Chapter 132 Strategies and Beauty
Ashley concealed her anger and politely smiled at Mr. Kevin, who was already fifty years old.
"Did Mr. Kevin take it upon himself to control Damian's assets? Does he know? If I could obtain millions of assets with just one word from you, why would I still strive harder? I will serve you well which will allow me to rise rapidly," Ashley replied sarcastically.
Kevin Martinez had been involved in her divorce case with Damian, and today's obvious sarcasm was meant to make her unhappy.
Ashley didn't show weakness as soon as she appeared, fearing that this bunch of men behind her would bully her.
Kevin snorted, "Just kidding, Ashley, are you actually taking it seriously?"
Mr. Moretti hadn't yet determined the CEO's attitude towards Ashley, so it wouldn't be appropriate to be too pleasing or distant. He used the seating arrangement as a test. Since Ashley refused to accept it, he would handle it officially.
"Mr. Kevin has a habit of joking around. He needs to change it," Mr. Moretti replied with a gentle reminder, the matter was brushed aside.
Ashley understood clearly in her heart that these people were her opponents.
During dinner, everyone chatted and discussed industry news, mentioning the case in City M at intervals.
Halfway through, Ashley stood up to go to the restroom. On her way back, she passed the smoking area and heard someone mention her name. She quietly hid in the corner and listened for a while.
Kevin's voice came through, "A few days ago, I couldn't figure out what was going on, but now I understand! The CEO is trying to please a woman! He makes us do all the work and unexpectedly treats Ashley so well!"
Kevin didn't have a good impression of Ashley, which explained why he held back from causing trouble during the meal.
Jerry Allen spoke up, "In my opinion, our CEO is not in the right state of mind."
Jerry was a typical peacemaker. He appeared gentle and easygoing, but whenever there were differences, as long as they didn't cause harm, he would usually say, "It's no big deal."
Kevin sneered, "During the divorce, the CEO was ruthless. He didn't leave a penny for Ashley. What kind of act is this? This case is not a joke. It involves an international investigation, and the scope of the implications is huge. Did he entrust it to that woman?"
"Women have their ways, and men just have to step aside. Kevin, please don't be so harsh. If you looked like Ashley, no man could resist you," another man added.
"Ashley, three years passed, and she's so capable. I honestly don't know what Mr. Moretti is thinking, treating her with such respect!" Kevin said angrily.
"Mr. Moretti... How do you think he got to where he is today?" Kevin continued.
The voices disappeared, replaced by footsteps.
Ashley walked out of the corner and looked at the empty corridor, smiling bitterly by herself.
If she hadn't overheard their conversation, Ashley might have naively believed that she had wholeheartedly worked on the case and would surely be recognized, disregarding her identity as Damian's ex-wife and proving herself through her abilities.
Little did she know... In their minds, all she had gained was through manipulation and seduction.
---
Edward's birthday party was attended by only the wealthy and influential, who held a significant position in the realm of the rich.
The protagonist, dressed in a black suit and beaming with joy, was engaged in a lively conversation with the CEO of The Stone family. They seemed to share a genuine connection and heartily laughed when they reached an agreement.
After a while, Edward's steward approached and whispered, "Edward, Damian's car has arrived."
Edward couldn't contain his excitement. He raised his glass to his old friend and said, "We have a special guest tonight. I'll go take a look, and we'll continue the conversation later."
Brian Stone, lean in stature, exuded great vitality. Despite being almost sixty years old, he looked no older than fifty, especially with his piercing gaze that seemed to see right through people. He knew a thing or two about many matters but pretended to be ignorant.
Brian said, "It's not often that you welcome someone. Are you looking to marry a young wife?"
Edward laughed and replied, "Even if I were to find a young wife, you would have to find your own first!" In jest, Edward had already stepped out.
While Damian had agreed to the invitation, he had a simple rule of not appearing in public, so the car drove to the side entrance.
Trinity stuck by his side, her heart pounding as if she were bringing her husband home tonight.
She informed, "Damian, my father said there will be a program tonight. The lounge has a projector. I'll accompany you to watch it."
Trinity linked her arm with his, leaned closer to him, and said, "Edward was thrilled when he heard you were coming. He said this birthday party has a special meaning!"
Damian, lacking enthusiasm, replied indifferently, "It's just a business banquet for collaboration. What's so special about it?"
"No, it's because of your presence tonight. Edward has already considered you as their son-in-law," Trinity added.
With the dazzling lights and the faint sound of lively conversations coming from the next room, it was not difficult to imagine the power struggles unfolding there. However, Damian only felt a faint chill.
"Our marriage can wait," Damian said.
Trinity felt anxious after his remark. "What are you worried about?" she asked.
Commercial marriage was about interests, so they only discussed visible benefits.
Damian smiled lightly, and answered, "It seems that the Bezos family's project is facing some financial difficulties."
Trinity's mind went into chaos, and she hurriedly said, "It's temporary. My eldest brother said there is a batch of funds being cleared overseas, but the banks are temporarily holding them up."
Damian sneered in silence.
"Damian!" Edward called out excitedly. He hurriedly stepped into the side hall, his face full of smiles, showing his admiration for this energetic future son-in-law.
Damian nodded politely and said, "Edward, happy birthday."
After a simple greeting, he took out a luxuriously framed gift box and said, "I picked a painting. I don't know if Edward will like it."
Edward laughed and said, "You just coming here is the best gift. Come, have a seat."
Trinity leaned against Damian and said, "Dad, can I stay a little longer? I rarely get to see Damian, and I want to spend more time with him."
"Of course, young people like yourselves are so in love. How could I not understand?" Edward said,
Then his tone changed, and he continued, "Damian, I know you don't like crowded places, but there are a few important guests tonight. I want to introduce you to them. They are in the side hall. Are you free?"
Edward's idea was simple. By letting those people meet Damian in person, they would naturally realize the close relationship between the Bezos family and the Hearst family and make future business dealings easier. Edward had to be able to use Damian as a ladder to climb up.
"Do the important guests also include Brian?" Damian asked.
Edward hesitated, and inquired, "Why, do you know him?"
Damian sneered, asking, "Do you know Hendrix, Brian's son?"
Edward was puzzled. Why did Damian mention the Stone family? And why was his tone so cold? And he asked, "Are there conflicts between you and Hendrix?"
