Chapter 150 Signs a Man Showed When He Was Interested in Someone
While helping KM Road with the lawsuit and taking on a new task arranged by the law firm, Ashley knew it was her responsibility. Even though she couldn't refuse at the time, it wasn't an excuse.
So, when talking to Damian, she tried to be polite and not get angry or aggressive. "Sorry, I didn't expect the timing to conflict, but rest assured, my focus will definitely be on KM Road. I won't let the client down."
Damian was surprised. Today's Ashley surprisingly didn't speak with a sharp tongue. Did she also realize she was in the wrong?
Damian asked, "Do you have a clone? The two cases are in different countries, but they are both major cases. Tell me, how do you balance them? How do you allocate your time?"
In a very rare calm tone, the tension gradually dissipated, and the temperature inside the car returned to normal, making the piano music more pleasant.
Ashley considered the two cases and roughly outlined her plan to the client. "First, the court date for the lawsuit in City M is pending, and the legal department is still verifying the evidence that needs to be found. The timing for going to Country H hasn't been finalized yet; it was my negligence not to consider sudden situations. Secondly, taking on the criminal case has my selfish reasons. This is a new field for me, although I am a defense lawyer. I am actually following the procedures with senior predecessors and getting familiar with relevant laws, which will help me handle cases independently in the future."
Hendrix gave her the criminal case, and she could tell that he was giving her a backdoor, providing her with practical opportunities. He would be involved in the entire investigation, evidence collection, and trial process.
Without any unnecessary explanations, every word Ashley said was sincere. She saw Damian's complaining gaze, not knowing if he was angry or accepting, and continued, "Lastly, the agency fee you gave me is indeed very generous, but no one complains about too much money, and you also know my current situation."
Honest enough, sincere enough, this was the first time Ashley had been so straightforward about revealing her inner thoughts since returning to the country.
Damian listened to her finish without responding.
If he stood in the client's position, he would have kicked her out long ago when Ashley started to explain. Being wrong is being wrong, and a thousand reasons are just excuses.
Greed should come at a cost. The greedier, the more deserving of having nothing.
But he didn't. After listening to the last word, he spoke a few seconds later, "Has the police station made it convenient for you?"
Another meaning of his statement was, 'Did you see what you wanted to see? Did you get the evidence?'
Ashley knew he didn't like Hendrix, so she avoided mentioning him. "I found someone I know; the necessary evidence will be available soon."
In the past, when it came to law firms managing lawsuits, there were intricacies in the hierarchy. Nobody dared to venture into this industry without any resources. Damian asked, "Your leader, is he your senior?"
Ashley thought, 'Why didn't he ask the key points directly but instead beat around the bush with irrelevant questions.'
She said, "We attended the same university in the United States; he was a year ahead of me, and he used to take care of me."
A single man and a beautiful and eye-catching woman, take care of? How did he take care of her?
Damian said, "The secretary will help you book your flight. When you receive the message, prepare your luggage. You probably won't be back in the country for half a month."
They had hurried to send Ashley abroad to avoid trouble so as to avoid attracting men here. It wasn't only Harold and Mr. Stone, but Sean as well.
Feeling anxious, with progress in the lawsuit at hand, she was reluctant to give up. However, she couldn't delay the case in City M. Faced with Damian's cold aura that brooked no interference, she had to agree, "I'll wait for your instructions. Before going abroad, what do you need me to do? Just let me know."
Ashley adopted an attitude towards the client, appearing polite and gentle on the surface, but each polite word actually created distance.
Damian also sensed that the so-called meek cooperation was just a way to establish boundaries; not arguing or fighting was recognizing the distance.
He would rather Ashley argue with him than offer fake courtesy. With a heavy heart and a naturally cold tone, he said, "As an agency lawyer, don't you know your responsibilities? I'm not your mentor in the workplace; I can't guide you."
His sarcasm was obvious.
Ashley realized she had probably offended the benefactor, so she tried to make amends, "What I meant was, besides the case itself, are there any special procedures for KM Road's official business?"
Damian retorted, "Am I your secretary? Do I need to make a list for you and report it in chronological order?"
Caught off guard by his response, Ashley didn't know how to reply. "I'll contact the secretary and ask."
Damian looked at her, "Do you still remember how to get to KM Road?"
The sunlight poured down, blazing outside, while the temperature inside the car dropped back to ten degrees below zero, making Ashley's arms feel icy. A small rash appeared on her skin.
Ashley said, "I'm sincerely discussing business with you."
Damian said, "Ashley, since you're busy, you don't want to waste your precious time. Thomas, stop the car up ahead and let Ashley out."
Thomas listened attentively to their conversation, which seemed harmonious overall. Why did the CEO suddenly assert his authority?
Not just him, Ashley also felt a figurative slap to the head. But she thought it might be better to part ways early to avoid further annoyance. "Please ask Spencer to stop the car here; the road ahead doesn't allow parking."
Getting out of the car, Ashley barely stood firm before seeing the car speed away, its tires kicking up a few fallen leaves in a whirlwind.
Arriving hastily and leaving quickly, her emotions were unpredictable. She should have distanced herself sooner.
Having not eaten lunch, Ashley's stomach growled. She found a nearby small restaurant and ordered some sushi.
As she bit into it, tasting the fresh ingredients, a thought crossed her mind.
A rose.
She was about to go to Country H and wouldn't be back for a short while. What if the person sending the flowers didn't know and continued to send them?
Regardless of whether it was Sean or not, Ashley decided to casually ask: [Sean, are you busy?]
Sean was probably looking at his phone and replied quickly: [Not busy, taking a break for lunch, what's up?]
When Ashley pursued Damian before, she read many books, like How to Win a Man's Heart. There seemed to be a saying that if a man's reply contained more words than yours, it meant he was interested in you or at least didn't dislike you.
Ashley bit her spoon and cautiously sent out the second sentence: [Have you eaten?]
Sean responded: [Getting ready to go out for lunch. It's hot today, so I'll eat at a nearby restaurant. How about you? Have you eaten?]
Ashley gripped the spoon tighter: [I'm eating. By the way, I'm going on a business trip abroad and won't be back for a while. I haven't handled an international lawsuit before. Do you have any suggestions?]
This should sound natural and appropriate without raising any suspicions.
Sean asked: [Are you at the restaurant at the crossroads? Eating sushi?]
