Chapter 212 Ashley Got Praised
His troublemaking wasn't a one-time thing. Ashley, used to it, asked, "Mr. Hearst, any other instructions? Just let me know."
She was so polite that Damian couldn't find fault, so he just glared. "Harold's call?"
He knew Harold was close to her.
Ashley worried Damian might give Harold a hard time, so she said, "I just got back and have a lot of work to catch up on. If there's nothing urgent, can we discuss the rest another day?"
The last question was merely a formality. She only wanted a clear answer.
Damian, taking his time, said, "No."
Ashley cursed internally, 'How had she not noticed Damian's shamelessness before?'
She rolled her eyes. "So?"
Damian confirmed the time and grabbed his car keys. "Come with me somewhere."
Ashley was wary. "Where?"
"Your place."
In an adult's mind, "your place" can mean a lot, especially when it's just the two of them. Ashley, sitting on the couch, didn't move. "My place is small and simple, not great for discussions. Mr. Hearst's office is spacious; let's talk here."
Damian saw her wariness and smirked. "What are you thinking?"
Turns out, Ashley was overthinking. Damian meant the house that had caught fire. Mason had compensated and handled the renovations. Now, it was ready for inspection.
The last fire had been terrifying, so Ashley hadn't visited during the renovation. Besides, Mason wouldn't dare cut corners.
Returning to her familiar home, Ashley felt a mix of emotions and was slow to react.
"Why are you standing there? Waiting for me to carry you?" Damian asked, unlocking the door.
Ashley took a breath and walked in.
The new decor was modern, with a Nordic minimalist style she liked, blending white and light blue. Built-in storage maximized space, and a mirror in the living room added depth.
After the renovation, the house seemed twice as big.
The bedroom and study, with their clever use of reflective surfaces, had great natural lighting.
Hundreds of green plants were placed to absorb formaldehyde, giving it a fresh look.
Ashley didn't comment, but Damian saw the sparkle in her eyes, which revealed her deep satisfaction.
Damian said, "Even with eco-friendly materials, formaldehyde takes time to dissipate. Test the levels in a few months, and if they're safe, you can move in."
Living in her own house felt more secure than renting, especially with such cozy decor. Ashley was in a good mood. "Thank you, Mr. Hearst. That's great."
Damian looked out the living room window. A high-rise blocked most of the view, but to the left was a man-made lake with green willows.
Damian smiled. "As long as you like it."
After checking each room, Ashley noticed it was almost seven, and she was running late for her appointment with Harold. "Mr. Hearst, the house looks great. And Mason hasn't bothered me, thanks to you. I'm sure you're tired of my gratitude. The only way I can repay you is by dealing with Trinity so you won't be bothered."
Damian said, "How do you mix unrelated things together? If you really want to thank me, there will be plenty of chances."
Ashley, pressed for time, said, "Okay, but I have an appointment today."
Damian raised an eyebrow. "Where?"
Ashley chose her words carefully. "It's a bit far; I'll take a cab."
She thought she made it clear enough, but Damian pressed further. "How far? Driving across Rochester City takes just over an hour."
Ashley couldn't understand his intentions. "Mr. Hearst, do I have to spell it out?"
Damian walked towards the door. "What do you want to say?"
Ashley continued, "Mr. Hearst, we come from different worlds. I've fulfilled my contractual obligations. It's not appropriate for you, as a client, to dictate my schedule. Please respect my privacy."
Damian held the doorknob. "Aren't you coming out? Staying inside to absorb formaldehyde?"
Ashley clenched her fingers. This time, she had to be clear.
"You're finally back! The fire was so scary. Are you okay? Haven't seen you in a while!"
Ashley remembered this lady, a neighbor who had helped her before.
Ashley smiled. "Yes, the renovation is done, so I came to check it out."
The lady looked at the man beside her, eyes wide with curiosity, and asked with a smile, "Is he your boyfriend? You two look good together. He must be about six feet three, right? So tall and handsome."
Ashley explained, "No..."
Damian glanced at the gossiping woman and smirked. "She'll move in a few months. Please look after her when she's living alone."
The lady was flustered by his smile. "Of course, we're neighbors. She's a good girl, helped me carry things before. So beautiful, fair, and kind, especially those legs. They dazzled me."
Ashley had never been complimented so awkwardly. She tucked her hair behind her ear and quickly excused herself with a smile.
In the elevator, it was just the two of them. Damian's gaze traveled down her waist, lingering on her figure. "What did you used to wear when you went out?"
Ashley stood in the corner, keeping a step away from him. "Proper clothes."
Damian teased, "Showing off those long legs, dazzling a seventy-year-old lady?"
Ashley replied, "Seventy-year-olds have poor eyesight. She might have mistaken something else. My legs are my best feature, don't you think?"
Damian's mouth twitched. "You really know how to compliment yourself."
She didn't mean it that way.
Damian opened the car door. "Get in."
Ashley stubbornly refused. "Mr. Hearst, you're so busy. Let's handle our affairs separately."
Damian added, "If you know I'm busy, don't waste time. Get in, and I'll talk to you on the way."
Ashley didn't believe a word. "Mr. Hearst, do you have to complicate a simple business relationship?"
Damian impatiently checked his watch. "Ashley, senior lawyers charge by the hour, and my time is calculated by the second. I'll give you five seconds."
Who did she owe?
With a slam, Ashley got into the car, her face dark with frustration. "What do you want to talk about?"
Damian pointed to the navigation screen. "Where are you going?"
Ashley exhaled in exasperation. "I mean, you..."
"If I drive in the opposite direction and you miss your appointment, don't blame me."
