Chapter 164 Ashley, Don't be Petulant
On the remaining twelve-hour flight, Damian sat next to Trinity. The two either chatting quietly, doodling on documents, or smiling lightly. Even during meals, they continued their conversation, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Their voices were low, and Ashley couldn't hear what they were talking about. She tried to focus on the files, avoiding distractions from irrelevant information.
Later, she fell asleep with the documents in her arms. When she woke up, the airport was unusually quiet, most passengers were asleep, and the reading lights had been turned off, casting a dim light in the first-class cabin.
In this dim light, she saw Trinity leaning against the seat back, tilting towards Damian, giving the impression that they were cuddling together.
The seats were adjusted for sleep, and when put together, they resembled a bed.
Two people lying side by side didn't look much different from sleeping together.
Rubbing her tired eyes, Ashley didn't turn on the light again. Instead, she pulled the shade slightly open, gazing at the starry sky outside, unaware of which country the plane was flying over. As the sky darkened, she could see the distant sunset.
After this trip, Damian and Trinity were probably going to get married.
That's fine.
She didn't have to worry anymore, and he wouldn't make any more excessive moves.
During the layover, all passengers disembarked, and Mr. Moretti's assistant found a place for everyone to eat and rest, holding a meeting at the airport for a few hours.
Ashley didn't see Damian during this time.
Boarding the plane again and heading straight to Dreamvale, they arrived at Charlotte Harbor International Airport over an hour later.
Damian and Trinity walked ahead, one in a sharp suit looking handsome, the other in a long dress looking elegant, standing out in the airport filled with blond-haired, blue-eyed people, just as the female employee at KM Road had said, how well-matched they were.
Ashley kept her head down, hiding her emotions, distancing herself from them.
Kevin's voice behind her was neither loud nor soft. "Your fate is quite miserable. I can see it. You're being dragged out to be laughed at."
Anthony smiled but didn't say anything.
Ashley self-deprecatingly thought, 'isn't it true? There's no one more embarrassed than me.'
"Ashley, the staff will take your luggage directly to your room after landing. We're staying at Dreamvale tonight and driving to Taramila tomorrow." Mr. Moretti's assistant reminded her.
The journey was exhausting, and Ashley agreed to stop and rest. Then she and Mr. Moretti's group got into the pre-arranged car and headed to the booked hotel.
It was still dark in Dreamvale, with rain falling outside the window. The car passing by Twin Towers, lightning rods sparkling at the top.
It wasn't her first time at Dreamvale, but she no longer had the mood for sightseeing as before.
Thinking about the tough battle ahead and the group of teammates with different thoughts in the car, Ashley felt a heavy burden on her heart.
After checking in, adjusting her watch, she threw herself onto the hotel sofa, sending a message to Amelia and Harold in the group to let them know she had arrived safely.
Harold called, sounding more concerned than excited. "Are you okay? Sending someone like you, who's like a little lamb, to fight against the wolves of KM Road, can you handle it?"
Ashley laughed. "Mr. Brin, you're only just now showing concern. Fortunately, I have the breath to report to you."
"You are joking with me. It seems you're not in too much trouble. Are you going to Taramila tomorrow?"
Ashley closed her eyes and rubbed them. She was feeling dizzy and overwhelmed. With her mind juggling hundreds of threads, she said, "It's just a three-hour drive. We'll arrive there soon. Dreamvale is still dark, so I'll try to get some sleep now to avoid jet lag. I might have to continue with meetings after waking up."
Harold said, "Be cautious, don't let yourself be sold and count the money for others. The people at KM Road are not simple, especially Mr. Moretti."
Ashley understood Harold's worry, after all, she had experienced it.
"Don't worry, even if he schemes, he'll have to wait until the lawsuit is won to do so. If he scheme against me, he couldn't show up in court. It's possible, but he wouldn't kidnap me."
"It's not difficult for Mr. Moretti to make someone disappear through legal means."
After the call, Ashley looked up at the ceiling and thought for a moment. She knew she had to be cautious of Mr. Moretti.
After a washing, Ashley took two melatonin pills to help her sleep.
A few hours later, she was awakened by a phone call.
She reluctantly opened her eyes a crack to see the time and the caller's name. It was 7:30 in the morning, and the caller was Mr. Moretti.
"Mr. Moretti, good morning. How was your rest?" He politely inquired. He is good at pretending.
Mr. Moretti was also polite." Not bad. Are you awake, Ashley? We have a meeting at ten o'clock. Can you make it?"
She was here for work, and everything revolved around the case. Of course, she had time.
"Okay, see you in the meeting room."
Ashley sneered at the dark screen of her phone. She was the lead of the case, yet she was being informed of the meeting time and place. These people really thought she was an easy target.
After arriving at the hotel late at night, everyone was exhausted. After checking in, they all went back to their rooms to rest. It was only then that Ashley realized she hadn't seen Damian and Trinity.
Were they not staying here?
However, when she went to the restaurant for breakfast after freshening up, Ashley realized she was wrong. Damian and Trinity were staying in the top-floor executive suite, a level above her. They were also given VIP treatment during meals, sitting in the VIP seats with a view of the Elva River outside the window.
After getting her food, Ashley found a quiet spot, intending to quickly finish her meal before the meeting.
"Ashley, come join us for breakfast." Surprisingly, it was Trinity who spoke.
Ashley's mind raced. Trinity was trying to be nice to her for no reason; she must have ulterior motives. "No need, Miss Bezos. I have to attend a meeting soon, so I'll have a quick bite."
Trinity smiled. "You're heading to Taramila tomorrow morning while we're staying in Dreamvale. Everyone's quite busy today, and we probably won't have time to gather together. You may want to chat with me."
What was there to talk about? She wouldn't congratulate her on becoming Mrs. Hearst. At the same time, Ashley understood that the plane had been diverted to Dreamvale specifically to accommodate Damian's schedule.
As she prepared to decline once more, Damian, who had been eating elegantly, finally spoke, "Ashley, the scenery here should soothe your restless heart."
With that, he pulled out the chair next to him. His smile bathed in the morning light, extending an irresistible invitation.
Ashley remained expressionless, sitting down next to Damian. "I'm feeling quite good, but looking at the beautiful scenery might make me even happier. Thank you, Mr. Hearst."
With a simple thank you, the distance between them was instantly reestablished, and their identities were once again clear.
On the plane, Trinity discussed project planning and initial investments with Damian in detail. Despite his occasional impatience, she made every effort to keep him by her side for the night, no matter what he was thinking. As long as Mr. Hearst stood by her, she was willing to pay any price!
Ashley was a hurdle she had to overcome. Instead of resisting, she chose to accept it calmly. At most, Ashley would become Damian's lover, and Trinity didn't need to worry too much.
So Trinity called Ashley over, showing a polite smile." Ashley, can I call you that?"
Ashley's fork trembled in her hand, and she gave a slight tug at her mouth. "Miss Bezos, we're not that familiar."
Trinity pursed her lips, apologizing awkwardly, "Okay, Ashley. I was just talking to Damian about visiting Elvin Clock Tower this afternoon and wanted to invite you along. We have some legal details to discuss regarding the projects we're developing in Dreamvale, so I think we could chat."
The word "crazy" popped into Ashley's mind. Even if Trinity seemed a bit out of sorts, Damian shouldn't have the same idea.
If that is the case, they did seem well-matched.
"Miss Bezos, the projects invested in by KM Road and Emperial Avenue Groups are likely to involve large sums of money and long cycles. Naturally, there are professional legal advisors involved, including Mr. Moretti. I'll allow him to skip the afternoon meeting and leave him to you."
Swallowing the last bite of his breakfast, Damian calmly said, "Ashley, don't be petulant."
