Chapter 195: The Pain of Losing a Child
Before Ashley stepped into the meeting room, she overheard Jerry, who was sitting by the door, chatting away.
Over the past few days, Ashley had picked up some inside information indirectly.
Curtis would text her now and then, chatting about random stuff and asking if she had time to hang out.
He'd also drop hints about Trinity and Damian.
Stuff like: "Damian and Trinity are together, so he can't hang out with me. If you're free, I can come to City M to see you?"
"Damian and Trinity are a great match; they look perfect together."
"So boring, Damian is with Trinity again. By the way, Trinity's parents are also in Dreamvale, so I can't see Damian."
"Damian's private jet flew back to Rochester City today, and Trinity's parents went with him. What a grand scene! I thought royal ceremonies were extravagant, but compared to Damian, they're nothing."
Ashley didn't respond much, just occasionally giving a brief reply.
Damian and Trinity were having a blast in Dreamvale, even inviting their parents to join them. How harmonious!
Was he really going to such lengths to cut ties with her? To make a statement in front of Trinity? To give a satisfactory explanation to his future father-in-law?
Since when did Damian need to explain himself to anyone?
Suppressing all her emotions, Ashley walked in calmly. She could see everyone's thoughts clearly; those in the know were craning their necks to watch the drama, while the uninformed were looking around.
Today was quite lively.
Ashley said, "Alright, let's kick it off."
Janet and Cheryl handed out the materials.
Everyone got a copy of Fred's resume, detailing everything from his birth and background to his work history over the years.
When it came to knowing Fred, who here could compare to Ashley?
Ashley crossed her hands on the table, her gaze indifferent. "Fred and Henry colluded to transfer funds from KM Group. We will continue to cooperate with the police to search for conclusive evidence. With the information we currently have, it's not enough to convict him."
Dante couldn't quite grasp the situation. He was stunned by Ashley's reaction, completely unprepared for the fact that she had done so much in just one night and remained emotionally stable, without breaking down or showing any fear.
Ignoring the varied expressions of the people present, Ashley continued, "I will find a way to meet Fred and see if I can extract more substantial evidence."
Kevin sneaked a glance at Dante. What's going on? Was she really going to sacrifice her family for justice?
Cheryl and Janet were unaware of the deeper connections and were both confused, especially Cheryl. She whispered, "Ashley, since Fred is the defendant, he probably won't see you, right? Even if he does, he won't say anything useful."
Ashley replied, "Others might not be able to, but I can."
Ashley secretly sneered in her heart.
Yes, others might not be able to, but she could.
Damian entrusted her with this important task, probably because he knew this, right? Only someone close and trustworthy to Fred could get useful testimony from Fred.
In the afternoon, Ashley proactively contacted Fred.
The moment the call connected, Ashley's eyes stung with tears. "Fred, are you still in City M?"
Fred replied with a gentle laugh, "Do you still want to have tea and chat with me?"
Ashley looked up at the sky, the clear blue sky like a spotless blue mirror. "Are you unwilling? I know a very unique restaurant. I'd like to invite you to taste their food."
Didn't Damian want to see her make a fool of herself?
Anyway, with his means, he would find out whatever he wanted to know, so there was no need for her to hide it.
So Ashley chose the same restaurant where she had dined with Damian last time as the meeting place.
Upon entering and seeing the smiling owner, Ashley said, "Hello, I'm craving the red velvet cake. Can I have some today?"
Kathy was surprised to see Ashley again and said with a beaming smile, "Of course, I'll make it for you right away. Freshly baked is the best."
"Thanks." Ashley replied as she sat by the window, gazing at the colorful flowers and plants outside.
In just a few days, her mindset had completely shifted.
Fred asked, "This place is pretty interesting, Ashley. How'd you find it?"
Ashley poured tea for Fred, tilting her head playfully. "It's a secret!"
Fred laughed, "Still keeping secrets from me?"
Holding the cup, Ashley felt a deep sense of guilt and conflict.
Fred sipped his coffee, finding the flavor unique. "If you have something to say, just say it. If you keep frowning, your little face is going to cramp."
Ashley looked at him. "Do you know Henry? The CFO of KM Group in City M branch."
Fred stayed calm. "Yeah, I know him."
Ashley gripped the cup handle. "KM Group is suing him for secretly transferring company funds. Did you know that?"
Fred replied, "Yesterday was his birthday. I went to his party, and we talked about a lot of things. He mentioned that the agent for KM Group is a beautiful female lawyer. Of course, my niece is beautiful!"
Ashley tried to smile, but her mouth twitched unnaturally. "He transferred a lot of funds. According to Eirondia law, not only does he have to return it, but he also faces prison time. Fred, you're a financial officer and understand the law. Didn't you warn him?"
Seeing her beat around the bush, Fred went straight to the point. "KM Group has traced it back to me, right?"
Ashley's eyes welled up again as she looked at Fred's weathered face. "We suspect you're behind all this."
Fred said, "To convict me, you need evidence, not speculation."
Ashley stared into his eyes, asking word by word, "Did you do it, Fred?"
Fred smiled lovingly at her. "Do you remember what I told you last time? What are your principles and reasons for becoming a lawyer? If you suspect me, then go ahead and investigate."
Fred's righteousness felt like a heavy slap on her face. "Fred, you really..."
Fred said, "Regardless of the outcome, you can at least be sure of one thing now. Damian chose you for this because he wants to see our family torn apart. You should see his true intentions toward you."
Ashley lowered her head in shame. "Yeah, I get it."
Fred added, "The Astor Group's bankruptcy was likely caused by the Hearst family. When they seek revenge, they leave no stone unturned. They did this to me, and they'll do the same to you. I'm old and don't care about what happens after death, but Ashley, you're still young."
Ashley almost crushed the cup, her knuckles turning white. "Fred, what should I do?"
She felt lost, pained, and confused.
From Fred's few words, she could basically confirm that he was indeed involved. Following the clues, Fred's overseas accounts, shell companies, and unexplained assets would soon surface.
Fred gently patted her head, just like he did when she was a child. "Do what you need to do. Don't be afraid."
Ashley murmured, "I'll strive for an out-of-court settlement to minimize the impact of this. I'll talk to Damian. Fred, you..."
Fred said, "There's no possibility of reconciliation between the Astor Group and KM Group. Nowadays, we're just a piece of meat on someone else's chopping block. But I still remember the Astor Group's corporate culture: decisiveness, responsibility, and courage!"
Ashley grabbed Fred's wrist, lowering her voice. "In any case, it's a crime to transfer funds secretly from KM Group. Fred, this is a time of the rule of law, not a time for loyalty."
Fred's grin crept across his weathered face, carrying depths that eluded the understanding of the younger generation. "The wealth KM Group possesses wasn't all obtained through legitimate means. Damian can't claim his hands are clean, either. Should the Astor Group's losses just be written off? Your parents and I dedicated most of our lives to the Astor Group. The Astor Group is like our child. Ashley, what we lost wasn't just a company; it was like losing a child."
Ashley's arm slowly loosened, her pupils dilating. Her worst fear had come true. "You did this to avenge the Astor Group?"
Fred returned to his initial calmness and said frankly, "If we ever go to court, I only hope that you are a brave, wise, and courageous lawyer."
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