Chapter 55 I Have to Say, It Feels Good
Christian Brin lounged in his office, legs propped on the desk, swaying rhythmically. "Doesn't sound like something that Ashley Astor would say."
After years of sparring, Ashley wasn't intimidated by him. Sure, Christian Brin could be ruthless, but he wasn't the type to irrationally ruin a girl's future. "It’s unlike you to go legal to vent your frustrations. Playing the field is one thing, but this isn't worth your time."
"A man's pleasure can't be bought; it's priceless if you ask me."
Ashley pulled the blinds down, blocking the inquisitive glances from outside. "What do you want, Mr. Brin?"
Christian, indifferent as ever, smiled, "Seeing you this eager, practically groveling, I have to say; it feels good."
With clenched jaw but a steady tone, Ashley proposed, "I apologize, you withdraw the lawsuit. How does that trade sound?"
"An apology should look like one, shouldn't it, Miss Astor?"
Ashley grasped the pen in her hand, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. "Fine, name it."
"Eight tonight at Blue Star Club. Drink's on me."
Ashley didn't know what he was planning, but she had a feeling it would lead to more trouble. "No problem."
Hannah, carrying water, knocked on a door but it didn't open, so she waited outside, finding a seat.
Lynn Lloyd, carrying a folder, sat beside her, "Ashley can be too showy for her own good, and now she's attracted unwanted attention."
Hannah rolled her eyes, "Meaning?"
Lynn smiled, "When Ashley first joined the law firm, I thought she was good, beautiful, poised, with strong expertise, and Harold's protégé. Everyone respected her, but she shouldn't take it for granted. Big cases went to her, and she was always protected; everything came easy. Those of us who've been through thick and thin with Harold, we feel neglected."
Hannah never liked Lynn. If Lynn's boyfriend wasn't her cousin's partner, she would've put Lynn in her place long ago. "Miss Lloyd, I used to think you had good social skills, but it seems I was mistaken."
Lynn's face darkened. "You've been brainwashed, too? We've known each other for years, and you've only known her for three months."
"So what? Ashley won me over with her character in a single day, while you've destroyed your image with just one conversation, slandering my mentor right in front of me. You're something else, really."
Lynn Lloyd chuckled dismissively, "You're still a college student, shielded from the darker sides of society. Think about it, why is Ashley, with all her education and expertise, still a rookie? Some might sugarcoat it as she had spent some years studying overseas, but maybe she's really fleeing from trouble. I'm laying it out straight because I see you as a friend; don't let her take advantage of you."
Hannah slammed a book down on the table, causing a resonant thud, "Lynn, could you please take your negativity elsewhere? You're polluting my air."
After clearing her desk of the day's work, Ashley logged onto social media.
Online, word of Amelia's street battle went viral.
"Typical mistress material; her acting's so convincing because it's all her in reality!"
"A nobody daring to snag a top industry boss, hahaha..."
"Go, Ellie Zane! Calling out her love rival in public, I'm all for this move."
"It's like watching mistresses and side chicks vie for jealousy-fueled attention, waving worthless banners, Zane's newfound favor might not even last more than three months."
"Don't try to be clever, boyfriend's public support is obvious, looks like she's getting a “promotion”."
Ashley's head ached scrolling through endless comments and closed the viral thread. Amelia's agency had yet to issue a statement.
Christian Brin hadn't commented either.
But the ferocity of public opinion was overwhelming. The scandal's heat already broke records, and many users were openly boycotting Amelia's latest project.
"Actors with scandals need to be booted from showbiz!"
"A dishonorable actor doesn't deserve to be a public figure! Amelia, get out of the industry!"
"Step down!"
"Why keep silent, Amelia? Where's your explanation? Your apology? Scared?"
"Don't hide, we know you're lurking."
The vitriol seared Ashley's lungs; if Amelia saw this, who knows what extremes she'd go to!
Past six, Ashley left the law firm for home. On the way, she called Harold, "How's Amelia doing?"
Harold was busy in the kitchen, "With me around, she's fantastic. Chilling in the living room with snacks and TV. How about you? Hannah mentioned you've been buried in work, out of sight."
"I'm reaching out to a few contacts to see how we can handle this mess," Ashley replied, "And keep Amelia away from her phone, will you? Social media's turned against her, a horde of mindless haters stirring the pot. Christian Brin's probably fanning the flames. Otherwise, the news wouldn't escalate this fast. I'm worried Amelia might blow your roof off if she catches wind of it."
Harold glanced back at the living room to ensure Amelia was out of earshot, "My phone's on me, the iPad and computer are locked up tight. If need be, I'll make sure she stays off the grid, no social media, no news. If I can't handle this minor issue, I might as well not have spent decades making a name for myself in Rochester."
Ashley trusted him to get things done but once again underlined her point, "Christian Brin's a peculiar one, obsessed in his ways. Don't butt heads with him, and lay off using your family connections; I wouldn't want your parents to catch any heat. Let me talk to him first."
Harold's voice spiked with urgency, "Are you thinking of dealing with this privately??"
Ashley, avoiding the outright truth, reassured, "Christian's strategy is to wear Amelia down. We can't let him win. Relax, Harold, I've got some clout in Rochester, enough not to grope around blindly."
Harold grew anxious, "That's not clout; that’s your family's money talking in the past. Now, you've got nothing. Don't disgrace yourself, Ashley. This kind of people relish in playing people like puppets."
"I can handle myself, he's nasty but I'm no angel either," Ashley protested.
"Ashley, don't be foolish. Christian Brin's cut from the same cloth as Damian; they're ruthless, regardless of gender. No! Especially because you're a woman, you shouldn't go. That playboy could lose control at any moment... No way, Ashley, come to my place immediately. Worst comes to worst, I'll swallow my pride and have my dad intervene."
"And have your dad compromise his business dealings for this? Annoy Christian Brin now and he'll face obstacles everywhere. You not taking over your family business is one thing, but causing extra troubles for him...?"
"My dad has his ways," Harold retorted.
"Harold, trust me, I can deal with Christian Brin," she assured him.
After a hot shower to chase away the chill of a cold, popping a few pills, and donning a sophisticated, professional pantsuit topped off with light makeup to cover her fatigue, Ashley steeled herself mentally.
At worst, it would just be enduring humiliation without him actually daring to do anything; she was Damian’s ex-wife; Christian wouldn't dare.
So long as Amelia came out unscathed, she could take it.
Pulling into the parking lot of the Blue Star Club, Ashley instantly recognized the conspicuous sports car parked out front, Christian Brin's ride for the day.
In the Emperor's Room, Christian Brin lounged casually on a sofa, lazily holding a cigar, with Ellie snuggled up beside him.
Left untouched, the bruise painted a sordid picture on Ellie Zane's face. Her hair was neatly groomed, a stark contrast to the raw unmasked injury. Draped in a strappy maxi dress that swayed with grace, her new Hermès bag was eye-catching.
"Mr. Brin, Miss Zane," Ashley greeted with a courteous nod.
