Chapter 258 Successful Revenge
All the non-hotel stuff got cleared out, and after airing the place out, the booze smell was almost gone.
Damian still looked annoyed.
Ashley scanned the room, looking for where Paula had stashed the camera under the TV stand.
Before Damian could jump in, she took the lead with her long strides.
As her slim figure passed by, Damian eased up and followed her into the room at a slower pace.
Ashley took a quick look around. It wasn't a suite, but it was roomy, with everything in plain sight. A round bed with light purple curtains hanging down.
The view outside wasn't as good as Damian's suite, but the decor was clearly aimed at women. Fresh roses on the table were about to bloom, and the plush carpet soaked up all footsteps, making it almost silent.
Did Trinity book this room just to sleep off a drunken night?
What was her original plan?
Damian's tall figure was reflected on the TV screen, and a wicked thought popped into Ashley's mind.
Damian didn't want to stay in a room someone else had used, but seeing Ashley's interest, he was happy to indulge her.
Ashley walked around inside. "Looks like Mr. Young reacted pretty quickly. Not only did he run fast, but he also cleaned up the scene. It's hard to imagine what went down here."
As she spoke, she bent down slightly, reached under the stand, and found the camera. She skillfully removed it, clenched it in her hand, and slipped it into her pocket while her back was turned. She felt much lighter after doing this.
But she didn't know that Damian saw all these seemingly foolproof actions.
"Christian's a repeat offender. His ability to clean up a scene is naturally better than most. Otherwise, the media would've crucified him years ago," Damian said.
Ashley nodded. "I remember when I first met him, he wasn't like this. His lifestyle wasn't so casual."
Christian had a notorious reputation for being a playboy, but Ashley remembered that six years ago, he was almost ascetic.
Many people threw themselves at him, but he rarely paid attention. Occasionally, he would play along, but never seriously.
At some point, he completely let himself go, changing women one after another, ignoring public opinion and criticism.
It seemed like he found endless pleasure in a world of wild parties and luxury.
Damian said, "Three or four years ago, I think. As for why, I don't know."
Ashley didn't care about how he had let himself go. With the task done, she sighed, "The reporters downstairs are probably gone by now. Should we go down?"
Damian didn't refuse.
This time, not only were the reporters and onlookers gone, but even the staff were dutifully staying at their posts, not daring to look around.
Ashley smoothly exited and waited for a car by the roadside.
The night breeze in Rochester City brought a hint of early summer freshness, with the scent of flowers in the air.
The most common plant in Rochester City's beautification strips was the rose. During the blooming season, they were a riot of color. Ashley had never paid much attention before, but tonight, she took a deep breath, filling her nose with the sweet scent.
It turned out roses could be so delightful.
Damian walked outside and lingered for a moment, looking at her quiet silhouette. "It's hard to get a cab here. I'll give you a ride."
Ashley declined, "I've got a car. It will be here soon."
Damian said, "Do you really gotta be so wary of me? After everything today, what else could I possibly want from you?"
Ashley just wanted to get back quickly to check the surveillance footage and hand over any useful info to Ulysses so he could have solid evidence to teach Christian a lesson. "Mr. Hearst, you got it wrong. I just don't wanna trouble you. Plus, we're heading in different directions."
Damian didn't push it. "Alright."
As Ashley's ride took off, Thomas pulled up in front of Damian, got out, and opened the back door.
Damian looked at the white Toyota disappearing into the night and frowned again. "What did you find?"
The tech team was still checking the surveillance and found something odd.
Thomas got into the car and started the engine. "Mr. Hearst, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."
He was afraid a single look from Damian could kill him.
Damian had an idea but needed final confirmation. "Go on."
Thomas nodded. "We found a guest who wasn't on the invite list. After digging, we confirmed she's Paula, Ashley's cousin and Fred's daughter. She got into Trinity's dressing room and then used a key card to sneak into Trinity's room. A disguised reporter said he got a call from a virtual number, saying a celeb was having a rendezvous upstairs. At first, he didn't know it was Christian."
So, Paula installed the camera and called the reporter?
Bold and capable.
Damian was noncommittal. "Hmm."
Seeing Damian's calm reaction, Thomas guessed he already knew and cautiously asked, "Since we found out, Mr. Young probably will too. If he finds out it was Ashley..."
Damian closed his eyes to rest and said lightly, "Then make sure he doesn't find out."
Thomas got the message. "Got it."
He immediately instructed the tech team to destroy the surveillance footage and all evidence of the crime and not to speak to anyone.
After giving these instructions, Thomas wondered, "Is Ashley targeting Trinity or Mr. Young?"
"Both," Damian said.
Christian had repeatedly clashed with Ashley, so it was only natural she wanted to get back at him.
As for Trinity...
Damian's lips curled into a slight, unintentional smile, the most lethal kind. Whatever the reason, he instinctively saw it as a competition between women.
And the point of conflict between them was him.
Thinking that Ashley's revenge on Trinity might be because of him, the curve of Damian's smile grew even more pronounced.
Thomas accidentally saw the change in Damian's expression and was so shocked he almost mistook the gas pedal for the brake. Fortunately, he realized at the last moment and didn't run the red light.
When Ashley got home, she immediately turned on her computer, played the video, took screenshots, saved them, and forwarded them to Amelia via social media.
Amelia received the message and jumped up in excitement.
She ripped off the face mask she had just applied and eagerly called Ashley. "Holy crap! Christian and Trinity, this is so juicy and explosive!"
Ashley leaned back on the sofa, smiling. "You wanna worship me?"
"Total adoration! I'm gonna post this and let the whole internet roast him!" Amelia said.
Ashley said, "Don't rush. Christian's PR team is too skilled. He could trace your ID in no time. Here's what you do: find an experienced and trustworthy entertainment reporter, print out the photos, and send them to Christian's dad, Ulysses. Just wait. Ulysses will take care of it for you."
