Chapter 244 Public Confrontation
Amelia tugged at Ashley, whispering, "Ashley, what's going on? Why are we all here?"
Ashley worried Amelia might snap at Christian, especially with Damian around. If she upset him, they'd be in trouble. "It's just a coincidence. But keep it cool today. We have ways to handle Christian. Remember the people I set up for you. Stay calm," she reassured.
Amelia nodded. She wasn't scared of Christian but was cautious of Damian. "Got it. You're in charge. We'll follow your lead."
Ashley squeezed her hand and gave her an approving look.
Christian smirked, "Oh, the big star Amelia is here too."
Amelia laughed. "Christian, I wondered why the place seemed so bright. Turns out it's just your glow!"
Ashley's eye twitched. She told Amelia to stay calm, and here she was, flattering Christian. Ashley thought, 'Amelia, you're a real actress.'
Christian was surprised. He expected Amelia to lose her temper, giving him a chance to humiliate her. Instead, she seemed more composed. "Amelia, buttering me up? Trying to move up the ladder?" he sneered.
Amelia seethed inside, remembering that night of fear and humiliation because of Christian. She wanted to lash out but played it cool. "Christian, you're always with beautiful women. I wouldn't dare compete. Joking like this might make your girlfriend jealous."
Christian glanced at Trinity, trying to stir the pot. "Oh really? Amelia, who's prettier—her or your friend?"
Amelia knew about Trinity from gossip involving her and Damian. She pretended not to know her and paired her with Christian to annoy Damian. But deep down, she saw Trinity as Ashley's rival and had compared them. No matter what, Ashley was always the unrivaled beauty!
Amelia put on a troubled face. "I can't say anything that would offend anyone."
This implied Trinity was far inferior to Ashley.
Trinity sneered, "Amelia? You've been quite the talk of the town lately. Trending as the top bitch, is that you?"
Amelia gritted her teeth, thinking, 'Damn it. You guys are at odds, so why drag me into it?' But for Ashley's sake, she shot back, "Not as good as you, still got a ways to go."
Ashley couldn't help but twitch her mouth at Amelia's boldness. To prevent things from escalating, she quickly stepped between them. "Trinity, long time no see. How's your recovery going?"
Trinity sneered, "Ashley, if you've done something, own up to it. Don't send your little lapdog to do your dirty work."
Ashley's expression turned icy. "Apologize," she demanded.
Trinity folded her arms and glared. "Are you kidding me? A third-rate actress thinks she can talk to me like that? I could end her career with one phone call. You better get her in line, or she'll be out of a job by tomorrow."
Ashley stopped Amelia, who was ready to hit, her face colder than ever. "Apologize. Don't make me say it a third time. Otherwise, tomorrow's headlines will be about your "great deeds," Trinity. You know what I mean."
"You're threatening me?" Trinity's voice rose. The past few days' grievances and anger boiled over. She came to discuss with Christian how to deal with Ashley, but now she was being threatened again.
Ashley smirked, "I'm just an ordinary person, it doesn't matter to me. But you, as the heiress of Emperial Avenue Group, you should value your reputation. Don't fall into disgrace overnight."
Feeling guilty, Trinity raised her voice. "You're such a bitch! Just because you can't get what you want, you try to bring others down. What's your deal, Ashley? Aren't you afraid of karma?"
Ashley glanced at Damian's expressionless face. "Seriously, aren't you tired of beating around the bush? Cut the crap and get to the point!"
She had found the video and watched it, feeling nearly sick to her stomach several times due to its disgusting nature.
Seeing Trinity at a disadvantage, Christian spoke up, "Enough! Stop arguing, it's ruining my appetite. Mr. Hearst, you've been watching for a while, haven't you seen enough?"
Damian had been silently watching the drama unfold since he saw Ashley. He could already guess the means Ashley had used. It was pretty obvious why Christian and Trinity showed up together.
"You called me here just to watch them argue?"
His cold voice was like a bucket of ice water, instantly chilling the atmosphere.
Only Christian dared to respond, "We all know each other, so there's no need for these games. Do you even know what your ex-wife did?"
Christian thought to himself, 'Calling her an ex-wife is too nice; I should have called her a bitch.'
Ashley shot him a sharp look. "Watch your mouth."
Christian rubbed his nose. "What's the matter, scared now? You weren't so scared when you had Paula threaten Trinity, were you? Still hung up on Mr. Hearst and trying to win him back? How shameless can you be?"
Everyone's expressions changed, unwilling to discuss such matters publicly—except for Damian.
Tears welled up in Trinity's eyes as she turned to Damian. "Mr. Hearst, if you don't like me and want to break off the engagement, just say it. Why let her treat me this way?"
Damian asked, "What did she do?"
Ashley asked leisurely, "What did I do?"
Trinity gritted her teeth. "You used illegal means to steal my private videos."
Ashley said, "Trinity, don't make baseless accusations without evidence. You might end up in court."
Trinity waved her phone. "You think you're the only one who knows how to play dirty? I've got all the evidence of Paula's threats and intimidation right here. Even if we go to court, you'll lose."
"Fine, send the lawyer's letter to my company. I'm always ready for a court summons," Ashley replied calmly.
Trinity wouldn't actually sue because she couldn't risk exposing that evidence in a public courtroom. She might not care about her own reputation, but the Bezos family couldn't afford the scandal.
Trinity gritted her teeth. "You think I'm scared? I'll fight you to the end, even if it ruins my reputation! I just want Mr. Hearst to see how fake and vile you really are!"
