Chapter 243 Everyone Gathered Together, Something Big Is About to Happen
Ashley thought, "Wow, karma works fast!"
She hadn't seen Christian in ages, and just after telling Paula to act, they bumped into each other.
Ashley looked up, her gaze cold and elegant, and greeted him indifferently, "Mr. Young."
Their relationship was always tense, so no need for fake politeness. Even if she tried, Christian would still treat her the same.
Christian sneered, one hand in his pocket. "Ashley, what's got you in such a good mood? You seem really happy."
Ashley replied coolly, "Whether I'm happy or not isn't your concern, Christian."
"Wow, that feels pretty remote! We've been friends, can't I check in?" Christian responded.
His words were polite, but his expression wasn't. Ashley worried he might lash out, so she stepped aside. "If you really want to know, I did have some fun. I saw two clowns outside, entertaining everyone they encountered. Quite a sight, don't you think? "
Christian knew she was mocking him. He narrowed his eyes. "Mocking me, are you?"
Ashley smirked, "I wouldn't dare."
Christian's laugh was cold and sinister. He leaned in, whispering, "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Trinity had to call off her engagement with the Hearst family because you sabotaged it."
Ashley clenched her fist and said calmly, "Mr. Young, watch your words. Don't slander me."
Christian's sneer was chilling. "You underestimate my relationship with Trinity and my capabilities."
As he spoke, Ashley saw Trinity approaching. Her golden high heels clicked sharply against the floor, echoing through the room.
"Well, isn't today full of surprises, glad to see you here,, Ashley!" Trinity said, her tone tinged with a hint of insincerity.
Christian casually brushed his nose. "What a coincidence! We might even end up as family someday."
They were near the restroom, and Ashley worried Amelia might see them. She took a step forward. "I have an appointment. We'll catch up another time. Goodbye."
She had just taken a step when Christian grabbed her wrist. "In such a hurry? Who are you trying to avoid?"
Ashley wanted to message Amelia but realized her phone was out of reach. "Mr. Young, you have quite the unique taste. Don't you find the restroom smell unpleasant?"
Christian shot back, "The restroom may be dirty, but it's nothing compared to the filth in some people's hearts!"
Ashley gritted her teeth and tugged at her wrist, now red and sore, but couldn't break free. "What are you trying to say?" she demanded.
Trinity watched Ashley's awkwardness with an impassive expression. She realized that teaming up with Christian might be a good choice. He acted on his mood, without regard for feelings or rules, perfect for dealing with Ashley.
Christian said, "Is Mr. Hearst arriving soon?"
Ashley was stunned, thinking, 'Damian is coming too?'
Christian's roguish smile lingered. "Ashley, don't you want to catch up with Mr. Hearst? Oh, I forgot to mention, Anthony suddenly fell ill and was hospitalized—because of you. The Hearst family is in a frenzy trying to figure out why. Can you imagine if they found out you were meeting Mr. Hearst right now? That would be interesting!"
Ashley narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge if Christian was telling the truth. Her mind raced, 'Anthony is sick? How could that be? Is it serious?'
"Really? Anthony is sick, and you still invited Mr. Hearst out for fun? Some friends you are," Ashley retorted.
Christian smirked, "If we hadn't come out, how could we have run into you?"
It was a complete misdirection.
Just then, Ashley noticed a tall figure entering through the main entrance. It was Damian.
His presence filled the hallway with a suffocating tension, making everyone feel trapped.
This kind of menacing aura only surfaced when he was in an exceptionally foul mood.
Damian wasn't surprised to see Ashley. It was because she was here that he agreed to Christian's invitation.
Trinity greeted him gently, "Mr. Hearst, you're here."
Damian's eyes narrowed, sending a chill down Christian's spine.
Christian said, "Oh, I forgot to mention, I also invited Trinity."
He hadn't informed Damian that there would be a third guest at dinner tonight.
Damian's silent sneer sent a shiver through Trinity.
Ashley finally managed to pull free from Christian's grip, rubbing her red and swollen wrist. She greeted, "Mr. Hearst."
Damian's gaze fell on her reddened wrist before moving to her face. "Why are you here?"
Ashley replied, "I'm having dinner with friends. I'll be off now; enjoy your meal."
As she started to walk away, Trinity called out, "Ashley, wait, how about join us? We all know each other. It'd be more fun if we ate together, don't you think?"
Ashley gritted her teeth. "Trinity, if you want a lively place, go to a street-side diner. I prefer peace and quiet."
Trinity crossed her arms, mocking, "Are you scared?"
Ashley smiled. "Yes, I am scared you'll poison me."
Trinity's face stiffened, gritting her teeth. "Where did you get those things?"
Ashley feigned ignorance. "What things?"
After Trinity's engagement with the Hearst family was broken off, she accidentally ran into Christian. Probably drunk, she let slip that she had been threatened. Christian immediately said it was likely Ashley's doing.
As expected, after some investigation, she discovered that the woman who had threatened her was actually Ashley's cousin. There was no doubt about it now—it was all Ashley's doing.
Christian rubbed his nose and nudged Damian's shoulder. "Damian, I've uncovered something interesting about Ashley. Should we talk about it here or go inside?"
The evidence was solid, but Ashley wasn't worried. Even if everything came to light, it would be Trinity who'd be humiliated. Would she really risk her dignity?
Damian scoffed, "Do you really enjoy making a fool of yourself?"
Christian grinned. "I've got thick skin; I'm not afraid."
At that moment, Amelia emerged after a quick bathroom break, but from her angle, she could only see Ashley.
Feeling cheerful, she skipped over and hugged Ashley's slender waist. "You really do love me!" she exclaimed.
But then she sensed something was off.
Slowly, she looked up and saw Christian's mischievous grin, causing her heart to tighten. Then her gaze shifted to Damian's cold, indifferent expression.
The unsettling combination of their faces sent a chill down her spine.
'Oh no,' she thought, 'something big is about to go down!'
