Chapter 122 He's here
"I do," Hendrix didn't even bother to hide it, his gaze following Ashley every look and movement.
Some things can change over time, but some only appear dormant and resurface once triggered.
In Ashley Astor's memory, maybe their first meeting was at the high court on Wall Street, but his memory went far beyond that!
Lynn's fingertips were cold, her expression darkening gradually. She curled her lips inward, almost biting them until they bled. "When did this happen?" she asked.
Hendrix didn't look away and asked her, "Are you unhappy?"
Indeed, she was discontent. It felt as though her heart was shattering, yet she couldn't pinpoint the exact cause of her distress due to her lack of status or influence. She weakly murmured, "I remember what you said."
Hendrix inquired, "Tell me, what do you want?"
Lynn immediately lifted her face, studying the man's cold profile. His slim neck formed a straight angle with his jawline. She found herself captivated by his features, from the beginning of her admiration to the deep-rooted love she felt now.
"You," Lynn replied.
"You understand what I mean. What do you want for alimony?" Hendrix stated, coldly.
Lynn felt something in her chest shatter, fragments cutting through her organs, muscles, and veins.
"Do you have to bring this up today?" she questioned.
Hendrix replied, "Think about it and let me know when you've decided."
This firm stance treated their relationship as a business. In the event of one party terminating the agreement, voluntary compensation will be given.
Lynn's eyes were filled with pain, tears streaming down one after another. She suppressed her sobs and uttered, "I need a moment outside."
Hendrix didn't even turn his head.
After the award ceremony, Ashley held a delicate crystal trophy and said, "Thank you, Harold Brin."
Harold was like a proud father giving his daughter away, tears and snot streaming down his face. "What can I say? You were so well-prepared, yet you acting clueless!" he exclaimed.
Ashley tilted her head and playfully replied, "But I wanted to give you all a surprise!"
This comment completely exasperated Harold. "Fine, have it your way. I'll go along with your plans."
Hannah's eyes lit up like stars. "Goddess! Goddess! I now declare you and Sean tied for first place!!" she exclaimed.
Ashley playfully tapped her on the nose. "Weren't you the one who said Sean was manipulative and not a good person?" she teased.
Hannah held her cheeks in her hands and blinked innocently. "Well, you see, a lot of those opinions about him were hearsay. I never actually met him myself. Upon researching, I discovered that he's truly just, unafraid to confront injustice, and even volunteers to help people who can't afford lawyers.
"He's excelled academically from a young age, earning scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate studies. And by the way, Sean is good-looking! In short, he's exceptional inside and out."
If Hannah knew that Sean's uncle was a judge and that his family belonged to the upper class, she would likely faint.
Ashley suggested, "Do you want me to introduce you to Sean as his apprentice? I can help."
"No, no, no!" Hannah hurriedly waved her hands. "It's enough for me to admire him from afar. As for learning, I still prefer my mentor."
Ashley was about to continue, but then she realized that Hannah had just called her mentor with such ease.
Harold rolled his eyes as he listened. "Enough already! Complimenting your opponent so much, do you not feel bad about losing?"
Hannah pouted and stuck out her tongue. "If your skills aren't as good as someone else's, then I'll just have to study harder! Hmph!"
"You're asking for a beating!" Harold retorted.
The second half of the night was a collective celebration. Ashley, wasn't fond of seeking the limelight, so after chatting with a few collaborators, she excused herself and went to the courtyard for some fresh air.
The night sky blanketed the suburb in a cool aura, distancing itself from the noisy hustle and bustle and the glaring neon lights.
Ashley took out her phone from her jacket pocket, but there was no message from Damian Hearst. Has he finally calmed down?
"A chance encounter with me, Ashley?" Hendrix's voice came from the darkness.
Ashley's demeanor turned icy, her gaze piercing as she stared at the person. "Hendrix, what are you implying?"
"Isn't it obvious what I mean?" Hendrix held a cigarette in his hand, his eyes filled with charm. He casually put his hand in his suit pocket, leaning against a Roman column, with the Man Hearston courtyard fountain as a backdrop. The neon lights illuminated the flowing water in various colors, casting a radiant glow on his face. His enigmatic smile held a hint of darkness and charm.
Ashley tightened her fist, staying about two meters away from him. She raised her voice to ensure her message was heard clearly, "I don't care for your implications. From now on, we are colleagues at a law firm. We should be respectful to each other, especially in front of your girlfriend, Deputy Director Stone."
Hendrix blew the cigarette ash and opened his eyelids to look at the woman under the lights. The deep dusk hue of her eyes was like spilled ink. Her delicate features, were flushed with anger, and her eyes were as clear as the night, held an irresistible allure!
As if knowing her heart, Hendrix quickly placed his hand on Ashley's shoulder, saying, "The first time I saw you was during the trial. You were sitting next to me with your eyes wide open. Yes, just like this, pressing your lips together like an innocent little girl, naïve about the world. You distracted me several times."
His tone carried a hint of regret as if he had lost the lawsuit because of her.
Ashley forcefully shrugged off the hand on her shoulder and took a step back. Her eyes gleamed with a chilling resolve. "I misjudged Deputy Director Stone's character. I assumed you could at least distinguish right from wrong. I didn't expect you to lack even the most fundamental moral compass. Would you dare repeat those words in front of Lynn?" she remarked.
Hendrix kept his gaze on her collarbone. The slender curve peeked from the neckline, faintly revealing the edge of her dress. Once she took off her coat, it would reveal a beautiful body.
"You don't need to use morality to restrain me. We have different ideals. What I consider immoral is letting go of something I like to someone else, like you, Ashley,"
He grasped her wrist, pulling her close to his chest. "For you, I can give up my morality."
"Let go of me!" Ashley shouted.
He rudely began to get physical, completely infuriating Ashley. She twisted her wrist and struggled fiercely in front of him. She found the right position with her high heels and prepared to kick him.
Hendrix had anticipated it, tightly holding onto her leg, closing the gap between them. Her long hair spread out in his arms, and the air he breathed was filled with the scent of her perspiration. "Didn't you notice? You and Lynn Lloyd share similarities, don't you? I couldn't find you, so I had to find a substitute temporarily. Now that you've appeared, of course, I won't let you go."
Thud!
Ashley Astor grabbed his arm and punched him in the chest with all her strength. She used all her force, and her arm was numb afterward.
"Scum!" she cussed at him.
Hendrix grabbed her forearm in retaliation, becoming furious. "Ashley, do you not remember me at all?"
Ashley's anger burned. "Now, I remember!" she claimed.
"Hendrix Stone?" A cold voice pierced through the night, interrupting the physical confrontation between the two. The words resonated in Ashley's ears.
Damian, standing tall with a cigarette in hand, seemed unaffected by the long night. He cast a dark shadow against the moonlight.
