Chapter 357 Harsh Truths
"What?"
Thomas pondered his words, "Esme has come to Rochester City. It looks like she's planning to develop her career here."
Damian couldn't care less about irrelevant people, "Alright."
Thomas felt it necessary to add more, "She's joined an entertainment company under Vertex Innovations Group, not as an artist, but in the film department's business group."
"Is that so?"
Damian sneered, "Looks like she's here for Hendrix."
Now that was interesting.
"The island sanatorium project can also gradually begin. When does Mr. Hearst want to start?"
Damian said, "Notify the engineering department on the first of next month."
Thomas nodded, then suddenly remembered the significance of that date.
Although Damian and Ashley never celebrated their wedding anniversary, that day was deeply etched in many people's minds—it was the day they held their wedding.
Thomas didn't leave but stood there more cautiously, silent but clearly wanting to speak.
Damian said, "What else do you want to say?"
There was something Thomas most wanted to say but didn't dare to. Being asked by Damian gave him the courage, "Mr. Hearst, you... treat Mrs. Hearst so well, why not let her know? If Mrs. Hearst knew you brought Mr. Astor back and did all this for her, she would be moved."
"What if she isn't?"
Thomas opened his mouth, uncertain, "She... shouldn't be. Mrs. Hearst used to like you so much."
"You said it yourself, that was in the past. Now you've heard her thoughts, haven't you?"
Thomas wanted to slap himself. He had no memory; didn't he hear it on the livestream yesterday? Ashley said she had no feelings for Damian and just wanted to focus on her career.
"I was wrong."
Damian was calm, but only he knew the turmoil inside, "If I let her know and she still has that attitude, then what?"
Then he would have no cards left to play, no retreat.
He didn't want to play the good guy, using good deeds to win her over.
"But..." Thomas didn't know who to feel sorry for, "Mrs. Hearst still misunderstands you. She even... still thinks you're a bad person."
"Do I care?"
He never thought of nor intended to be a good person, probably never qualified to stand among the good.
Feelings aren't black and white, and they cannot be rushed. A broken heart needs healing, a severed bond needs rebuilding, and the pain in between requires patience and gentleness to wrap.
Lose trust needed a long time of companionship to be repaired.
Skipping any step won't build a lasting, stable intimate relationship.
What should he do with her?
Damian smiled bitterly, with a hint of sweetness.
Since there's no better way for now, let her hate him. He deserves it.
The day passed quickly. Ashley couldn't take Dorian anywhere else, so they mostly just walked along the tour route to the mountain top or chatted back at the hotel.
During dinner, Ashley was silent. She clearly wanted to cry but held back her tears, making her look even more pitiful.
Dorian said, "I'll find a way to come back again."
He made the promise, but he wasn't very confident. His deepest feeling back home was helplessness, even more than abroad.
Domestic resources were almost entirely cut off. Former friends either avoided him, stayed neutral, or outright joined the media in condemning him.
The phrase "the world is cold" was clearly written in every crevice of the past three years.
Ashley nodded vigorously, "I'll come to Evercrest City to see you once my case here is over."
Speaking of the case, Ashley's head throbbed. She suddenly wanted to quit. If she insisted on defending Infinity Enterprises Group, Damian would surely be angry and never help Dorian again.
Dorian said, "I heard you talking to a colleague on the phone. This case involves a subsidiary of KM. Are you in a tough spot?"
Ashley didn't want Dorian to worry, but she had been in the hotel all day, only communicating with Hannah via phone, and Dorian overheard.
"Yes, I knew from the start that Quantum Innovations Tech was a KM subsidiary, but seeing the patients in the hospital, I couldn't convince myself to turn a blind eye. This case could be handed to someone else, but Dorian, I can't get past my conscience."
"I understand your feelings. You insisted on studying law to speak for the underprivileged, to uphold justice regardless of the opponent's identity, and to give victims fairness. Do what you think is right, don't overthink it."
Ashley stabbed her fork repeatedly into her bowl, like her anxious heartbeat, "But it will definitely offend Mr. Hearst."
Dorian knew Ashley too well. If it weren't for family troubles making her conflicted, she would stick to her principles no matter the difficulty. He didn't want to be her stumbling block, "KM's industries span dozens of fields. It's the most complex and largest business group in Rochester City. There will inevitably be other legal disputes in the future. If you back out every time it involves KM, do you still want to stay in the legal profession?"
Ashley smiled helplessly, "Dorian, every case I've taken since returning home involves KM."
Dorian was a bit surprised but still nodded, "But you're doing great. You'll do well this time too."
With Dorian's encouragement, Ashley suddenly felt more confident, "Public is public, private is private. I'll confront KM with the fairness of the law, with a clear conscience."
But Dorian worried that KM might not respond in kind.
Ashley also mentioned Paula, "Paula has been quite well-behaved in Rochester City these days, but I don't think she can stay that way for long."
Dorian didn't quite agree with Paula staying in Rochester City, but if there were no relatives here, Ashley would be more lonely. At least a blood relative could provide some support, "If you're worried, let her go back to Eirondia. Uncle is there, and she can take care of him. If you want her to stay, it's best to have something to restrain her. Paula is ambitious; I'm afraid she'll be used."
"Okay, I have a plan. I've given her a chance, no next time."
"Ashley, it's not that I'm too pessimistic, but remember, besides our parents, no one will love you unconditionally. Before accepting anyone's favor, think carefully about whether you can bear the corresponding cost."
Only Dorian would say such harsh truths.
Ashley agreed, "I'll remember."
At 9 PM, Thomas drove Dorian to the airport in advance.
Ashley accompanied them, and Damian sat in the back seat.
Because he was there, the siblings didn't talk much along the way, and since Damian didn't start a conversation, Dorian didn't either.
In silence, the car arrived at the airport terminal.
Damian arranged a special passage, and they all walked in together.
Seeing the flight checking in, Ashley couldn't hold back her tears any longer, "Dorian, take good care of yourself, and also take care of Mom, Dad, and Blair."
Dorian pinched her cheek, "Why are you crying? I'm not gone for good."
Ashley nodded, tears falling to the ground, "Improve your cooking skills. When I come, I'll taste everything. And get your leg checked regularly at the hospital. Take medicine if it hurts, don't endure it."
"Okay, I will."
Ashley sniffled, "Then go."
The longer the farewell, the less courage she had to say goodbye.
Dorian hugged her, patted her back, and suppressed his own emotions. "Take care of yourself. Don't lose weight; gain some more."
After comforting Ashley, Dorian approached Damian and said, "Mr. Hearst, thank you this time. In the future..." He paused, "Please treat her well."
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