Chapter 207 The Tone Filled with Jealousy
In just two days, everything flipped.
Last time Ashley was here, Paula and Adam treated her like a criminal.
Now, Ashley smiled at a nervous Paula clutching her phone. "Paula, you know why I'm here, right?"
Paula swallowed and forced a smile. "Ashley, I wanted to explain yesterday. Those people were just slandering me. It's not what you think."
Ashley shot back, "What do I think?"
Paula stammered, "Ashley, we're family. You used to come over when you were little. Remember how good Fred was to you? And my brother treated you even better than me. Our bond can't be broken by some gossip, right?"
As kids, Ashley often pitied Paula, who always had new toys, clothes, and shoes, and said things to make others happy. Ashley generously gave her things.
But Paula never showed gratitude. Once, Ashley overheard Paula saying, "She doesn't lack money. Just buy another one! Her dad makes so much, what's wrong with giving us a little?"
After that, Ashley only gave Paula things she didn't like, just to clear out her stuff.
Ashley softened, placing a hand on Paula's shoulder and leaning in. "Yes, we're family. Uncle Fred was good to me, and Adam was kind. That's why I feel guilty for sending Uncle to prison."
She smiled sweetly, but Paula was terrified. "Ashley, what do you mean?"
"Uncle Fred went to prison because of me, yes. But he embezzled a lot from KM Group. Legally, he had to pay. Any lawyer would have done the same. I even tried to help him. You don't appreciate it and still bite back."
Ashley moved her hand to Paula's face, holding it. "Paula, if it were any other lawyer, Uncle Fred wouldn't just get two and a half years. He'd get a life sentence. Do you believe that?"
Paula felt deep fear, avoiding Ashley's gaze. She thought Ashley wasn't the cousin she remembered.
Paula murmured, "Ashley..."
Ashley sneered, "Challenging KM Group and hoping to get away unscathed? That's naive."
Paula's face went pale, her legs weak. "Then why didn't you speak up for him? You were Damian's ex-wife. If you pleaded, he'd agree."
Ashley mocked, "Ridiculous! He used me to deal with Uncle and shut me up!"
Paula bit her lip. "I can't argue, but Ashley, don't forget, my dad did this because you forced him! The Astor Group was fine until you clung to Damian. It's your fault!"
Ashley sighed inwardly, 'So stubborn!'
Ashley let go, crossed her arms, and looked at Paula. "Do you want Uncle out?"
Paula's mind raced. "What do you want?"
Ashley said, "Paula, you made a bit of sense. If I ask Damian for mercy, he might soften. I was going to plead, but after last night, I realized you don't deserve it."
Paula urgently grabbed her. "Yesterday, I was confused. Ashley, don't be mad. I won't do it again! Believe me, I just felt it was unfair for my Dad. As long as he's okay, why would I take the risk?"
Paula had many faults, but her filial piety was respectable.
For this, Ashley decided to give her a chance. "One condition."
Paula nodded, "Okay, as long as I can do it."
Ashley took out a photo and asked. "Do you recognize her?"
Paula immediately recognized the person in the picture, "This is Trinity, from Emperial Avenue groups."
Ashley said calmly, "Good, help me with something."
Ashley finished her instructions and walked out of the hotel, seeing Damian smoking in the lobby.
"Is it done?" He asked casually.
His elegant demeanor caught everyone's attention.
He thought he was being low-key, but he was actually shining.
Ashley was surprised. "Why didn't you leave?"
When they came, Damian said it was on the way and drove her. Did he finish his business and come back to pick her up?
Damian said, "Let's go now."
Ashley didn't know Damian had been upstairs a moment ago. After watching her enter the room, he stayed nearby with a room key, ready to rush in if anything went wrong.
As the car started, Damian glanced at Ashley in the passenger seat. "You've been in Eirondia for a while. Are you heading back?"
Ashley thought he had broken his promise. "My uncle..."
Damian said, "When have I ever lied to you?"
Ashley wanted to laugh. She thought, 'When have you ever kept your word?'
"Mr. Hearst, as long as you keep your promise, I'll make sure you're satisfied."
At that moment, Ashley's phone rang. It was Hubert.
Ashley answered, "Hubert, have you arrived?"
They had agreed to meet yesterday to discuss cooperation details.
Ashley glanced at Damian's stern profile and rubbed her forehead. Oh no, how did she forget about him?
Hubert replied, "I just arrived, take your time. Be safe on the road."
Ashley bit her lip, thinking of how to politely decline. "Hubert..."
Hearing how she adress the man on the phone, Damian pondered, 'One Harold wasn't enough? How many men did she have?'
Damian suddenly spoke, "Who is it? What's the matter?"
Ashley covered the phone and whispered, "Harold's friend, he's also a lawyer..."
Damian understood. "Great, you'd rather go in circles to find a friend's friend than think of me, who is right here. Ashley, you may turn your back quickly, but you always take the long way around."
Was this the time to belittle himself?
Ashley was helpless. "Everything has changed."
Damian asked, "What do you mean? Aren't you meeting Hubert? Even if you refuse, you should do it in person. Basic courtesy."
Ashley was speechless. Damian talking to her about courtesy? What about him?
She gave him the address, and Damian turned the car around.
Ashley told Hubert she would be there shortly.
Hubert, still impeccably dressed, sat by the window. While waiting, he even went to the restroom to tidy up his clothes and hair.
He had only heard from Harold about Ashley's strong abilities, but he didn't expect her beauty to be even more stunning.
She was the kind of person who was unforgettable at first glance, and the more you looked, the more comfortable and breathtaking she became, leaving an endless aftertaste.
They were all in the legal circle and had mutual friends. If they could develop a closer relationship, it would be even better.
Before getting out of the car, Ashley emphasized, "I'll just say a few words and leave. If you're busy, don't wait for me."
Damian nodded. "I'm not your driver."
Ashley realized her words were a bit inappropriate. "I mean, don't waste your time."
Damian looked at her. "It's fine."
Ashley pushed open the door and quickly found Hubert in his formal attire. Lawyers usually wore suits all year round, but Hubert seemed to pay extra attention to his appearance, looking very formal.
Ashley said, "Hubert, sorry to keep you waiting."
Hubert's eyes lit up. Seeing her bright smile again, he was once more captivated.
She was beautiful and elegant.
Hubert smiled. "No problem. I was just looking at some materials. Sit down, would you like something to drink?"
Ashley put down her bag and politely said, "Hubert, about my uncle's case, I've thought it over and decided to go through other channels. You're very busy, and I don't want to trouble you."
Hubert was puzzled. "You mean, you found someone else?"
Changing plans at the last minute was quite inconsiderate. Ashley apologized, "An old friend of mine happens to have some connections. Maybe it will be easier if he steps in. Besides, Hubert, you still have to work in Eirondia in the future. These matters might leave some leverage against you, which wouldn't be good for your career."
She put it delicately, but Hubert still felt a bit hurt and said sourly, "If there's someone more capable and connected than me, that's great. I was worried I wouldn't be able to help and would disappoint you."
Ashley forced a smile. "Harold said you're one of his best friends. I really want to learn from you. I hope we can have more opportunities to work together in the future."
After the pleasantries, Hubert brushed off his jealousy. "Is your friend in Eirondia?"
He mainly wanted to confirm if it was a man or a woman.
Ashley said, "No, but he can operate remotely."
This effectively blocked Hubert's line of questioning. He changed the subject. "Harold said you're still single?"
"Ashley." Damian as he walked over, exuding an aura of confidence, and stopped behind Ashley, one hand resting on the back of her chair.
Ashley's back stiffened!
She thought, 'Why did he come over?'
