Chapter 149 Presented an Award
"Are you in such a hurry? Is there an emergency?" Regardless of the content or tone of speech, it was all in Damian's style.
So much so that Ashley's first reaction was astonishment. To block her way out, Damian actually revealed his extraordinary appearance in the crowd. How deep were his accumulated grievances and resentments?
Helpless, Ashley couldn't continue to push forward and had to turn back.
Seeing Thomas standing smartly in the crowd, Ashley was stunned for a moment. Simultaneously, she breathed a sigh of relief, and a stiff smile crept onto her face. "Spencer? Are you looking for me?"
When Thomas uttered those words, it took almost half of his courage. In his capacity, he couldn't afford to show any displeasure towards Ashley, both publicly and privately. The pressure from the CEO compelled him.
He drove with the CEO to find Ashley for a work discussion. When they reached downstairs and saw Ashley coming out with her colleagues, he honked to alert her.
But Ashley seemed not to have noticed or perhaps didn't want to acknowledge it. Or maybe she didn't think the person honking was looking for her. She continued walking without turning back.
After the second honk, the CEO lost his patience.
And thus came the opening line filled with strong threats and sarcasm.
Thomas was just an emotionless messenger, not daring to utter a single wrong word.
Thomas, feeling relieved, changed his tone gently and said, "Ashley, could you please come over here? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you."
Lynn discreetly appraised Thomas, in his business suit, definitely a distinguished individual. His expensive leather shoes and watch indicated his status. Without an annual salary of one hundred and fifty thousand-dollar, he probably couldn't carry such an aura.
Lynn thought, 'Ashley's boyfriend? But his polite tone while speaking to Ashley didn't seem like it.'
Ashley regretfully smiled, "Sorry, Lynn, let's have dinner another day. It's on me."
Lynn gracefully adjusted her bangs and smiled at Thomas, "It's okay, you go ahead. We'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."
Thomas nodded briefly to Lynn, bid a courteous farewell, and then followed Ashley towards the car.
Seeing Ashley getting into the Rolls-Royce, Lynn was lost in thought. She thought, 'Is Ashley's boyfriend inside the car? With such a luxurious car, what could be the status of her boyfriend? Richer than Hendrix? It's impossible. I know the wealthy individuals in Rochester City like the back of my hand. The Stone Group has already reached the pinnacle, with only the KM Road family above them. But I have heard that the current CEO of KM Road, Damian, never appeared in public, has a peculiar temperament, and is ruthless. He is like the devil, and the gap between him and Ashley is significant!'
Lynn said to herself, "You're so naive. How could you think of befriending Ashley? She seems polite to everyone but is actually cunning inside. Isn't it obvious?"
Riley wanted to invite Lynn for lunch at noon but was turned down. Feeling uncomfortable, he saw Lynn alone downstairs and couldn't hold back his frustration.
Lynn, not looking at the departing car, linked arms with Riley and smiled, "Having lunch with Ashley is just business talk. It's with you that I share my heart."
Riley disdainfully touched his nose, "I can't compare to Ashley. She's beautiful and resourceful. You have no idea how Hendrix looks at her as if his whole soul is drawn to her. Don't be mad at what I say; I'm just angry on your behalf."
Ashley claimed she had no feelings for Hendrix, but who could guarantee the future? Who could ensure that Hendrix would maintain a long-term passion for her?
If they ended up together, where would there be a place for her at the Sky Balance Law Firm?
No, she couldn't rely solely on Ashley's words; she had to plan for herself.
Lynn said, "You're much more beautiful than her. She appears indifferent and not gentle at all. Men like those who are sweet and gentle and can make them happy. You have the advantage over her!"
Upon hearing this, Riley's mood improved significantly. "Alright, I'll forgive you if you buy me a drink."
After comforting Riley, Lynn sent a message to Hendrix on WhatsApp.
Lynn: [I apologize for disturbing you abruptly. There won't be a next time. I have a request based on our two years relationship. I love this career and enjoy the working atmosphere at Sky Balance Law Firm. I wish to continue long-term. Could you please not make our breakup public for now? Give me some time to adjust so my colleagues don't immediately turn me into a joke. Thank you, Hendrix.]
Ashley sat in the back seat and saw Damian sitting silently on her left.
Thanks to some special healing ointment, his scars were no longer visible on his face. His slightly pursed lips drew a cold, straight line resembling an unsheathed blade.
Recalling the harsh words he spoke over the phone yesterday, Ashley asked, "Damian, you took time out of your busy schedule to find me. Is there any urgent instruction?"
In the early summer, the midday sun was no longer gentle. Its bright white rays, high in saturation, shone through the car window onto her face. Ashley sat in a spot where the light hit directly and moved slightly to the middle to avoid it.
Damian, resting his eyes, opened them slightly to measure the distance between them, particularly as she drew nearer, pressing her hand against the genuine leather seat. Her long, slender fingers, with semi-transparent, crescent-shaped nails, were unadorned, but each has a small crescent moon.
Damian said, "Ashley, are you upset that I'm interrupting your good time?"
He watched Ashley chatting and laughing with her female colleague in the car, her relaxed expression making him dizzy.
Ashley replied, "Damian, you wouldn't come if there wasn't anything wrong, so it's not an interruption. I'm just concerned about taking up your lunch break."
Coming at mealtime? Could it be another meal together?
She didn't want to have a face-to-face meal with Damian again. They always ended up arguing after a few words, affecting her appetite and causing indigestion.
Listening to their conversation, Thomas was getting anxious, beads of sweat forming. On this battlefield, he couldn't just intervene abruptly. So, he turned on the car stereo, playing soft piano music.
With Chopin's concerto in the background, the atmosphere slightly eased. The car smoothly moved forward, the greenery receding steadily, unveiling a new scenery.
At a red light, Damian finally said, "Your case conflicts with the timing in Country H. The Legal Department will fly to City M before next Wednesday, and you'll go with them."
The information Ashley received indicated they were still in the evidence collection stage, and the prosecution date was pending. After the prosecution, the court date also depended on the schedule of the court of Country H. Why the sudden change?
This would disrupt all her plans. The forensic expert hadn't given a reply yet; Mark was still a suspect, the real culprit behind the scenes was unknown, and the police and court were rushing to close the case and pass the sentence.
Trying to communicate, Ashley said, "Our collaboration comes first, and I should align with your and the company's arrangements. However, the case I've temporarily taken involves a life at stake. If I leave now, the subsequent development of the case might be uncontrollable."
Having accompanied her to the crime scene, Damian must have understood the severity of the case. With proper communication, there might be room for negotiation.
Damian said, "That's your concern. How does it concern me? You have my commission; go ahead and do other business. Should I present you with a model worker award?"
