Chapter 466 Get Ready with Tissues to Wipe Your Tears
"Feeling upset?"
"Hearing such slander and misunderstanding from strangers."
"Yes, a bit upset."
"So, I don't want to hear it anymore."
So Ashley took the initiative, smiling at the two stunned girls. Being able to work in the president's office showed they were quite capable, but women naturally love gossip. Her interactions with Damian these days undoubtedly provided them with material for their idle chatter.
But she didn't like it!
"This rumor has been going around for a long time, hasn't it? It sounds so real, as if I have some unspeakable deal with your Mr. Hearst."
One girl stammered, "Ms. Astor, we just heard it from others."
Ashley curled her lips, not feeling awkward about the slander, as it wasn't really dirty water, "Instead of guessing, why don't I give you a clear answer? It's not that I wanted to come to KM, nor did I beg him or cling to him. It's because your Mr. Hearst has something he needs my help with, something that involves KM's interests and business secrets, which naturally can't be disclosed."
Another girl, perhaps bolder, said, "Ms. Astor, please don't be angry. From an ordinary person's perspective, it's easy to misunderstand. You used to be Mr. Hearst's hired lawyer, so it was normal for you to come and go. But now, KM doesn't have any lawsuits, and you two seem quite close."
Ashley asked, "How close? Have you seen us holding hands or hugging?"
The two were speechless. After all, although Ashley and Damian appeared together, they had never had any physical contact, but who knew what happened behind closed doors.
Seeing them lower their heads in silence, Ashley glanced at the president's office from the corner of her eye, "Gossiping about Mr. Hearst's personal life, if you don't want this job, there are plenty of people outside who would love to take your place. Today, I can pretend I didn't hear anything and won't tell Mr. Hearst, but if I hear similar gossip again, don't blame me for using my proximity to report to Mr. Hearst. What do you think he would do if he found out?"
God! If Damian found out, they would all be doomed, not only kicked out of the company but also unable to find jobs elsewhere!
They would be in big trouble.
Ashley was so calm, clearly indicating she wasn't in that kind of relationship with Damian.
Damn it, they should have kept their mouths shut and not sought momentary pleasure.
Their faces turned pale instantly, all blood drained, looking like zombies, "We won't say anything, Ms. Astor, there won't be a next time! Please don't tell Mr. Hearst, please, please."
"Sorry, we really just heard it from others, sorry."
Ashley didn't want to threaten them, but sometimes, if she didn't scare them a bit, she might be drowned by rumors, "I'm not a leader in your group, but as a lawyer, I reserve the right to defend my reputation at any time. This is a one-time warning."
With that, she stepped away.
The crisp sound of high heels, confident and bright.
The two behind her felt their knees go weak, looking at each other.
Ashley believed her reminder was effective, and no one dared to gossip again. Even when she went to the legal department to study, the staff were polite, treating her as a VIP of KM.
Damian's name had that power.
She thought, maybe she could consider joining the legal department's team-building activities.
So she contacted Janet, asking him to save a spot for her.
Everyone was in the same circle, and they would need each other's help in the future. Instead of avoiding, it was better to actively integrate.
Janet replied quickly: [Great! I'll inform the general department right away. The team-building is two days and one night, and the environment will definitely satisfy you. Do you know the group has a large flower garden in the suburbs? There's also a themed hotel!]
Nine Creeks Garden? The estate specially built by the Hearst family?
Unexpectedly, KM's legal team-building could go to such a luxurious place. The company treated its lawyers really well, almost enjoying the same treatment as the Hearst family.
Thinking about it, Ashley was quite looking forward to it.
Ashley had a feeling someone was watching her. Turning around, she was almost scared out of her wits, "When did you get here?"
To send a message conveniently, she hadn't entered the office yet, and Damian seemed to be coming from the direction of the break room.
Ashley's forehead itched a bit, feeling something was off.
Damian's long arm reached over her shoulder, pushing open the solid wood door, "Not coming in?"
"Okay."
As soon as Ashley entered, her back was pressed against the door by a strong arm, "What are you..." doing?
Before she could finish, Damian's breath hit her nose, and his moist lips sealed hers.
In the exchange, Damian's gentle attack was conveyed, as tender as the spring breeze.
He was rarely this gentle, his cool lips emitting just the right warmth, soothing her lips. His big hand lifted her head, deepening the action, constantly turning at a comfortable angle.
Almost shattering all her senses.
Instinctively, she grabbed his sleeve, pulling herself closer.
Her body was more honest than her mind, unable to resist enjoying the kiss.
She never knew Damian could be so good at this, so good it was addictive, impossible to extricate herself, so good it made her forget all the unpleasantness, all the deceit.
Actually, they were right, wasn't she and Damian in this kind of relationship?
Their intertwined breaths paused for a moment, Damian's nose rubbing against hers, "I heard it."
What?
Ashley, still a bit dazed from the kiss, asked, "Heard what? What I just said to them?"
"Yes, no one will dare to speak ill of you again."
Ashley scoffed, "I've already warned them, of course, they'll restrain themselves. But you, Mr. Hearst, I don't believe someone as perceptive as you didn't know before!"
Damian remained expressionless, "Do you think I have the leisure to care about those outside rumors?"
It sounded reasonable, but she didn't believe it.
Instead, she felt Damian was deliberately letting those rumors spread.
Was he sick? Enjoying being gossiped about.
"I got a call from Grandpa, going to see him tonight. You don't need to take me, make your own plans. If you don't want to cook, you can eat out."
So soon, Anthony was going to hold him accountable?
Ashley was a bit worried, "What if your grandpa scolds you?"
Anthony had a terrible temper, hitting people with his cane at the slightest disagreement, and he hit hard.
Damian smiled faintly, "After he scolds me, I'll come to you. Will you comfort me?"
That unintentional smile was like a soul-stealing poison, making her heart tremble just by recalling it.
Ashley's heart fluttered, her fingertips tingling as she quickly raised her eyebrows, "I'll have tissues ready for you to wipe your tears, plenty."
He said, "Okay."
Ashley was stunned.
This wasn't normal, Damian's reaction was too abnormal.
Ashley shook her head, stop thinking about it, think about the wood carving in the drawer, think about Jessica, Damian was just as affectionate to them!
After work, Ashley left early on purpose. A few steps out of the company building, her phone rang.
An unfamiliar number from Rochester City, Ashley frowned and answered, "Hello."
"It's me, Esme."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
