Chapter 13 Confrontation
"That's right, make him pay! And for Damian, with your wits, you can surely find a way to deal with him, right?" Amelia responded.
Ashley replied dejectedly, "We are worlds apart. The less I have to do with him, the less trouble I have."
Amelia was both furious and helpless, "If only I were more famous, or had some money. I’d figure some way to pull the rug out from under him, and take down KM."
"You're an actress, why compare yourself with businessmen? Just focus on your acting and forget about my issues. I'm turning the page on this one; let's not bring it up again."
If Amelia hadn't brought up Damian's name herself, she would never have mentioned him. So, to this day, Harold was in the dark about the relationship between Damian and Ashley.
Past wounds can be like scars; some mar the surface and are ugly reminders, while others cut deep to the bone. Even the most advanced cosmetic surgery can leave behind faint traces that can't withstand the slightest touch or rubbing.
At her request, Amelia conceded, "You’ve got it, no more empty talk. Just listen to your doctor, and I'll transfer you a thousand bucks via PayPal. Get yourself some supplements."
"That's so true; you can be without a boyfriend, but never without your girlfriends. What do you say we just stick together?" Ashley suggested.
"I’m up for it, I'll take care of you," Amelia replied playfully.
With a laugh, Ashley shot back, "I'm taller and stronger. It's clear; I'll be taking care of you."
Amelia cooed in a playful voice, "You're the best, honey! Really the tops!"
...
Taking one from Anthony Hearst earned her several days of peace.
Ashley made her routine trip to her firm, reviewed case files, confirmed court dates with the courthouse, and reached out to the defense attorney.
Just as she expected, Damian himself wouldn't be appearing in court. Instead, standing beside her was a man in his forties, the head of the technical department at KM. His suit was immaculate, and his gold-rimmed glasses added to his executive aura.
It seemed that KM not only excelled in their business but also had a knack for fashion; the few staff members from KM in the audience exuded charisma.
Under Damian's instruction, KM was demanding $2000,000 in damages from the defendant, a figure significantly higher than usual for similar cases, which inevitably was rejected.
After the session, Ashley had a brief chat with the executive, mainly conveying that if they adjusted the claim to one million dollars, the case would be more likely settled without fuss.
He smiled politely and said, "You were quite impressive today, Ashley. No wonder our CEO insisted on having you on board. But his stance is clear; money isn't the issue. With this lawsuit, KM aims to send a message to those who might infringe upon our rights. We won't settle for a penny less than two million, and a public apology is non-negotiable."
So, the case was a golden ticket won by Harold, yet somehow it was Damian who had requested her?
Ashley realized it had been Damian pulling the strings all along; Harold was just a pawn.
"An apology can be arranged, but the demanded damages are indeed steep."
The executive's smile was enigmatic, "Our CEO chose you because he believes you can find a way. You've worked hard, Ashley. See you at the next hearing."
After he left, Hannah came over with a bundle of documents, her mouth twisted in discontent, "I thought a big company like KM wouldn't fuss over $2000,000. They're tighter with money than I thought. Ashley, are we seriously going to stick to the amount?"
"Our client's wish is our mission," Ashley responded, “If he doesn't budge, we see it through to the end."
With wide-eyed innocence, Hannah blinked and said, "You could have a sit-down with Damian, right? He even offered you a place to stay, so he can’t be that stingy."
Just the mention of Damian's name sent a pang through Ashley's shoulder, undoing the relief of two days' worth of medication. The very words 'Damian' triggered a mix of repulsion and exhaustion within her, "Maybe I should just give you his number?"
Waving her hands as if to dispel the very thought, Hannah protested, "Oh no, no way. I wouldn't dare."
Back at the law firm, Ashley walked straight into Harold's office, “Harold," she asked bluntly, "would you mind if I lost this one?"
The verdict had already reached Harold's ears in time, and despite Damian's dissatisfaction, no one could question Ashley's performance. Harold couldn't have been happier at that moment, collaborating with the young prodigy; his law firm's prosperity seemed secured for the future.
"It's just a matter of compensation, right? If others can't handle it, why not you?" Harold inquired.
"I can't," Ashley responded.
Harold poured a glass of water, his brow raised, "Taking it out on me?"
"How did you get this case?" Ashley pressed.
Setting the glass aside, Harold motioned for Ashley to drink some water before he began, rubbing his hands together as he reminisced, "Funny story actually. I was at a dinner with some old college buddies when a legal consultant from KM joined us. Initially, no one talked shop, but later on..."
Ashley's eyes narrowed slightly, "Yeah?"
"Well, I might've had a bit too much to drink and started boasting about how my law firm snagged the top legal mind in Ashley Astor."
"You mentioned my name?"
Harold didn't get why she was so upset about him dropping her name; after all, making a splash in the industry was vital, "Sure, I did. You're building your career back home; you need a solid reputation. I’ve been hyping you up."
Ashley massaged her temples, getting the picture now.
When KM's people heard her name, it got back to Damian, and everything that followed suddenly made sense.
Noticing her odd reaction, Harold grew anxious, "What's wrong?"
Ashley wanted to call out Harold for being clueless, then realized how pitiful it was to be used like a pawn unaware of the game. Cycling through emotions, she ended up giving Harold's shoulder a reassuring pat with a smile, "Just a heads-up, try to minimize your chit-chat with folks working at KM, or you might be fooled before you can tell."
Harold had thought his collaboration with KM was a bargain, not realizing it might just be a hot potato, "Ashley, don't worry your pretty head off. Next time I sign a contract, I'll stay sober, and read every word."
Ashley placed the folder on his desk, but as she turned to leave, she twisted her injury, wincing sharply, "Ouch!"
Harold immediately showed concern, "Still hurting from that wound?"
Once the wave of pain subsided, Ashley simply nodded, "Got an appointment with the doctor later, time for a bandage change."
Seeing her pale with pain, Harold couldn't be too stern, just tenderly advised, "Take good care of yourself, okay? Maybe put a non-slip mat in the shower; you're living solo, could've been worse. Once this case is wrapped up, I'll help you find a two-bedroom in my complex."
"You gonna cover the rent?" Ashley quipped.
"Look, I've already paid for the whole year at least. Do you think I'm some kind of cheapskate? I arranged for you to stay at a place Damian set up because I knew the connections he has could bring you a wealth of resources. If you get on his good side, who in Rochester would dare cross you?"
Harold didn't hold back, speaking from the heart, "With the mess your dad and brother got into, it's had a pretty bad impact, not just here, but folks out there are watching too. If they find out you've got money, don’t you think they would come after you? But if you get along with Damian, they won't dare touch you, out of respect, if nothing else."
Ashley replied, "I don't need to rely on him. You go ahead. I'm heading to the hospital."
"Ashley..." Harold called after her, "You don't have a beef with Damian too, do you? Did your dad piss him off?"
That’s right, her father was the one who offended him the most.
"I am nobody. How can I have a feud with him?"
Harold breathed a sigh of relief, "Good, as long as you aren't butting heads with him, we can figure out everything else."
Ashley just smiled without a word.
Figure out what? Revive the Astor Group? Who could possibly do that?
