Chapter 459 Leaving in Disgrace
Victor clenched his fist slowly after hearing her words.
Ashley had completely refuted his opinion! She didn't give him any face at all!
But being forced into this situation, he had to respond, "I didn't expect Ashley, who has never been involved in company management, to know so much. Can I take it to mean that being close to excellence makes one better?"
Ashley smiled lightly, "I've known you all for so long, I'm fortunate to have learned a little bit." She was poised and natural.
Were you kidding me? I grew up listening to my dad and brother talk business at home; I picked it up just by listening.
Victor's face turned ugly again, but he smiled and said, "I think Ashley makes a lot of sense. As for the specifics, we'll have to see what Mr. Hearst and the board think."
Damian nodded, "Let's leave it at that for now. You can go back to work."
Victor hated the title of Vice President, his hand clenched, and he nodded, "Alright, I'll get back to work."
After he left, the office returned to its slightly awkward and ambiguous atmosphere with just the two of them.
Ashley picked up her coffee on the sofa, "What was that expression, Mr. Hearst?"
Damian walked around the desk, came straight over, leaned down, and propped his arm behind her, enveloping her in his chest, "Did you do your homework in advance?"
As he suddenly leaned in, the air became thin, and Ashley felt uncomfortable all over, "If I said no, would you believe me? Besides, how would I know what questions you'd ask?"
He believed her because Ashley couldn't predict the future.
Damian's sharp lips curled up slightly, his gaze deep and far-reaching, "Being a lawyer wasn't in vain; your ability to adapt on the spot is impressive."
Ashley's heartbeat quickened, and she looked up, asking, "So, does that mean you agree with my proposal from yesterday?"
Damian replied, "Are you thinking about giving up your law license?"
Ashley instantly bristled, gripping her cup, "If you're not going to help me investigate, fine, but how can you go back on your initial promise? You're a man; how can you change your mind so easily?"
Damian watched her argue up close, not at all repelled, but rather intrigued, "You're so good at business management, why not come work at KM? I'll give you a position."
Ashley's eyes blinked, "You're not joking?"
Damian touched her nose, then her lips, "Of course not. Just being eloquent doesn't mean you can manage a company well."
Damn it!
"So, will you cooperate with me?"
"I'll look into your father's matter, but I won't update you on every development. Some things aren't that simple. Knowing too much won't do you any good, but I can assure you that their safety won't be threatened."
This was also what he had agreed upon with Dorian from the start.
Damian's willingness to help had already exceeded Ashley's expectations. She didn't dare to think too much for now and agreed readily, "Alright, thank you."
This was a phrase Damian particularly disliked.
In the afternoon, Ashley continued reading documents while Damian was busy with meetings, phone calls, handling paperwork, and meeting guests.
There was hardly any free time.
At one point, Ashley dozed off on the sofa, and when she woke up, she found Damian still energetically working on his computer.
Was he Superman? How does he never get tired?
How could he be Superman? He does get tired, but managing such a large enterprise, can he afford to say he's tired? Can he afford to back down?
Ashley looked at his tall figure, feeling a pang of heartache, thinking she must find a way to cure his insomnia.
When it was time to leave work, Ashley put down the documents she had finished reading and asked proactively, "What do you want for dinner?"
Having seen Damian's workload, she felt it was too much to give him pancakes and vegetable soup; he deserved better food!
Damian put down his pen and asked quietly, "You say that as if you'll cook whatever I want."
Ashley couldn't refute that but tried hard to win him over, "I can learn. Cooking is a skill that improves with practice."
"Start with what you know."
If he ordered what he wanted, she might end up crying in the kitchen.
Ashley stifled a laugh and self-deprecatingly said, "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Hearst. I'll do my best!"
Damian turned to get his coat from the hanger, his lips curling up again.
Paula stood at the airport, her emotions a complex mix of anger, unwillingness, frustration, and pain.
Calling Trinity yielded no answer, and Ashley certainly didn't want to hear her voice anymore.
Was she going to leave in disgrace like this?
Was her battle with Ashley really going to end in failure?
No! She couldn't accept it!
Since she was already at the end of her rope, she had nothing to lose. Before leaving, she had to do something for herself!
Gritting her teeth, she dialed a number.
"Who is this?" The voice on the other end was extremely cold.
Paula shivered but quickly steadied her emotions, clenching her fist, "Mr. Victor Hearst, do you remember me?"
Victor was irritably smoking. Hearing this, he moved the cigarette away from his mouth, squinting his eyes deeply, "Paula?"
They didn't have much interaction. A few years ago, when Astor Group was still thriving in Rochester City, they had met at a banquet. Paula was a typical gold-digger, only associating with more powerful people. At every major event, she would proactively get to know some high-society individuals.
Victor was one of them, but he had never given her a second glance.
Later, due to Ashley and Damian's marriage, the Hearst family had some business interactions with the Astor family's relatives. While there was no familial affection, business courtesies had to be maintained.
So, Victor had some impression of Paula.
However, after Astor Group went bankrupt, the Astor family members all disappeared, and contact naturally ceased.
Hearing Paula's voice again, Victor was a bit surprised.
"It's rare that you remember me. I really admire Mr. Victor Hearst's charm and charisma. I wanted to invite you to dinner, but I don't have time. My flight to Dreamvale is today."
Victor's face was gloomy, but his tone remained polite, "In such a hurry? Not giving me a chance to see you off?"
"Opportunities are created by people. Next time you're in Eirondia, let's meet up."
Victor chuckled, "Definitely."
After the pleasantries, Paula got to the point, "What do you think of Ashley?"
Victor's fingers tightened, crushing the cigarette, "What are you trying to say?"
Today, being countered by Ashley in Damian's office, he still hadn't gotten over it and was feeling annoyed.
"Ashley is my cousin. I should be helping her, but she's too ruthless in her actions, and I don't like it! So, I want to do you a favor."
Victor's interest was piqued, but he didn't show any eagerness, "Is that so?"
"Ashley's parents and brother are living well, running a store in Evercrest City. Do you think that's the life criminals should have? Living so comfortably while owing money, it's just not right!"
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I don't want to die in Eirondia. I want to come back, and only you in Rochester City can make that happen."
Victor's dark eyes grew even deeper, but he didn't give an answer.
Paula continued, "Ashley is not as simple as she seems. She's ruthless! If you want to get rid of this obstacle, I can provide unlimited support from behind. After all, I grew up with her. Who knows her and her family better than I do? Also, Mr. Damian Hearst hasn't completely cut ties with her. They're very close and might even get back together. If she really marries into the Hearst family again, wouldn't that little scandal become a stain on Damian?"
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