Chapter 261 Eat the Flowers
Trinity busted through the door, "Dad, don't go!"
Pamela saw her daughter looking all ragged and messy, and it broke her heart even more, "Trinity."
She had helped Christian upstairs and knew the whole deal. Christian hadn't done anything shady.
Actually, she thought Christian was kinda different from what people said; he wasn't a bad guy at all.
Trinity wiped her tears and had a lightbulb moment, "Mom, Dad, my marriage with the Hearst family is toast now. But, the Universal Group's got some clout in Rochester City. What if we hook up with the Young family instead?"
Pamela was floored, "But Trinity, you and Damian had that huge blow-up; everyone knows. And seriously, Trinity, how could you be so dumb to say you won't marry into the Hearst family anymore..."
Trinity, scared her parents would figure out the truth, cut in, "I never admitted anything; it was all just rumors. Plus, Christian and Damian are tight. If I date Christian, I'll naturally be close to his brother."
Edward, as a dad, couldn't stand his daughter being dissed and humiliated. But if they were a thing, it would be a whole different story. "Your idea isn't half bad, but are you sure about Christian's feelings?"
Trinity was only half sure but acted like she was super confident, "Christian and I have a common enemy! Mom, Dad, remember Damian's ex-wife, Ashley? She's back, and guess what, Christian hates Ashley, too!"
Edward thought it over, shooting Trinity a stern glance. Damian's marriage was a touchy subject, and if it got out, the Hearst family wouldn't be happy. "This isn't public knowledge; you gotta be super careful and not let it slip."
Trinity, in a fit of rage, dared to bring up Damian's divorce. After saying it, she felt a chill and then stomped her foot in anger, "That bitch Ashley has been messing with me over and over. I bet last night's mess is her doing! Plus, the Hearst family already kicked her out. Can't we handle a bitch?"
Edward didn't take Ashley seriously, but as Damian's ex-wife, the Hearst family would have some concerns. If things got messy, would Damian let it slide?
"Ashley might be hard case; we can't go after her openly. I'll let your brother handle this. You take care of yourself first." Pamela always thought Christian was way below Damian and kinda looked down on him, "Trinity, can't you try to win over Damian?"
Trinity shot back, "Mom, haven't you had enough of Nicole's snobbery? Do you really wanna wear her hand-me-downs?"
Pamela's face went pale at her daughter's words, and she started to waver.
Ashley showed up at the hospital with a big bouquet.
She didn't wanna visit Christian alone and risk another shouting match, so she headed to the orthopedics department to find Hayden first.
As soon as she got to the orthopedics clinic, a bunch of doctors in white coats swarmed her, "Looking for Hayden?"
Ashley nodded, "Yeah, is he here?"
The doctors had heard Hayden had a girlfriend, which made several single girls heartbroken for days. They often gossiped about how stunning and amazing Hayden's girlfriend must be.
Those who had seen Ashley couldn't stop raving about her, so even though Hayden's girlfriend had never officially visited, she was already a legend in the orthopedics department.
The nurse, seeing how stunning Ashley was, immediately assumed she was Hayden's girlfriend! "Of course he's here! No wonder Hayden hasn't left work yet; he was waiting for his girlfriend."
Meanwhile, Christian was in his office, buried in patient files after his shift, totally oblivious to the ruckus outside.
"Hayden, your girlfriend's here!" Doctors and nurses from the same department crowded the doorway, teasing.
Hayden didn't catch on right away. Seeing Ashley with the bouquet, he suddenly remembered and cursed internally, 'What are you all yelling about? Get back to work!'
But the nurses, bored out of their minds, were even more eager to gossip. Looking at Ashley's bright features, they grinned and asked, "Hayden, what does your wife do? Is she an actress? Or a fashion designer?"
Wife?
What had Hayden been telling people at the hospital?
Ashley smiled slightly, looking at Hayden's deadpan face.
Hayden grinned sheepishly, "Well, some things are better left unsaid. Let's just say it's a sacred and inviolable job."
Afraid the nurses would blurt out something even more outrageous, Hayden shooed them away.
Ashley, half-smiling, said, "Hayden, when will you stop using my identity?"
Hayden rubbed his hands, "Ashley, you're beautiful and kind. Just be my shield for a while. I can't stand my collogues at the hospital constantly introducing me to potential partners. It's driving me nuts. Ashley, please, just this once!"
Ashley warned seriously, "I suggest you find a chance to clear things up. If someone finds out, Mr. Young will have company in the hospital."
Hayden scratched his head, "Definitely! Ashley, give me some time."
After chatting, Hayden took Ashley to the top-floor ward.
Christian was lying on the bed, cursing over the phone at his assistant and secretary. "A bunch of idiots! You can't even find this info! What do you mean the surveillance is missing? Get it back! Bullshit! How can there be no trace of the crime? Check everyone; don't let a single fly escape! Fuck! If I find out who screwed me over, I'll make them pay!"
Ashley felt a chill down her spine. Luckily, she had taken the camera. Seeing Christian's demeanor, he definitely wouldn't let it go. If he found the surveillance footage, could her cousin get away with it? "Mr. Young, feeling better?"
Hearing Ashley's voice, Christian turned his head and sneered, "You here to laugh at me?"
Ashley arranged the flowers and said softly, "Hayden said you were hospitalized. As a friend, I had to come check on you. If you find me annoying, I'll leave."
Hayden mediated, "Come on! Don't be ungrateful, Christian. I told Ashley, and she was really worried. She put down her work to come check on you. Show some appreciation."
Christian pouted, "I thought you'd be laughing your head off."
Ashley glanced at his back, wrapped in bandages with faint traces of blood, and saw the red welts on his legs. Ulysses' whip was indeed formidable.
"Looks like your dad's getting old; his strength isn't what it used to be. Otherwise, would you still have the energy to talk?" Damian's clear voice, accompanied by a cold aura, diluted the tension in the ward.
Ashley gritted her teeth and gave Hayden a look. 'You actually called him too?'
