Chapter 167 Put Pressure
"Yeah, maybe Ashley is just under too much pressure?"
Kevin coughed, adjusting his tie with both hands. "Without real capabilities, she should not taking on such a big project. Mr. Moretti, such a formidable person, was arranged to be the spearhead of this case. She must have the ability to deal with this case."
Cheryl found his words reasonable. She was already Mr. Moretti's subordinate, but now her leader was assigned to listen to Ashley, her position was lowered. However, Ashley gave her the impression of being straightforward, without any airs, and not pretentious or flamboyant.
"Ashley is, after all, a Ph.D. from Cornell University and has handled many major cases. She should have the competence."
"She didn't. No matter how capable she is, she can't overshadow Mr. Moretti's over twenty years of courtroom experience. You're Mr. Moretti's secretary. Who are you favoring?"
Cheryl smiled and lowered her head. "I didn't mean that. In my opinion, Mr. Moretti is the most formidable."
Despite Ashley expected for challenges during meetings, she found them quite distressing. Mr. Moretti was adept at acting as a kind person, never say terrible word himself. Kevin, instead, spew harsh words and assaulted her several times during the meeting.
"Ashley, the evidence we have is obtained through the finance department of KM Road. Do you have any exclusive information? Don't keep it to yourself, share with us."
"The legal system in Eirondia is different from Sylvania's. Ashley, what you're saying is a bit presumptuous!"
"Ashley, you are indeed young. The courtroom is not a hall of ceremony; we are here to file lawsuits head-on, not to seek peace."
Sitting at the head of the table, Ashley remained composed. Even when Kevin pointed at her nose, she didn't get angry. After everyone had finished, she calmly said, "It's my turn to speak."
Kevin, Jerry, and others first looked at Mr. Moretti's expression, treating Ashley as if she were a mere puppet who would obey.
Ashley didn't expose them, saying, "Mr. Moretti, do you have anything to add?"
Mr. Moretti lifted his coffee cup, took a sip, and said, "Ashley, go ahead. We're listening."
Ashley crossed her fingers, placed them on the conference table, and looked around at the attendees. "First of all, thank you all for brainstorming and providing so many constructive opinions. I will consider and adopt those helpful ones. Especially Mr. King, your insights are unique and strategic."
Kevin's lips twitched, and then he chuckled.
"Furthermore, I have two personal opinions to share. Both the plaintiff and defendant in this case are currently affiliated with KM Road, holding the evidence and the power of speech. We have a great chance of winning. But it's both an advantage and disadvantage. Perhaps some of you are thinking that if we won the case, I'll get more money and fame, while you get nothing from doing so much. Mr. Hearst is not a fool. He is in Eirondia right now, and he will surely see and appreciate everyone's efforts. As for me, an outsider who take the money and leave, we may not even meet in the future. However, for all of you, this case could be the key to promotions and salary increases. It's up to you whether you want to strive for it or whether you want to gamble on your future. Think about it carefully."
Ashley's speech is sensible, touching the hearts of many people.
Indeed, if they were to continue working at KM Road in the long term, being passive and negligent due to spite Ashley would make it impossible to justify themselves to the CEO. They wouldn't be able to stay in the company.
Ashley pulled out a document and said, "This is a confidential document Mr. Hearst given to me. I haven't read it yet. We are a community of interests, and I will ensure that all information would be open to public."
After speaking, she waved the document. "Cheryl, please pass it around for everyone to see."
Being called out, Cheryl wasn't surprised. Her impression of Ashley had improved with their previous interactions and the recent conversation. "OK, Ashley."
After everyone had read the document, they became even more serious. Internal information provided by Mr. Hearst left no room for questioning.
Kevin was stubborn, asking with a cold face, "People all can say the nice words. But I have one question. Ashley, if the interests of KM Road and yours conflict as the case progresses, can you wholeheartedly defend KM Road?"
Ashley's relationship with Damian was unusual. And now Trinity stood between them. It was possible that Ashley, due to personal emotions, would rather lose the battle than let Damian won the case.
When emotions trap a woman, she can do anything. Kevin's concerns were also Mr. Moretti's concerns.
After listening, Ashley said, "As a lawyer for KM Road, no matter what happens, I will stand on the client's side and do my best within the legal limits. If I fall short, I will bear all the losses."
Kevin slammed the table and said, "Alright, l hope you live up to your words."
The latter part of the meeting proceeded relatively harmoniously. There were discussing like a team.
Midway through the meeting, Cheryl brought Ashley a cup of coffee and secretly gave her a thumbs up, whispering, "Ashley, you're amazing."
Ashley smiled. "Just a perfume can buy you over?"
"Not at all. I find you particularly charming."
The meeting was extended, and lunch was postponed until one-thirty. After lunch, Ashley felt drowsy and went back to her room to rest.
As she swiped her room card and was about to enter, a dark figure passed by her and got ahead of her. It was Damian.
Half of Ashley's drowsiness disappeared, replaced by anger. "Mr. Hearst, if you want to inquire about work progress, you can ask Cheryl. The material is with her."
Damian stood backlit by the window in a sharp three-piece suit with a royal blue tie and black leather shoes. With one hand in his pocket, he lifted the hem of his suit, looking tall and dignified.
"I heard that you cried in the bathroom secretly because they were making things difficult for you."
Ashley remembered Cheryl seeing her in a chaotic state. She didn't explain it to him. She can't tell him it was because of him.
"Who said that? You're making baseless rumour. Forget it. It's not worth it."
Damian smirked. "You must cried. Or you won't put pressure to them in the meeting. I remember you always being suppressed back in Sylvania."
He stood in the living room, and Ashley didn't want to be in a confined space with him. But her room was next to Cheryl's. If she don't closed the door, she couldn't explain if seen by Cheryl.
"Did Mr. Hearst come all this way just to ask this question? I'm the head of this case. If I don't show my power, no one will respect me. If someone complains to you because of this, it will be up to Mr. Hearst, value winning or fairness more."
Ashley, with a charming face, preferred to speak to him with a serious, businesslike expression. This contrast was most appealing, and as Damian stepped closer, his long fingers lifted her delicate chin. He looked at her affectionately. "Ashley, all I want is you."
Ashley instinctively stepped back. "Mr. Hearst, Miss Bezos is still here!"
"You're good at making her lose her dignity."
"What do you mean? You want both Miss Bezos and me?"
'A fickle man indeed.' Ashley thought.
Before she could finish, Cheryl's voice outside the door sounded shocked and fearful. "Mr. Hearst!"
