Chapter 501 Able to Face His Good and Bad Calmly
"What?" Sean exclaimed, "What's going on? Wasn't he under 24-hour surveillance? How did he die?"
Hannibal was an important criminal with many secrets. The prison had the highest level of security measures in place. Even if he wanted to die, it wouldn't be easy.
Moreover, the news from a few days ago said that Hannibal was actively cooperating with the investigation to save his life, revealing everything he knew.
"He was poisoned, and it only took a few minutes for the poison to take effect."
Upon learning that Hannibal was dead, Todd and Dorian were stunned.
The hard-won lead had abruptly and inexplicably broken.
The day of revealing the truth seemed once again far away.
Sean didn't linger and immediately decided to return to the country to investigate personally.
How could there be poison in the prison?
There must be some clues. As long as they were found, the broken lead could be reconnected.
The day he left, Ashley went to the airport to see him off. "This matter is very serious. Don't rush to find the killer and cause trouble for the Ross family. Actually, I'm already very grateful and content with things as they are."
The airport was bustling and noisy, making it inconvenient for Sean to say much. He told her, "Take care of yourself and wait for my news. Don't worry, I know how to handle this."
After putting Happy to sleep, Ashley went to the living room to get some water.
Passing by her parents' room, she vaguely heard them chatting.
She walked quietly closer and heard Scarlett's voice, "Ashley said our old house was auctioned off. I wonder if the trees in the yard are still there."
Todd replied, "Every autumn when the flowers bloomed, we would make flower cakes. It's been years since we had that taste."
His tone was filled with regret and longing.
Her mother said softly, "I often dream of Dorian and Ashley when they were little, playing on the swings and kicking a soccer ball in the yard. It was so lively back then. Do you think now that Hannibal is dead, those people will leave us alone? Can we get that money back?"
"Don't worry about these things. Isn't that what our son and I are here for? Sean is also helping. Just take care of your health and don't overthink."
"I'm just worried about Ashley. If the Astor Group were like it used to be, she wouldn't be suffering so much."
Todd coughed a few times before saying, "Don't mention these things in front of the kids."
Holding her water cup, Ashley looked down and found tears unknowingly streaming down her cheeks.
Every day, her parents happily told her how great Sylvania was and how they didn't want to return to Rochester City or miss their life there.
But in their hearts, Rochester City was home, and their current life felt like drifting.
The next day, Ashley went to work early at the law firm. Today was the court hearing for Mac's case, and many documents needed to be reviewed again.
Scarlett handed her a thick wool scarf, "It's cold. Wear more. You've had a child, don't be like those women who expose so much skin."
Ashley wrapped herself up tightly, "Okay, Mom, I won't expose anything."
Scarlett saw her to the door, smiling and waving, "Come home early after work. Your brother and sister-in-law are coming for dinner."
"Alright!"
The clear sky was dotted with white clouds, and the warm sunlight made people feel more energetic.
As she reached the entrance of the office building, she stopped in her tracks.
On the steps stood a familiar figure, smiling and waving at her.
Ashley's heart tightened, and she instinctively looked around, "Thomas? How did you know I was here?"
Thomas evaded the question, "Are you in a hurry to get to work? Do you have time for a cup of coffee?"
In the café downstairs, the two sat across from each other.
It had been a long time since they last met, and both had different lives and their secrets, making it hard to interact as easily as before.
Ashley was most worried that Damian would find out about her current situation, especially Happy's existence.
Given Damian's temperament, he would stop at nothing to fight for custody of the child.
She absolutely couldn't let him know that Happy's biological father was Damian.
Thomas said, "Don't be nervous. I'm not here to kidnap you."
Ashley forced a smile and got straight to the point, "Is Mr. Hearst also in Evercrest City?"
"Mr. Hearst is here for some important matters."
Thomas couldn't reveal the specifics.
Ashley didn't intend to ask, "How have you been lately?"
Thomas sighed, "How should I put it?"
It could only be described as complicated.
The company faced malicious competition, Damian had a car accident, and the hard-to-find Selene had disappeared again. Everything was uncertain.
Seeing his serious expression, Ashley asked, "Did something happen?"
Thomas hesitated, "Do you hate Mr. Hearst?"
Ashley replied, "Just say what you want to say."
"Actually, Mr. Hearst spent a lot of time investigating the Astor Group's bankruptcy. He finally traced it back to Hannibal and got him sent to prison. Unexpectedly, he was killed."
Ashley's grip on her coffee cup tightened. "You mean it was Mr. Hearst who got Hannibal sent to prison?"
Thomas nodded, "Hannibal was in such a high position that any misstep could lead to false accusations. Mr. Hearst had his suspicions before but didn't act until he recently gathered enough evidence."
Ashley had previously asked Damian to investigate this matter, and his response had been uncertain.
She hadn't expected him actually to do it.
"With Hannibal dead, it's much harder to investigate further, but still, thanks to Mr. Hearst," Ashley said calmly.
Regarding Damian, she no longer felt intense hatred or strong emotions.
She could even face his good and bad deeds with indifference, like now.
Thomas said, "Volcano is deliberately targeting KM and might take even more extreme measures. Given your past relationship with Mr. Hearst, they might target you. Be careful and don't let your guard down."
Ashley didn't deny this. Chad's deliberate approach was an attempt to gain something from her, "I will."
Thomas thought for a moment but didn't dare to say more, "I won't keep you from work any longer. By the way, can I have your phone number? As I said before, even if you don't consider Mr. Hearst, I personally want to be friends with you, nothing more."
Even if she didn't give it, since Damian had found her workplace, he would have countless ways to find all her contact information. She was making her stance clear.
After exchanging phone numbers, Ashley said, "I know you guys are good at what you do, but don't use those tactics on me, like tracking or eavesdropping. This is my request as a friend."
Thomas said, "If Mr. Hearst really wanted to do that, he wouldn't have waited until now. Don't worry."
"Let's hope so."
With that, Ashley walked out of the glass door.
In the hotel, in the top-floor suite.
Damian closed the file and rubbed his temples.
The phone rang, and he picked it up, "Speak."
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