Chapter 209 Suicide
After over twenty hours of flying, Ashley finally landed, but her mind was still in the clouds.
She couldn't shake the memory of lying next to Damian, listening to his husky voice.
It felt like a scene from a novel, but his words had a special magic that captivated her.
She dreamed of Damian telling stories.
To adjust to the time difference, Ashley turned off her phone and slept until dawn. When she turned it back on, she saw a bunch of messages.
Lying in bed, it took her a moment to realize she was in Rochester City.
She'd been away so long that she felt out of place, like someone returning from a long trip with the journey still fresh in her veins.
Ashley washed her face, and after waking up, she started reading the unread messages.
A message from a contact labeled "L" caught her eye.
Ashley quickly opened it.
L: [I found it. The person in the surveillance footage is this one. I'll send you a photo.]
This was the private detective Ashley had hired after Amelia was drugged and framed for assault at the hotel.
The detective had said the hotel's surveillance was damaged and couldn't be traced. Unexpectedly, after so long, he had found useful information.
Ashley enlarged the photo and took a closer look, feeling very angry.
Sure enough, it was Christian, who had been targeting her everywhere.
Usually, she overlooked his small pranks, but using such a method, wasn't he afraid of being discovered?
Ashley replied: [Got it, thanks for your hard work.]
Then she settled the final payment from her bank account.
The detective didn't reply again, disappearing without a trace.
This kind of operation was the tacit understanding that should exist between both parties.
Changing into her suit, Ashley drove to the law firm.
She wanted to go to her office quietly, but as soon as she stepped into the company door, a loud cheer shattered all her careful thoughts.
Colorful confetti floated down from above.
"Welcome back, Ashley!"
"Ashley, great job on your expedition!"
"Ashley, congratulations!"
Her colleagues were all smiling and congratulating her warmly. Ashley felt a mix of emotions. Didn't they know the identity of the defendant? Why make such a big fuss?
Lynn held a bouquet of flowers. "Ashley, congratulations on winning a big case. I know you don't lack flowers, but this bouquet is different; it represents the sentiments of all our colleagues at the firm."
Ashley suspected she was being too sensitive, always feeling there was a hidden meaning in Lynn's words. She accepted the bouquet and nodded, "Thank you, everyone. Past achievements are history; let's continue to work hard."
Harold, tall and burly, stood behind a few women, straightening his tie and clearing his throat, "Look at Ashley.? You all should get back to work. Standing here won't win any cases."
Lynn laughed, "Harold, Ashley hasn't been to the firm for over twenty days. Can't we celebrate a bit? Maybe we'll get some good luck from the victor."
In the past twenty days, with Ashley absent, Lynn had been in the limelight, entertaining important guests, taking on cases, navigating between the three directors, and even winning a moderately significant divorce case.
Even her relationship with Hendrix had become surprisingly harmonious.
Hendrix walked out of his office, looking disheveled with a crooked tie. Hands in his pockets, his handsome face showed a trace of irritation from being disturbed, "What's going on? Not working?"
The lawyers dispersed, some giving Ashley knowing looks, others secretly watching the drama.
Ashley was puzzled. Had something happened at the firm while she was away?
Lynn deliberately slowed her pace as she passed him. Though she did nothing, to onlookers, it seemed like a little romantic gesture.
Lynn and Hendrix were getting along well.
Without Ashley stirring things up, Hendrix naturally gravitated back to Lynn.
Ashley, who always had flowers and a partner, still played ambiguous games with Hendrix, but ultimately lost to the legitimate girlfriend.
In a foul mood, Hendrix loosened his tie even more, giving him a roguish look. "Ashley, come to my office."
Harold put an arm around Ashley's shoulder. "I haven't talked with her yet. You wait in line."
Colleagues who hadn't gone far slowed their steps deliberately.
Damn it, was Harold joining the love war too?
Hendrix said, "Don't you want to hear about Lucien's case?"
Hearing that, she immediately recalled Mark's case.
Ashley asked, "What did Lucien do?"
Knowing that Mark was a suspect, how did he achieve an acquittal?
Harold, worried Hendrix would upset her, led Ashley to his office. "Lucien has only a few tricks. I'll tell you later. There's something urgent today."
Hendrix said loudly, "Mark attempted suicide. You didn't know?"
This stopped Ashley in her tracks.
Harold ran a hand through his hair. "You... Fine, fine, she had to know sooner or later."
Sitting in Hendrix's office, Ashley sensed an unfriendly atmosphere.
Not long ago, Hendrix had been sweet-talking her on the phone. How had he changed in just a few days?
Hendrix lowered all the blinds, looking at her with a half-smile, "Ashley, it seems your trip to Eirondia was good. You look radiant and energetic."
Ashley couldn't stand his sarcasm. "Hendrix, if you have something to say, go ahead."
Hendrix asked, "What's going on with you and Damian?"
Ashley changed the subject. "Why did Mark attempt suicide?"
Hendrix's eyes were sharp, locking onto her. "Did Damian threaten you? What did he do to make you so obedient?"
Ashley stared back at him. "Investigating me?"
Hendrix snorted, "No need. Damian's private jet flew directly to City M, and you came back together. Don't tell me it was just a business trip. Who are you fooling?"
Hendrix's private jet was parked at Rochester City Airport. The crew had reported to him when KM Group's plane left. When it landed yesterday, Hendrix was also informed.
And then he knew Ashley was on board.
This had infuriated Hendrix.
Ashley casually explained, "It was on the way. He was inspecting a project, and I happened to be returning."
Hendrix cursed angrily, "Bullshit! Your uncle is still in prison. You asked Harold for help, and I was there. Would you come back if the matter wasn't resolved? Also, Damian and Trinity's engagement is all over the news. Don't tell me you don't know. Ashley, you seem like a smart woman. How could you be so foolish? Damian is just playing with you! He flies to City M to help you, and you're so moved that you're going to reconcile? Haven't you flown before?"
A barrage of curses made Ashley's head throb, "Hendrix, you're overstepping. My personal affairs are not within your jurisdiction."
Hendrix kicked over the trash can, sending papers and drink bottles scattering, the metal can hitting the wall.
Ashley sighed, "Hendrix..."
"Don't call me! I'm annoyed!" Hendrix waved her off, pacing with his hands on his hips, pointing at her, then putting his hand back, a series of small gestures before he finally said, exasperated, "I'd rather lose to an anonymous flower sender than to Damian! If you get entangled with him, you'll end up miserable!"
Cursing her wasn't enough. Hendrix decided to have a good talk with Damian!
Ashley calmly picked up the trash can and set it right, "Do you still want to talk about Mark? If not, I'll leave. Harold is waiting for me."
Hendrix grabbed her wrist, his face dark. "Mark was indeed involved in the murder, but he wasn't the mastermind. He was coerced. The case was won, but someone wants him dead. He's afraid of being targeted, so he'd rather take his own life."
So complicated?
Ashley asked, "What did Lucien Foster say?"
Hendrix laughed, "What could he say? He only handles the case. Any subsequent trouble is not his concern. Do you know how he won the case?"
Ashley perked up, "I'm all ears."
