Chapter 447 Stop It, There's a Camera in the Elevator
Faced with Hendrix's roar, Damian and Ashley reacted surprisingly consistently—indifference.
Damian was the type to remain unfazed even if the sky were falling, while Ashley forced herself to stay calm. Finally, there was a chance to make Hendrix give up, and she didn't want to mess it up halfway. "Mr. Long doesn't believe in others' words; he should trust his eyes. Eating here, what do you think it means?"
Hendrix's clenched fist showed bulging veins. The unpleasant scene at Silvermoon Manor weighed on him again. His nearly thirty years of undefeated life had been repeatedly tarnished by Damian, shaking his confidence and pride.
Recently, Linda had been grinding his nerves, and all this mess was thanks to Damian!
"I'll talk to you about this later—Mr. Hearst, a word!"
Hendrix bypassed Ashley and grabbed Damian's shoulder.
The two men, of equal height, instantly sparked a tense atmosphere, the familiar prelude to a fight silently igniting.
Ashley, worried about another street brawl, grabbed Hendrix's arm with one hand and pulled Damian back with the other. "What are you doing? If you have something to say, take it outside. Don't ruin the restaurant's atmosphere. Are you going to fight again? You're both adults; can't you solve problems properly?"
Hendrix couldn't care less; he wanted to punch Damian in the face. He gritted his teeth and whispered, "Despicable! To keep her, you dare use such dirty tricks. Do you even deserve to be called a man?"
Hendrix had always suspected Damian of using his power to bind Ashley, thinking it was the lowest of the low. Ashley's law license being revoked was undoubtedly Damian's doing.
Ashley was just a naive fool, being sold and still counting the money for the seller.
"Ashley, this is between him and me. Stay out of it and go have some tea."
Hearing Hendrix's tone, it was clear he wanted to fight. Ashley wouldn't let go, "Mr. Long, my license being revoked has nothing to do with Mr. Hearst. I've found the person responsible and taken my revenge."
Hendrix's murderous gaze shifted to her face. "Really? He didn't give you a hard time?"
The concern was genuine, and so was the care.
His tenderness made Ashley feel inexplicably guilty. "The other party paid the price, and it was Mr. Hearst who helped me teach them a lesson. I'm treating Mr. Hearst to dinner today to thank him. I didn't know the restaurant's style at first. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, can you calm down?"
Ashley was explaining to him?
She cared about his feelings!
Hendrix's heart softened, his hostility dissipating. He released Damian's arm and said, "After dinner, I'll take you home."
Ashley broke into a sweat. "Hendrix, please don't cause any more trouble!"
"Ms. Bergstrom is waiting over there. What does it look like if you take me home?"
Hendrix looked pained. Tonight was a series of misfortunes. "Don't misunderstand; it's a blind date arranged by my parents. I didn't know it was her beforehand."
Ashley smiled, "No matter who it is, I wish you well."
Hendrix urgently said, "You know how I feel!"
Esme, left out of the conversation, couldn't hear their low voices and her face darkened bit by bit.
She suddenly felt like an extra.
Ashley ignored Hendrix and walked over to greet Esme with a smile. "Ms. Bergstrom, we haven't had a chance to meet since last time. Let's have a meal together sometime to thank you for your hospitality at Limehof."
Esme disliked Damian and wasn't friendly to Ashley either. She coldly said, "If anyone deserves thanks, it's Mr. Hearst. Why are you getting involved?"
The implication was that Ashley, just a secretary, didn't deserve it. Even if she was close to Damian privately, she was just an unpresentable lover, while Esme was the legitimate daughter of the Bergstrom family!
Ashley didn't mind her attitude and smiled, revealing shallow dimples. "I heard Ms. Bergstrom works in Rochester City. I hope I have the honor to show you some hidden local delicacies."
Her humble attitude and gentle tone left Esme with no room to criticize. "Maybe another time."
"Alright, Ms. Bergstrom, I won't disturb your dinner with Mr. Long."
As they left the restaurant, Ashley let out a sigh of relief. "Mr. Hearst, it's better to dine at Cloud Mansion next time."
At least there, they were less likely to encounter such a scene.
Damian didn't leave but instead put one hand in his pocket and held her hand with the other, his gaze fixed on her eyes. "You're not just good at being straightforward; you're also quite the diplomat. I need to get to know you better, Ms. Astor."
Her ability to navigate social situations left a deep impression on him, making him particularly intrigued.
Ashley's skin tingled at his words. "Mr. Hearst, are you complimenting me? I'm not used to being praised by you."
"Blame me for not praising you enough? Show more of your strengths, and you'll see I'm not just a critic."
Damian smiled, the breeze brushing his face, the beautiful scenery unfolding like a painting, captivating with just one glance.
As they walked out, Damian held Ashley's hand tightly. The moon hung over the eaves, its soft light covering the city, making them feel embraced.
On a not-too-hot summer night, the wind blew from one end of the alley to the other, lifting hair and clothes, adding a touch of romance.
Ashley finally understood why the path outside was paved with stones—it was to create opportunities for couples to touch!
Looking at her fingers wrapped in his large hand, Ashley's heart beat a few extra times.
Damian looked up at the corner of the wall. "The moon looks nice tonight."
Ashley pressed her lips together. "It's almost full, very bright."
Inside.
Hendrix sat down angrily, no longer in the mood to eat.
Esme smiled and asked, "Do you like Ashley?"
Hendrix replied irritably, "Isn't it obvious enough?"
Esme was stunned, then pretended to be nonchalant and nodded. "I noticed a long time ago but chose not to accept it. But she's Damian's person and doesn't seem to have any other thoughts about you."
Hendrix pinched his nose in frustration. "You don't understand their relationship. Feelings can be cultivated; I'm confident."
Esme raised her glass. "Then let's toast to our shared plight and wish us both success."
Hendrix was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Esme shrugged. "You like her, I like you. You're preparing for a long-term battle, and I'm mentally prepared too. You chase her, I'll chase you. Who knows where the chips will fall."
"Are you crazy?"
"Yes, unrequited love is said to be a severe psychological disorder, and only you can cure it."
Damian drove home, and they took the elevator to the top floor.
In the enclosed space, the faint scent of red wine lingered with their breaths.
Damian looked at their reflections on the metal wall. "Why are you standing so far away? The elevator is only so big; where can you hide?"
Ashley clutched her bag strap, pretending to be calm. "Just tired of standing, looking for a place to lean."
Suddenly, Damian's long arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace. His warm breath brushed her earlobe. "If you want to lean, why not lean on me?"
Ashley tried to pry his arm away. "Don't mess around; there's a camera in the elevator."
Damian turned, using his height to block the camera, enveloping her in his arms. "Now there isn't. Can we do something else?"
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