Chapter 175 Witnessed History Unintentionally
Ashley's first reaction was Mark's case. She asked nervously, "What happened?"
"Don't be nervous. I'm not calling to scare you. Besides, you're in Eirondia, so no matter how big the matter is, you can’t take care of it. I feel you have the right to know and wanted to inform you," Hendrix said.
Unable to bear his long prelude, Ashley cut to the chase. "What's the matter? Just tell me."
Standing at the door of the courthouse, Hendrix, with minor injuries on his face, was preparing for his trial in two days. Today, while waiting to submit paperwork outside the judge's office, he ran into Brown, who was also there to submit documents.
Considering that Brown and Lucien would confront each other in the next case, Hendrix was cautious and wanted to squeeze something out of Brown.
Brown confidently stated that the police had concrete evidence and that Mark was doomed. Seeing Brown's triumphant expression, Hendrix speculated that this trial was likely to fail, and Lucien might taste failure this time.
Knowing Lucien's character, Hendrix feared that Ashley, who was reluctant to take responsibility, might not be treated kindly.
So, he gave her a heads-up in advance to prepare her.
Hendrix briefly reassured Ashley, "Don't be too nervous. Lucien is strict, but overall, he's fair. He won't blame you for any failures."
Ashley bit her lip. "What does Lucien think? Brown says Mark is the culprit, but he might not be. The other party could be playing mind games."
Hendrix replied, "Lucien is strict, serious, and keeps his cards close. Those not involved in the case can't know anything. He hasn't revealed a word to me, making me feel like a spy sent by Brown. Today, Lucien went to the prosecutor's office again, and I have no idea what he's up to."
Although Ashley had never worked with Lucien before, she had a gut feeling that he was a strategic and courageous person who wouldn't be controlled by others. Hendrix was also no ordinary person and wouldn't be swayed by just one statement from Brown.
"Hendrix, are you worried that he'll blame me if he loses the case?" asked Ashley.
Chuckling, Hendrix replied, "You're sharp."
"Well. Since you praised my intelligence, I won't be modest. When you called me, it wasn't just to reveal this, right?" Ashley retorted.
Caught off guard, Hendrix said, "Don't use that tone. I just wanted to hear your voice! You always keep our conversations strictly business. If there's no serious matter, you refuse to chat. I had to make things sound serious so you'd talk to me longer."
This explanation left Ashley amused.
"Are you done?"
Hendrix's assistant whispered work updates beside him. With a lot on his plate, he had no time for idle chat with Ashley and advised, "Spare some time to care for your boss in your free time. That way, you'll earn promotions and raises."
Amused by his banter, Ashley felt a significant portion of her fatigue melt away. "Rest well and take care of yourself. I'll bring you a gift when I return."
"That's great. There is no need for gifts. Just come back early," Hendrix replied.
Damian was also in Eirondia, and Hendrix wondered about his intentions.
Hendrix sighed regretfully, blaming himself for being tied up with his cases, preventing him from flying over at that moment.
That night, Ashley slept soundly.
What followed was a series of hurried procedures - filing lawsuits, gathering evidence, court visits, and endless meetings.
Time flew by in their busy schedule, and before they knew it, six days had passed.
Taking advantage of a rare break, Cheryl eagerly dragged Ashley out to have fun.
M City was not large, which was perfect for strolls. They circled Tranquil Haven Square and rested at a nearby café when tired.
To thank Ashley for taking the time to accompany her, Cheryl treated her to coffee and desserts. They enjoyed a leisurely afternoon by the window.
Ashley messaged her father, updating him on her situation and inquiring about her mother's health, but received no response.
She also messaged her sister-in-law on WhatsApp but, again, had yet to receive a reply.
They were probably busy, or something unexpected had come up.
Engrossed in her phone, Cheryl suddenly exclaimed, "Ashley, big news! Oh my goodness."
Lost in her thoughts, Ashley showed little interest in Cheryl's excitement. "What's up?"
Cheryl rushed over, displaying her phone screen. "Trinity's Facebook updated. The Dreamvale project is officially launched, and her marriage with KM Road consortium seems imminent! Even through the screen, I can feel the happiness of the soon-to-be newlyweds."
"And there's media interviews with Trinity," she added.
She opened a video in which Trinity stood in front of Dreamvale's grand buildings with a radiant smile, holding a shovel with a red ribbon tied to it. She graciously smiled. "Thank the media for your support. This is the first project developed in collaboration between Emperial Avenue Groups and KM Road, but it definitely won't be the last. Mr. Hearst and I will work together to contribute to the development of top-tier hotels and shopping centers."
As usual, Damian was absent from public events, but the prominent KM Road logo on the banner couldn't be ignored.
'Is today the groundbreaking ceremony? Progress is swift.'
"That’s great," Ashley remarked nonchalantly.
Cheryl exclaimed with eyes gleaming, "The largest and most luxurious hotel and shopping center complex in Ameriland. Ashley, we might have inadvertently witnessed history!"
Sipping her hot Americano Ashley replied with a hint of bitterness and a taste of sweetness, "You could say that."
For the past few years, Damian had been leading KM Road, creating history every year.
She witnessed him acquiring one piece of land after another, aggressively expanding his commercial territory, turning crises into opportunities each time. Even during the real estate industry's downturn, he steered KM Road on a steady upward trajectory.
While global real estate was declining, KM Road was flourishing. Its subsidiaries and other business sectors continuously expanded and penetrated international markets.
To most people, Damian was like a deity.
Cheryl scrolled through Facebook excitedly and exclaimed, "KM Road's Facebook is also updated, and Mr.Hearst's personal account liked it. Trinity shared it, and Emperial Avenue groups is reposting on facebook. A group of entrepreneurs are liking and sharing. Honestly, I can imagine how grand their wedding will be. I can't wait!"
Ashley lowered her gaze, studying the ripples in her coffee cup. Her thick eyelashes were like a craftsman-made feather fan, gently covering all the splendor and decay of the world with a light touch. "The rich finally find their match. Quite something."
Cheryl paused, then propped her chin on her hand, reflecting. "Indeed, only Emperial Avenue groups could match KM Road. With Mr.Hearst's high status, he couldn't possibly marry an ordinary woman. Cinderella's fairy tale is all a lie."
Ashley smiled faintly, gazing out the window. In this mysterious era, they were reeds adrift in a vast ocean.
"Work hard, and you can also become a better version of yourself, then meet a man worthy of a lifetime," she advised.
Observing Ashley's decisive actions over the past few days, Cheryl grew to admire her swift manner and eloquence. While she idolized Ashley's wit and wisdom, Ashley remained a puzzle in matters of love. Curiously, Cheryl asked, "Ashley, what kind of man do you like?"
Women always loved to discuss matters of love.
Hannah did, and so did Cheryl.
If they could focus their curiosity on work, maybe they could succeed faster.
However, this question stirred deep thoughts in Ashley. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of man truly deserved a woman's lifelong companionship.
"Honest, kind and brave," she replied.
'An honest person wouldn't resort to dirty tactics, kindness would prevent unnecessary harm to others, and only bravery could stand firm in the face of any adversity and build a home.'
After pondering her response, Cheryl nodded in agreement. "Ashley, your criteria for choosing a man are spot on. You'll surely meet an exceptional husband in the future!"
Taking a bite of cake, Ashley finally felt less bitter. "I hope so."
The phone in her bag chimed with a WhatsApp notification.
Ashley unlocked her phone, finally seeing a message from her sister-in-law.
