his head, pretending to be embarrassed. "Honestly, I don't remember what happened last night. You'll have to be a bit more specific." Chase remained silent, still holding Christian's phone like a judge awaiting a confession.

The weight of silence in the car was stifling. Inside, Christian was spiraling. "If you won't talk, I won't force you," Chase said nonchalantly, tossing the phone onto the front passenger seat. "Aaron, unlock this and pull up his chat history with Caroline." "Right away," Aaron replied, his fingers already moving to comply. Christian's eyes widened in alarm. "Chase, you know this is illegal," he reminded him, trying to sound reasonable, desperation creeping into his voice. If they accessed their texts, it would expose their entire secret.

Chase glanced at him, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Should I just hand you the phone so you can call the cops?" "That's not what I meant!" Christian exclaimed, his mind racing for a way out of this mess. Chase remained impassive. Seconds dragged on, the phone still firmly in Aaron's grasp. "Look, I can't stop you if you're determined to see it," Christian said, recalling Caroline's earlier warnings about Chase and deciding to take a gamble. "But just a heads-up, you'll only see the daytime chats. Not the ones from at night." "Why is that?" Chase asked, his interest piqued.

"The nighttime stuff... isn't exactly appropriate for you to read," Christian replied, a slight cough of suggestion escaping his lips. "If you saw it, Jones would probably be too mortified to show her face around you for ages." Chase's gaze bore into him, and though he didn't speak, Christian felt the weight of that stare as if it could crush him. Ping. Another notification broke the tension. Chase commanded Aaron, "Give him the phone." Aaron complied without hesitation. "Thanks, Chase," Christian said, taking the phone back, his heart racing.

"Aren't you going to check who texted you?" Chase inquired, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's probably from Jones," Christian replied as he unlocked the screen. The moment he did, his chat with Caroline materialized before them, revealing everything. Jones: [If you're still not feeling well, just ask Chase for the day off.] Jones: [And drink less from now on. Don't get wasted like you did last night and start spouting nonsense.] Jones: [Work hard.] Jones: [Call me if you need anything.] Jones: [XOXO.] Christian grasped her meaning instantly.

Pretending he was oblivious to Chase's watchful gaze, he responded to each of Caroline's messages, his tone bright and intimate, embodying the role of a man deeply in love. Even though he had no recollection of the previous night, he knew Caroline well enough to understand that in a situation like this, she would only send messages that reinforced their "relationship" or offered subtle warnings, never anything that would reveal the truth. She was far more cautious than he was, paying meticulous attention to every detail.

When Caroline received his replies, the tension in her chest finally began to dissipate. Knowing he had grasped her intent, she grabbed her car keys and headed to work, a wave of relief washing over her. The day flew by in a blur. By the time the clock struck six, Christian found himself still buried under a mountain of materials he was supposed to review. He was just contemplating asking Jones to put in a good word for him so he could take things at a slower pace when Aaron strolled in with a message from Chase. "The boss wants you to get ready.

You'll be attending a banquet with him shortly." "A banquet?" Christian blinked in disbelief. "That's right." "Is there going to be drinking?" he asked, dreading the answer. "Yes. Besides showing you the ropes, the main purpose of this banquet is to work on your alcohol tolerance," Aaron stated, his expression deadpan. "The boss says you're a lightweight, and he doesn't want to see you making a drunken fool of yourself at future dinners." Christian's lip twitched, a mix of frustration and resignation washing over him. "Right. 'Work on my tolerance' is just a euphemism.

He really wants to get me drunk and pry for information." "Get yourself ready. We're leaving soon." With that, Aaron turned and exited, heading next door to the President's Office. He returned shortly to report back to Chase. "Boss, I've informed him." "Mm," Chase acknowledged softly. "Should I make arrangements for a banquet just in case?" Aaron asked. "That way we're prepared if he decides to go." Chase's dark eyes seemed to see right through him. He slowly traced the rim of the cup in front of him, his demeanor calm. "No need. He won't go." And Christian absolutely didn't want to go.

The mere thought of drinking sent a wave of nausea through him. He quickly texted Caroline, hoping for a way out. Christian: [Jones, your uncle wants me to go to a banquet with him! Something about 'showing me the ropes' and 'working on my tolerance.'] Christian: [I think he's just trying to get me drunk and pump me for information!] Christian: [How do I get out of this?] Christian: [Jones!!!] Conclusion As the day stretched into evening, the weight of uncertainty began to lift for both Christian and Caroline.

Christian's quick thinking in responding to her messages had fortified their façade, allowing him to maintain a semblance of control in a situation that felt increasingly precarious. Meanwhile, Caroline's heart swelled with relief as she sensed his understanding and commitment to their unspoken bond, even amid Chase's looming threat. The tension that had gripped her all day began to ease, replaced by a flicker of hope that perhaps, together, they could navigate the treacherous waters that lay ahead.

However, the looming banquet and Chase's manipulative nature cast a long shadow over their newfound sense of security. Christian's dread of the evening ahead was palpable, and Caroline couldn't shake the feeling that the stakes had risen significantly. Yet, in the face of adversity, both were determined to protect what they had built together. As they prepared to confront the challenges ahead, the unyielding connection between them became a beacon of strength, igniting a resolve to outmaneuver Chase's schemes and safeguard their relationship.

Will he manage to keep his true feelings hidden from Chase, or will the alcohol-induced haze lead to unintended revelations? As the evening unfolds, the stakes will rise, and every interaction will carry the weight of their concealed truths. Furthermore, Caroline's role will become increasingly pivotal as she attempts to protect both her and Christian's interests. Her strategic thinking will be put to the test as she devises a plan to safeguard their secret while maintaining a façade of normalcy in front of Chase.

Anticipation builds as readers wonder how far Caroline is willing to go to shield Christian from the consequences of his memory lapse. Will she find a way to intervene before the banquet spirals out of control, or will their carefully constructed world begin to unravel? The chapter promises to deliver unexpected twists and emotional confrontations that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.