Chapter 507 The Tree of Symbolic Thoughts
A few words completely stunned Ashley.
Martin was not home!
Didn't he swear never to leave the old town? How could this be?
Ashley stared blankly at the closed door, trembling all over.
What to do? She didn't have Martin's contact information, and the world is so big, where could she find him?
Natalia sensed her emotions and asked uneasily, "Auntie? Is the person we're looking for not home?"
Ashley bent down, trembling as she touched her face, trying not to let her emotions affect Natalia, "Natalia, I'll find a way. I will definitely find Mr. Collins to treat you."
Natalia nodded obediently, then touched Ashley's face with her small hand, "Don't cry, we promised to work hard together."
"Okay, we'll work hard together. Natalia is the best and bravest little girl in the world."
"Auntie is the best big girl!" Natalia said seriously, clenching her fist.
Ashley smiled through her tears.
At that moment, the phone rang.
Ashley picked it up, and her first reaction was to look around warily. Was she being followed?
She calmed herself and said coldly, "Who is it?"
Chad laughed on the other end, "Ms. Astor, where are you?"
"Where I am doesn't seem to concern Mr. Wilson."
She wasn't that familiar with Chad, and now that she was back in the country, there was even less need to contact him.
But Chad said matter-of-factly, "I finally came to the country on a business trip and wanted to ask you for some travel advice. Aren't you known for your hospitality?"
Back in the country? Could he be personally involved in the KM and Volcano lawsuit?
Chad always gave her a strange feeling, his intentions were never pure. Ashley's vigilance increased, "Are you in Rochester City?"
He laughed, "Where do you want me to be? I can be anywhere."
Damn it!
Ashley said seriously, "No matter where Mr. Wilson is, travel agencies are everywhere. Just find one and they can show you the beautiful scenery and delicious food of the country."
Chad said, "You're not in Rochester City?"
"No."
"When will you be back?"
"Not sure, I have things to do. That's it."
"Ms. Astor, don't be so heartless. I haven't done anything to you, have I?"
"Almost shot through my head, doesn't that count?"
Chad thought for a moment, feeling a bit guilty, "That was the boss's order, I was forced to do it. Privately, I haven't done anything to you, and I even saved your life."
"What exactly do you want to say?"
"When will you be back? Take me to eat Rochester City's specialty dishes."
"I really don't know. I have urgent matters, sorry Mr. Wilson."
Hanging up the phone, Ashley felt even more agitated.
She had no time to think about the KM lawsuit, but where should she start looking for Mr. Collins?
She looked up at the towering mountain peak.
An idea popped into her head.
She decided to act immediately. Ashley gave some money to the hotel staff, instructing them to take good care of Natalia, then she packed her bag and headed for the mountain top!
Mr. Collins must have told Bodhi about his trip.
Hopefully, Jasper had been to the mountain and said goodbye to Bodhi.
By the time she reached the cable car station, Ashley was already exhausted. She bought a ticket to the mountain top and collapsed on a chair.
After having a child, her stamina was even worse.
In the late autumn, the mountain top was covered with fallen leaves, exuding the mystery of an ancient church.
At that time, there were few tourists, and the church courtyard was remarkably quiet.
Ashley walked up the stone steps into the backyard and immediately saw the striking tree symbolizing longing.
All the leaves had fallen, and the branches were covered with bright red beans, each one seemingly filled with the longing of travelers.
She suddenly remembered that Damian had rudely broken a branch that day.
Shaking her head, Ashley stopped herself from recalling it.
The cold wind pierced her face like needles, quickly dissipating the warmth accumulated from walking, and the coldness penetrated her entire body.
Ashley kept rubbing her hands to maintain their flexibility.
Soon, she found Bodhi's prayer room.
Candles were lit in the room, and under the golden drapes, an old man was chanting.
Ashley pursed her lips and walked in gently.
"Bodhi, how are you?"
Bodhi slowly opened his eyes, and upon seeing her, he smiled in surprise, "You're here again?"
Ashley nodded politely, "Sorry to disturb your meditation."
Bodhi smiled and shook his head, "No disturbance, please come in."
Ashley sat on a bench, surrounded by singing, with the distant sound of bells and drums. Even if one wasn't a believer, they could feel a sense of mysterious peace.
After some simple greetings, Ashley said, "I saw Albert in Evercrest City. He's doing well and is very healthy."
Bodhi was slightly stunned, then nodded without much reaction.
He had already come to terms with his son, whom he hadn't seen for many years, and didn't expect much.
Then Ashley got to the point, "Do you know where Mr. Collins went? I came specifically to visit him, but his door was closed, and there was a sign saying he was away."
Bodhi smiled, "I see, I thought you came to me for advice on your troubles."
Ashley thought, indeed, "You can tell?"
"Your worries are written all over your face, it's hard not to see."
Ashley lowered her head in embarrassment, "There are some things that aren't going well."
"Would you like to hear my advice?" Bodhi asked kindly.
Ashley listened attentively. She didn't believe in gods or demons, but in times of confusion, a word from someone else could be a candlelight. Even if it couldn't illuminate the path ahead, it could at least warm her hands, "Please go ahead."
Bodhi said, "That day in the church, I mentioned that you two would face marital difficulties, do you remember?"
Ashley pursed her lips, "You were right."
"Do you want to rekindle your feelings for him?" Bodhi asked earnestly.
Ashley sat quietly, trying to clear her mind.
She didn't want feelings anymore.
"Letting the past be the past, isn't that good? I've retraced my steps before, and it didn't end well."
Not just bad, it was a complete disaster.
Bodhi said, "If you can let go, that's best. If not, why not pick it up again?"
Ashley shook her head, "Isn't all this God's arrangement? How can I pick it up?"
Bodhi suddenly laughed, stroking his white beard, "You're clearly not over it, why deceive yourself?"
Ashley stubbornly said, "I've long since let go, I won't love again."
"Even if you see that young man, are you sure?" Bodhi asked with a smile.
Ashley clenched her fists, "I can!"
She could, she had seen him before.
"Then go find him. Martin is in Rochester City, at that young man's house."
"What?"
Martin went to Rochester City, and the patient he was treating was Damian.
What a coincidence!
After coming down the mountain, Ashley was extremely conflicted.
Not finding Martin made her frustrated, finding him made her even more frustrated.
She just wanted to quietly stay in the mountains and forests of Coastal City to treat Natalia, but now it felt like a big joke.
Frustrated!
Biting her lip, Ashley fiddled with her phone, the screen showing Thomas's number. Should she call or not?
Call? Or not?
"Auntie, what's wrong?" Natalia asked curiously, seeing her fidgeting.
Ashley rested her chin on her hand, "Natalia, I found someone to treat you, but he's with someone I don't like."
Natalia thought seriously and said sensibly, "If you don't like him, I don't like him either. Then we won't look for him!"
If you don't like him, don't look for him.
Ashley envied children, they could be so pure.
But she couldn't, she didn't even have the right to be willful.
If she didn't contact Damian, she couldn't find Martin, and Natalia's condition would worsen, making her return meaningless.
A bitter smile crossed her lips, Ashley picked up the phone and dialed.
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