Chapter 407 You, Go See Their CEO
Damian said calmly, "Really?"
Just a short sentence, but the energy it released was enough to destroy half a country.
Thomas didn't dare to continue and quickly changed the subject, "Mrs. Hearst is always so thoughtful. I mentioned that my sister's eyes were strained from staring at the computer for too long, and she suggested getting an eye massager and a blue light filter screen. All very practical and handy items. She even thought of some skincare products for women. If it weren't for Mrs. Hearst, I wouldn't have realized how much goes into women's skincare."
Yes, thoughtful. She had always been a meticulous and considerate woman. When he was busy with work and often stayed up late, she specifically bought radiation-absorbing plants, which thrived lushly.
But during an argument, he had smashed them all.
Damian felt a wave of dizziness and a sharp headache, as if something had struck him heavily.
Putting down his phone, he closed his eyes and pondered deeply.
Before long, the phone rang.
"Speak."
"Mr. Hearst, we have some leads on what you asked us to investigate. It's more complicated than we thought."
Damian pressed his fingers to his temples and said in a deep voice, "Let's discuss this in person."
"Yes, sir."
Ashley returned home, put away her purchases, and called her father.
After Dorian's last visit, they had spoken once. Ashley was worried about her parents' health and couldn't help but want to talk to them more, despite their instructions to limit contact.
Her parents woke up early, so she wouldn't be disturbing their rest.
The call connected quickly, and Ashley sat cross-legged on the couch. The warm evening light outside had replaced the day's heat, falling on her without feeling sticky.
She spoke in a deliberately playful tone, "Dad, have you forgotten about me again?"
Todd replied lovingly, "If you didn't call, we might have. We're both busy these days and sometimes forget we have a daughter."
Though his words said one thing, his tone was full of affection.
Ashley chuckled, "Where's Mom?"
"She went to help at the store right after getting up. I'm about to head there too. Should I call you back later when I find her?"
"No need! I just wanted to chat with you."
Conversations between a daughter and her father were never as lengthy as those between mother and daughter. After a few exchanges, Ashley brought up an old topic, "Dad, there's something I want to ask you. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
As if knowing what Ashley was about to ask, Todd said, "You want to ask about that money?"
Ashley bit her lip. She knew it was too much to ask. As a daughter, how could she not trust her father and even question him?
If her father had a better option, would he be hiding in Sylvania?
He had his reasons, but she was anxious to find answers.
How unfilial of her.
"Ashley, listen to me. Stay out of this matter. If you want to live in the country, stay there. If you want to come to Evercrest City, come over. But promise me, don't get involved in my and Dorian's affairs, okay?"
Hearing her father's serious tone, Ashley knew this was no simple matter.
She grew even more curious, "But Dad, how could such a large sum of money just disappear? Damian insists that Dorian transferred a significant amount of funds, and the Astor Group's finances were in deficit, leading to bankruptcy. It doesn't make sense. Dad... I'm not a child anymore. I want to help you bear the burden."
She heard her father sigh. After a moment of silence, he said, "Ashley, we're businessmen, but often the money in our hands isn't ours, and even our fate isn't in our own hands."
Her father's cryptic words gave Ashley a clue.
Businessmen.
He said they were just businessmen.
So who was controlling them? Crushing them?
Why was the whole family so secretive about it?
After a moment, Ashley cautiously asked, "Dad, did you offend someone?"
Todd avoided the question and said earnestly, "Ashley, it's not that we don't miss you. Reducing contact is for your own good. No matter what happens, remember that we love you very much, and you must take good care of yourself."
This phone call left Ashley unsettled for a long time.
Perhaps things were far more complicated than she had imagined.
Perhaps her parents' issues couldn't be resolved with money alone. Perhaps... someone deliberately didn't want them to return.
After listening to his subordinate's report, Damian pressed his left hand on the top photo on the coffee table. His voice, soaked in the night, was cold, "No one can speak of this matter."
The man in the baseball cap nodded, "Yes, sir! Should we continue investigating?"
Damian's deep, endless gaze pierced through the distant view of Half Mountain Villa, looking into the dark sky as if trying to uncover the secrets hidden in the abyss. "Yes, investigate discreetly. If anyone finds out, your life will be at risk."
The man understood the gravity of the situation and replied more cautiously, "Yes, I will be extra careful."
Damian asked, "Any movement in Evercrest City?"
The man reported, "Mr. Astor and his family have opened a small restaurant there. So far, everything seems fine. I've assigned more people to protect them secretly."
Confirming their current safety, Damian nodded, "Mrs. Astor is not in good health. Do not disturb her."
The man said, "Mr. Hearst, there's something I find quite strange."
"What is it?"
"Besides Mrs. Astor, it seems Dorian's wife is also in poor health. Our people reported that she frequently visits the hospital. And despite their financial troubles, they still do charity work?"
Damian's gaze returned, half-squinting, "What kind of charity?"
"They seem to donate to a local welfare home every month. The amount isn't large but very consistent, and it's been going on for three years. It's an anonymous donation. We wouldn't have found out if we hadn't tracked the funds."
Scarlett was in poor health and needed long-term care, and Dorian's wife frequently visited the hospital.
They also regularly donated to charity.
This family was really...
Damian rubbed his temples, "Keep a close eye on them and report any developments to me immediately, at any time."
The last sentence nearly scared the man to death. Was the boss too concerned about the Astor family hiding in Sylvania?
Allowing them to contact him 24/7?
"Yes, Mr. Hearst!"
The next day, after the morning meeting, Ashley overheard Riley and a female colleague whispering as they left.
One said, "Impressive, isn't it? Only a few months here, and she managed to push out our dedicated Lynn."
Riley sneered, "Well, she knows how to please the higher-ups. Of course, she gets whatever she wants. But it's better for Lynn to go to Justice Peak Law Firm. I heard she's Mr. Ross's right-hand person and will be handling big projects once she's confirmed!"
As the two walked away, it was clear their words were meant for Ashley to hear.
Ashley chuckled softly. How interesting.
Harold knocked on her head, "Didn't you hear me? What are you thinking about?"
Ashley snapped back, "What did you call me for?"
Harold handed her a file, "Go to the Jones Group and see if you can meet their CEO."
Ashley's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, "Harold, you have too much faith in me. Do you think a small lawyer like me can just walk in and meet the CEO of the Jones Group?"
Harold snorted, "Pretending? Who are you pretending for? Others might not get in, but you definitely can!"
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