Chapter 169 - Young And Handsome

Tanaga was unable to answer Ashley's question immediately because the woman was talking to him. It was the voice that Ashley heard.

"Mr. Jones, the President, would see you now." Said the assistant of the President of America.

Tanaga could do nothing but cut off her conversation with Ashley. This is the reason he came to America to speak with the President for some critical business. He cannot let him wait; his' wife would understand.

"Love, they are calling me now. Let's talk later, alright? I love you! Tsup-tsup!" Tanaga didn't wait for his wife's answer because the President's assistant is standing right in front of him waiting.

Tanaga's last words were all Ashley needed to hear, and she's happy as a lark. Especially when he ended it with two sweet kisses in the end, so she was very content. She didn't care that he abruptly ended the conversation and didn't wait for her to reply. 

Ashley happily left Tanaga's office, and on the way out, she stopped by at the junior secretaries' office to greet them properly. 

"Good morning, ladies!" Ashley said as she approached them.

"Is there anything important that sir Jones needs attention? I hope not, because he's in a meeting right now and I can't bother him at the moment." Ashley explained as she just stood in front of them while smiling beautifully.

It was Fumika who answered Ashley. "Good morning to you to ma'am!" She bows to pay respect, then continued speaking. "As far as I know, there's nothing urgent that needed sir Jones's attention right now."

"Well, then I'll be going back to COO Hanada's office. If you need anything, you know where to find me, right?" Ashley said while she was still smiling even though the two other secretaries didn't bother to greet her.

"Yes, ma'am! I will make sure to let you know if anything important." Replied Fumika with respect.

"Thank you! See you all later!" Shouted Ashley as she exits the office of the junior secretaries with a bright smile still plaster on her beautiful face.

Aiko and Etsuko only smirked as soon as she turned away. Little did they know that Tiny saw what they did. 

"You bitches' better be ready when Sir Jones hears about this. I am sure you will be dismissed from your position. You have no respect for your superior, especially your boss's wife. Hahaha!" Tiny mumbles to himself as she sat in Sato's office, holding a magazine.

===

When Ashley arrived at Koji's office, there was no one but his secretary. She decided to first familiarize herself with the company's computer system. Since the computer was new, she had to configure it all out.

Fortunately, she is good with computers. It didn't take her a long time for her to download the apps she needed. She had set the password and had already signed up for the company forum.

Ashley had finished what she needed to do, but Koji still hadn't. So she decided to read the forum to find out the latest THJ Group gossip. She was engrossed reading the chat in the forum when Koji's secretary knock at the door. 

"Knock-knock! Miss Gusman, Chairwoman Hanada, has called you to her office. Do you know where this is?" 

"Yes' I know where it is. Thanks!" She quickly stopped what she was doing, turned off the computer, and got ready to go to Grandma Hanada's office. Once she finished tidying up her desk, she grabs her cellphone and heads out the door smiling from ear to ear.

Koji, who had just returned from the President's office, has a scowl plastered on his face. Not a day goes by that his father didn't irritate him. Since he became the COO of THJ Group, all he did was clean up after his father's mess.

Ashley noticed that Koji looked angry at first. But as they got closer, the feature of his face suddenly changed, and a strained smile came out.

"Where are you going?" Asks Koji as he was visibly disappointed that Ashley was about to leave.

"I'm sorry, sir Hanada. The Chairwoman called me to her office. I thought you were there too." With a friendly and professional manner.

"I see! Alright, go ahead, and don't let Grandma wait. You know how strict she is. It's too bad because she didn't ask for me as well. Therefore, I can't go with you." Koji said with a stern voice.

Shortly after that, Ashley was in front of Chairwoman Hanada's office. She greeted her secretary warmly, while Grandmother Hanada's assistant stood at by the door, waiting for Ashley. 

"Good morning to you too!" Welcomed back by Grandmother Hanada's assistant.

"Is that Ashley? Come on in!" Grandma Hanada shouted from inside her office. The old lady heard Ashley's voice as she greeted the secretary and the assistant.

Ashley was pleasantly surprised when she entered Grandma Hanada's office. Its a spacious space, and there's a long table for grandma Hanada to meet with the management teams.

"My child, since Tanaga is out of the country, why don't you come and join me in a spa. My old and rusty self needs a body massage. For a few days, my body aches." Grandma Hanada said as she prepared to stand in her chair, preparing to leave.

Ashley did not respond immediately to Grandma Hanada's request. Shee wants to go with her, but Koji is at work, and she needs to assist him. She didn't know what to say to the old lady.

"Chairwoman, can I ask for a raincheck? Because it's working hours and I don't think it would look good if I play hooky while his away. Another thing is that I am now assigned to COO Hanada. As a matter of fact, he's waiting for me now. " Ashley said without even blinking an eye.

"What did you say? How did you get assign to Koji? Who assigned you? Don't tell me it's President Hanada? Let me tell him that you can't be assigned to Koji without Tanaga's permission." Exclaim grandmother Hanada while her forehead was wrinkled.

Ashley was perplexed when she noticed that the old lady's forehead was wrinkled. She decided to tease her. "Chairwoman, don't worry because I can handle Sir Jones. In fact, he has agreed for me to temporarily assist COO Hanada while I'm waiting for my visa for America." She boasts while smiling sweetly.

"Really! Is that true? Tanaga is willing to let you help Koji? A young man who is just as handsome as he is. Hmmm, Tanaga has changed a lot since he met you. I could still remember when he was a child that he would never share his toy. But now he's allowed you."

Ashley suddenly looked at Grandmother Hanada, because of what she said that Tanaga does not share his toys. 

'What is wrong with me? Why do I always forget that we are not really married? I'm only one of his toys that he's currently lending to his cousin.' Ashley thought as her face sadden, when a moment ago she was all smile.

Ashley couldn't respond to what Grandmother Hanada said. Deep inside her, she was hurt and decided it would be best to go back to Koji's office if Grandma Hanada has nothing else to say. 

"If you'll excuse me, Chairwoman- Sir Hanada might get impatient waiting for me. I know we have a meeting for lunch today. I'm going to head back to COO Hanada's office." Said Ashley with evident sadness on her face.

There was nothing Grandmother Hanada could do but let her leave. Ashley gave her a quick embrace before heading out the door.

But as Ashley neared the door and held out her hand to open it- everything went black. She fell on the ground and passed out...