Chapter 497 Developing Towards Becoming a Son-in-Law
Damian put down his phone and opened the photo again.
The photo enlarged, and Ashley's face took up half the screen. Her eyes were looking to the side, her profile was thin, her jawline extended to her long neck, and she looked very slim.
Was she living well in Sylvania?
If she was, why hadn't she gained any weight?
To avoid disturbing her life, he hadn't sent anyone to check on Ashley in the past two years. Judging by her condition, it didn't seem like she was doing badly.
Half an hour later, Damian's phone rang.
"Mr. Hearst, the casino's surveillance was wiped clean. After multiple layers of overwriting, the data is completely destroyed and unrecoverable. We haven't found any trace of Ms. Astor."
The result wasn't surprising, just a bit frustrating. They were a step too late and missed an important clue.
Damian said, "She wouldn't go to the casino for no reason. Check her recent schedule and the people she met, and report any suspicious clues immediately."
"Yes, sir."
He wouldn't give up as long as there was a glimmer of hope.
Not finding the masked man was a threat to everyone.
Las Vegas.
After finishing her business, Ashley didn't take the opportunity to tour Golden City. Instead, she checked out after resting for one night.
Otis was quite disappointed, but after the thrilling events of the previous night, he didn't dare suggest a company-funded trip. After packing up, he went to the airport with Ashley.
"Ashley, you look pale. Are you okay?"
Ashley was still waiting for Harold's call, feeling uneasy. "Being a mom makes you miss home easily. I miss my son."
Thinking of Noe's smiling face, Ashley felt much better.
This child was probably here to repay her kindness. He had been very well-behaved since birth, rarely cried at night, and never got sick. He was quiet, obedient, and well-behaved.
Otis was shocked when he first learned that Ashley was already a mother. Even now, he couldn't quite accept it. Being open-minded was one thing, but curiosity was another. He couldn't help but ask, "Ashley, what kind of person was your ex-husband? Why did you get divorced?"
Ashley deliberately avoided the question. "Well, he was very tall."
Height was a fact she couldn't deny, but she didn't want to comment on any other qualities.
Otis asked, "Do you still keep in touch?"
Ashley replied, "No, and I don't want to. When you separate, you should do it cleanly. Lingering connections only make things more complicated."
The lessons she learned from her own experiences were deeply ingrained.
Otis agreed. "My sister said the same thing when she got divorced. But later, they fought over custody, and it got really ugly. No one talks about love during a divorce; it's all about money and kids. I don't want to get married."
Ashley smiled. When you're married, you're willing to give your life to the other person. When you divorce, you want to take their life away.
They boarded the plane and took off.
Upon arriving at Evercrest City airport, Ashley turned off airplane mode as soon as the plane landed. The long-awaited message finally came!
Harold had tried calling her but couldn't get through, so he sent several WhatsApp voice messages.
Ashley listened to them as she got off the plane.
"I asked around, and no one knows Chad. But he does exist in their internal system. His academic records are complete, and his transcripts are fine. You can't just get into a prestigious university easily. Are you being too sensitive and overthinking it?"
Ashley didn't want to treat everyone like a math problem, but she was afraid of the "what if."
The phone rang, and Ashley answered.
"Sean, what made you think of calling me?"
Sean had helped her a lot and provided significant assistance. He frequently traveled to Sylvania for business, and they saw each other every month or two, becoming familiar enough to joke around.
Ashley had also changed her way of addressing him, calling him Sean.
Once, Sean attended a Wall Street banquet and asked her to be his date. When introducing her, Sean said she was an old friend, so Ashley called him Sean to make their relationship seem closer.
It became a habit.
Sean said, "Walk ten meters ahead. I'm at exit number two."
Ashley turned to find the direction of exit number two. After a few steps, she saw a tall figure. He had clearly just finished a long flight, looking travel-worn, holding a suitcase, and calling her.
Ashley told Otis she saw a friend and walked over quickly. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Evercrest City? Luckily, I came back from Golden City today, or I wouldn't be able to welcome you."
Sean had flown for over ten hours. Although business class was comfortable, he was still tired. But seeing Ashley at the airport lifted his spirits. "I had a lot to do this time, and I wasn't sure if I'd have time to see you. I didn't expect to run into you here."
His words hinted at fate.
"Yes! What a coincidence! You should have time for a meal. Let's go, my treat!"
Sean suggested, "How about we go to your place for dinner? I miss your mom's cooking and haven't seen Happy in a while."
Ashley agreed without hesitation. "My mom will be thrilled. Two men visiting in just two days."
"What? Besides me, there's another one?"
Ashley didn't want to talk about Chad, so she vaguely said, "A colleague."
Sean didn't ask further and looked around. "Wait for me a moment."
Ashley thought he was going to the restroom, but a few minutes later, Sean returned with a toy in a beautifully wrapped box.
In his other hand, he held a shopping bag with several small boxes of famous perfume.
He was always so considerate. He never visited Happy empty-handed, and half of Happy's toys were thanks to Sean. He even thought of her family, bringing gifts for everyone.
So, her whole family appreciated Sean.
But she felt she couldn't accept such kindness.
"He's still young and won't play with it. It's a waste. Besides, things at the airport are too expensive. You might as well give me the money, and I'll buy him a box of diapers."
Sean laughed. "Kids grow up fast. Besides, Happy is smart. Don't underestimate him."
Indeed, she often suspected that Happy had the brain of a ten-year-old.
Scarlett was delighted to cook several of her best dishes when she heard Sean was coming for dinner.
Todd held Happy, who was already sitting on the sofa, waiting. He discussed with Scarlett, "Honey, between Mr. Wilson from yesterday and Sean, who do you think is more suitable for Ashley?"
Scarlett replied, "Of course, Sean. Can't you see his feelings for Ashley?"
Todd agreed but then worried, "Ashley has been divorced and has a child. Sean is so outstanding. I'm afraid Ashley might feel pressured."
Scarlett said, "Ashley's heart hasn't healed yet. She can't let anyone else in. It's just making Sean suffer, flying back and forth. He says it's for business, and Ashley, that silly girl, believes him."
Todd teased Happy, smiling, "Happy, do you want Mommy to be with Sean?"
Happy pouted, "NO."
He stubbornly struggled to get out of Todd's arms, looking like he was being kidnapped.
"This kid, I just said one thing, and he's so upset. His expression is just like his dad's!"
Scarlett glared, "What dad? Don't mention that person!"
Todd quickly shut up.
"Dad, Mom, I'm back!" Ashley entered, deliberately blocking Sean behind her.
Todd turned and didn't see the guest, so he asked, "Where's Sean?"
Ashley pretended to be disappointed. "Sean? He had something come up and couldn't make it."
Scarlett immediately looked disappointed. "I made so many dishes just for him. Why isn't he coming?"
Their attitude towards Sean was increasingly like that of a son-in-law.
Ashley put down her suitcase and ran to the dining table. "I'll eat! I love these dishes too!"
Scarlett slapped her daughter's hand away and picked up the meat to hide it. "What are you eating? Save it for Sean. He can have it when he's done."
"Mom, I'm your biological daughter, right?"
Scarlett lightly tapped her nose. "Sean is such a good guy, and you don't like him. Your taste is so bad. I doubt you're my daughter."
Outside the door, Sean smiled, feeling a warm sensation in his heart.
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