Chapter 242 Come and Help
After spending a few years in Rochester City's high society, Paula had naturally met a lot of elites and aristocrats. She quickly asked, "Christian? Ulysses' only son?"
Ashley nodded. "Yep."
Paula wasn't sure what Ashley was planning, but she had a feeling this task might be tougher than the last one. She couldn't help but ask, "Do you have a personal grudge against him?"
She remembered Christian was Damian's friend. Shouldn't he get along with Ashley? But Ashley's expression showed she really disliked him.
Ashley was all about either trusting people completely or not at all, so she didn't hide anything from Paula. "He used dirty tricks to hurt my friend. His real target is me. It's not that I have a grudge against him; he has it out for me. If I don't act, he'll definitely come after me."
Paula nodded. She trusted Ashley more now, feeling that sticking with her was the best way to reestablish herself in Rochester City.
However, if a better opportunity came along, Paula would switch sides in a heartbeat. To her, Ashley was just a stepping stone.
Paula asked, "What's the plan? Where do we start?"
Ashley said, "Christian is arrogant and domineering, but he fears his father and is wary of Damian. To deal with him, we should start with his father."
Paula thought for a moment. "I've only met Ulysses once, at a charity gala with my dad. We don't really know each other. It seems hard to drive a wedge between them."
Ashley smiled. "Ulysses has only one son. Even if he knows Christian did something bad, he won't disown him. But with his strict upbringing, Christian will definitely get a severe beating."
Paula had heard about this. Ulysses, a former military man, was very strict with his kids. Christian's long-term restraint by his father probably made him even more reckless in private.
Nervous and worried about the potential consequences, Paola timidly suggested, "Ashley, Christian is different from Trinity. Trinity has dirt on her and can't make a fuss, so she has to suffer in silence. If we mess this up, Christian will come after us."
Paula still had lingering fears about Trinity, worried she might be controlled by her again.
She didn't know where Ashley got the info, but it included explicit photos and videos of Trinity and her ex-boyfriend, enough to ruin her reputation in high society. But Christian was a man; the same method wouldn't work.
Ashley had already planned this out; it wasn't a sudden idea. "Christian's a regular at the Blue Star Club, which is part of Damian's turf. Follow my lead..."
Paula listened carefully.
After giving her instructions, Ashley watched Paula leave and then called Amelia.
Amelia's just-finished TV series was currently airing and causing a stir. The storyline, where the female lead powers up and triumphs over foes, really clicked with the younger crowd, making it a trending topic. Not only were the main actors gaining traction, but even the minor character Amelia played was in the spotlight, albeit for the wrong reasons.
People were praising her portrayal of the villain.
The company seized the moment to announce her new role, further boosting the buzz.
If everything went well, she had a chance to become a B-list celebrity.
Of course, this also meant endless engagements and interviews.
"Ashley, I'm exhausted," Amelia said.
Ashley could sense the pride in Amelia's complaints and teased, "Thinking about leaving showbiz? I need an assistant."
Amelia chuckled, "What's up? Missing me?"
It was noisy on Amelia's end, so Ashley got straight to the point. "I've found someone reliable to deal with Christian. Stay out of it. Your career is finally taking off; you need to protect your reputation."
Hearing Christian's name, Amelia cursed, "Who did you find? Are they trustworthy? Christian is a cunning bastard."
Ashley replied, "My cousin."
Amelia was stunned as she asked, "What? Do you hate your cousin that much to make her deal with that scumbag?"
Ashley said, "It's a fair trade. She's willing, and so am I."
"I'll take you and Harold to dinner tonight."
Ashley agreed, "Okay."
Given Amelia's current popularity, Harold chose a Japanese restaurant that valued privacy.
Coming across the restaurant's name, Ashley let out a sigh. In a sprawling city like Rochester, did everyone share the same preferences? She had visited this spot with Hendrix before, and even bumped into Trinity here once.
Harold noticed her expression and asked, "What's wrong? It's not like you're paying."
Ashley walked straight to the private room, trying to keep a low profile, as if she were the celebrity needing to hide her identity. "What a surprise. You scared me to death."
Harold had a hunch and frowned. "Have you and Damian been here?"
Ashley shot him a sharp look. "I was here with Hendrix."
Harold shrugged indifferently. "Got it. I'll send him a photo later."
When Amelia arrived, she was fully covered from head to toe. Even her mother might not recognize her.
Once inside the private room, she started removing her hat, mask, sunglasses, and scarf. "Sorry, everyone. Being famous is such a hassle."
Harold grinned and said, "Hold it in, don't laugh."
The more he told her not to laugh, the harder Amelia laughed, shaking with mirth.
Ashley teased, "Superstar, sign an autograph for me first. When I can't make it anymore, I'll auction it online."
Amelia joked, "Oh, sure thing. Where do you want it? On your face? Your face is suitable."
Ashley laughed. "No way."
Amelia sat next to Ashley, facing Harold, and mischievously said, "Harold, I heard you hired a non-professional actress, Ashley, to play your fake girlfriend?"
Harold picked up a wasabi-filled dish, pretending to shove it into Amelia's mouth. "Can't you keep quiet?"
Amelia laughed. "What were you thinking? Asking Ashley to be your girlfriend? Ashley clearly didn't realize the seriousness of the situation and even ran into a tough character, right?"
Ashley blinked. "How did you know?"
She hadn't told Amelia that Damian had shown up that day.
Amelia laughed even more, looking like the villainous second female lead in a drama. "His mom told me."
Ashley gave her a warning look, afraid Amelia might slip up. And she joked, "Why don't you just admit you like Harold?"
Amelia refused, "No way! Harold is clearly not my type."
Harold angrily drank some miso soup, rolling his eyes. "Enough! Stop it! Neither of you is my type either, so stop joking about me!"
Thank goodness Amelia wasn't his girlfriend; life would be unbearable.
Amelia was still laughing so hard she was almost in tears. "I need to go to the bathroom. What should I do?"
Ashley gestured toward her gear on the coat rack. "Hurry up and put it on."
Amelia appeared distressed. "I really can't wait." She stood up and ran out, only grabbing her mask.
A while later, Ashley received a message from her: [Ashley, come help me. My period came early. Bring me a pad.]
Ashley didn't have any in her bag, so she told her not to worry and that she'd be back in a few minutes with some from the convenience store outside.
Harold, seeing their secretive exchange, knew it was a women's issue and didn't ask.
Ashley quickly bought the pads and delivered them to the restroom, teasing Amelia in the process.
Ashley still had a smile on her face when a dark figure suddenly blocked her path.
