Chapter 121 Highlight Moment
Lynn's message was clear. No matter how amazing Ashley was couldn't escape becoming a subject of mockery. What was there to brag about?
Now, the truth was finally out, and a hint of a love triangle emerged unexpectedly. The crowd exchanged glances, and whispers filled the air. Hannah was livid, barely containing her anger!
"Lynn," Ashley stepped behind her, seeking shelter. Surrounded by onlookers, she faced Lynn, whose emotions were on the brink of exploding. Ashley spoke softly, calming her emotions, "If I had half the luck that you have and meeting a capable boyfriend who cherishes me, I wouldn't have been bullied. It's just a matter of bad luck."
Her words diffused the tense atmosphere.
Lynn Lloyd, though initially unsettled, composed herself and offered a reassuring smile, "Ashley will eventually find your Mr.Right. Let me introduce you to some talented young men in my circle."
Hendrix's gaze betrayed a hint of emotion, swiftly concealed at the corners of his mouth.
Ashley's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth as she responded, "That's wonderful. Thank you, Lynn."
"We are all colleagues, aren't we?" Lynn replied.
Harold heard Lynn's words, simmered with anger, secretly hoping that Ashley would give her a good lesson.
"Let's open the champagne! Gather around, everyone!" A timely shouted, redirected everyone's attention.
Harold's expression darkened, "Why didn't you fight back?"
Ashley carefully responded, "Today is our team-building day, and we came out to enjoy ourselves. Do you want me to argue with her? There are so many clients around; some things can be resolved internally, but we shouldn't embarrass ourselves externally."
Hannah, her eyes brimming with tears, exclaimed, "Master, you're so kind! You're a hundred times better than Lynn. That bitch, I will deal with her sooner or later!"
Harold rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Seems like I wasted my words reminding you. You are truly wise."
Ashley didn't consider herself foolish; rather, she had exhausted her passion and energy over the years. Focusing solely on making money and working, nothing else interested her. The backstabbing and drama among women were boring and tiresome.
However, Lynn made her uneasy.
"What's wrong with Lynn?" Ashley inquired.
This time, Harold didn't answer. Hannah raised her hand. "I know the answer! She was specially hired because she was dating Hendrix. According to reliable sources, she pursued Hendrix initially, acting as his assistant. Later, she started taking on independent cases and obtained a lot of resources from Hendrix.
"She went to a mediocre university on the West Coast, barely ranking in the top 100. She has a classmate working at a law firm, and I accidentally overheard them talking. The classmate scolded her for relying on sleeping with someone to get promoted!"
Ashley couldn't help but laugh and pinched Hannah's nose. "Quite the informant you are, Hannah."
"Thanks for the compliment, Master. I am indeed exceptional!" Hannah playfully bragged.
Lynn felt defeated. She had also been publicly humiliated by Hendrix. While Hendrix Stone was chatting with a few clients, she angrily downed a glass of alcohol.
Riley Monroe consoled her, "Why are you so angry? Deputy Director Stone treats Ashley as a plaything. If there were any real feelings involved, would he publicize it?"
Lynn wanted to argue that Riley didn't truly understand Hendrix. He always did things his way, unpredictable like the wind. They had known each other for over two years and dated for one year, but her understanding of him was limited to the professional level. She had never met his family and friends.
On the surface, they were lovers, but once exposed, they were just friends who engaged in a long-term, stable sexual relationship. She had never entered Hendrix's heart.
Hendrix had also made it clear to her, "If you're with me, I'll try to fulfill your desires, but don't expect me to be completely dedicated to you, and don't expect to marry into the Stone family."
Lynn refused to accept this. She was determined not to give up. She believed that with time and deepening emotions, she would surely move Hendrix and become irreplaceable to him.
Cautiously and diligently, she thought the timing was almost ripe.
Lynn angrily dropped her glass, her hand trembling uncontrollably.
"Ashley is too cunning. She appears indifferent and unambitious, but in reality, she has taken everything away from me in secret," Lynn remarked, with a hint of resentment in her tone.
Riley gritted his teeth and glanced at Ashley. "Dressed like a nun, pretending to be reserved? Ha, she's just average in looks. You're far more beautiful! You're the most stunning woman tonight, and Deputy Director Stone's eyes were shining when he looked at you earlier."
It was Lynn's most gratifying moment. For tonight, she had meticulously planned a grand party and wore a seductive strapless dress, accentuating her collarbone and cleavage.
She would talk bad about Ashley Astor when she had sex with Hendrix Stone later tonight. She didn't believe she couldn't surpass Ashley Astor!
Lowering her dress a bit, she pushed out her chest and went to find Hendrix Stone. 'Some people just like to pretend to be noble, but they're really wicked at heart.'
Champagne flowed, and the golden-colored liquor poured from the top of the six-story tower, pushing the party to its liveliest moment.
Hannah, unwilling to be lonely, pulled Ashley forward. "Master, do you want to take off your coat? You'll be presented with an award later."
Ashley blinked her beautiful eyes and asked, "Why?"
"My brother arranged a performance for you. Originally, you were the protagonist, but that bitch, Lynn, stole the limelight," Hannah explained.
Ashley preferring modesty, wanted to keep a low profile. However, Harold, delivering a speech on the stage, clearly had other plans. "Now, let me introduce a partner."
Ashley suspected that the flattering words were fabricated online, finding it embarrassing. Finally, he announced, "Let's welcome our beautiful and talented lawyer, Miss Ashley Astor!"
Ashley stood below the stage, feeling exposed under the gazes of dozens of bright eyes. The rumors about her had multiplied after her confrontation with Lynn.
Hannah remained unfazed, quickly untying Ashley's coat strap.
Suddenly, the spotlight shone, and with the booming music and effect lights, a graceful figure emerged. Hannah's eyes widened in awe.
Ashley casually brushed her long hair behind her ear and confidently walked towards the stage.
Hannah reminded her to dress prettily, and Ashley, not intentionally flaunting, couldn't hide her great figure. She wore a black sleeveless dress that reached her ankles, with thin shoulder straps outlining her collarbone, and smooth curves graced both sides of her square shoulders. Her long hair flowed elegantly, forming a natural curl in the hollow above her collarbone.
She wore subtle makeup, complemented by diamond earrings and a wristwatch, exuding a lively and noble appearance.
Someone sighed in secret, "Is she a rich girl?"
"Can anyone tell me which wealthy family Ashley is from?" another asked.
Holding a microphone, Ashley Astor nodded slightly and smiled, "Hello everyone, I am Ashley Astor."
In every move and gesture, her elegance, which was cultivated by wealth, was revealed.
Even in silence, it was a delight to watch, especially with her refined speech and modest phrasing, accompanied by a confident and gentle voice, like a gentle breeze in spring.
Hendrix held onto one arm, swirling his champagne with his fingers. It was the Ashley that he knew. She was a noble girl who was raised by the Astor Group.
Lynn saw the sparkle in Hendrix's eyes, and her heart sank deep. She bit her lip and asked softly, "Do you really like her?"
