Chapter 556 Completely Rejecting Damian
Ashley sneered, "Maybe Victor has other intentions."
Didn't his face just scream 'ambitious wolf'?
Without evidence, Damian didn't make unnecessary speculations and continued, "Rochester City currently doesn't have any large-scale private rehabilitation centers. KM is planning to develop the first high-end medical rehabilitation complex in cooperation with the city. Unlike regular private hospitals, we also have a social security reimbursement center, allowing ordinary people to enjoy top-notch medical equipment and services. Once successful, it will form a perfect medical care industry chain with Limehof's sanatorium."
It was only after Damian became disabled that he had the idea of establishing a rehabilitation center. The municipal government's proposed universal healthcare upgrade plan coincided with his vision, which is why he was so invested.
Ashley didn't want to hear about grand business plans. In the end, isn't it all about making money?
All that talked about benefiting the country and the people, about being a benevolent healer, was just a facade to cover up the pursuit of wealth. It sounded noble, but behind the scenes, it was all dirty deals and power plays.
"Mr. Hearst, aren't you afraid I'll leak your business secrets?" She sneered.
Damian raised an eyebrow, "Who would you tell?"
Ashley was momentarily speechless, "Whoever pays, of course. Isn't that how business spies make money?"
Seeing her ears turn slightly red, Damian couldn't help but smile wider, "Secrets of this level aren't worth much. It seems you don't know much about business crimes."
Questioning my professional ability? I was a lawyer specializing in business crimes, okay?
"So, has Limehof's sanatorium been completed?"
They had a hard time getting the land from Sven, and she had a part in that. But she later declined Damian's offer of shares.
Damian said, "It's officially in use now. If your mother returns to the country, she can rest there. We've reserved a VIP spot for her."
"Why are you bringing up my mom? My mom is doing fine in Evercrest City; she doesn't need Mr. Hearst's concern."
Damian said, "You mentioned she had a severe mental illness and has been in a sanatorium for a long time."
"And then? Her suffering isn't..." Ashley's fingers clenched tighter and tighter!
Wsn't...
Wsn't what? Chad's despicable actions, and now you were blaming KM?
Forget it, it's pointless to argue.
Damian's deep eyes locked onto Ashley's hesitant gaze, "If I told you that the initial purpose of establishing Limehof's sanatorium was to provide your mother with a place comparable to those abroad, would you believe me?"
Ashley's eyes widened slightly, her delicate face stiffening under the indoor white paper lamp, her expression freezing like frost over a lake, cold for half a winter.
She suddenly lost her words, not knowing how to respond.
In her daze, she heard Damian say, "KM is involved in dozens of industries, but we've never had any dealings with the medical field before. That's why Sven was torn between KM and the Long Group, which has mature private hospitals. That piece of land is prime, with a beautiful environment, perfect for a sanatorium. I had to get it. For that, I outmaneuvered Hendrix and took the opportunity to take down Alexander's headquarters, sending him to prison."
As he mentioned it, the past came rushing back as if it happened yesterday.
Alexander received a call at a critical moment and left suddenly. After the tsunami accident, both Damian and Hendrix were injured, and Sven amicably sold the land.
It seemed natural, but every step was meticulously planned.
Ashley found her voice, "Don't tell me you went to all that trouble just to help my mom get treatment."
She didn't believe it, found it hard to believe!
Damian saw the doubt in her eyes.
"Ninety percent of it was for that, but I won't deny the profit motive. After all, I had to convince the board to invest and find top medical talent worldwide. Sentiment alone can't make a project happen. My identity as a businessman can't be denied. But hoping your mother gets the best treatment is not a lie."
Ashley warned herself, Damian is a liar. He's just doing a favor while making money; he can't be that kind-hearted!
"Regardless, my mother doesn't need it. Mr. Hearst can go ahead and make his fortune."
Damian felt a lump in his chest, a dull pain he couldn't vent, like molten lava repeatedly pressed beneath the earth's crust.
He adjusted his breath, calmed down for a moment, "Ashley, I'm trying to make up for the past. Even if you don't forgive me, don't do something foolish out of anger. My offer stands; if your mother needs it, the doors are always open for her."
Ashley glared coldly, suppressing her boundless frustration, "Enough, Mr. Hearst. Don't put on a tragic act; it doesn't suit you."
How is this different from attacking someone and then offering a benefit?
Especially when that attack was so brutal, so absolute, shattering her heart completely.
"Ashley!"
Ashley was about to leave when Damian called out in a deep voice. He struggled to stand, but the most he could do was stretch his neck.
"My family and I don't need Mr. Hearst's concern. Chad is the culprit; if you want revenge, go after him. As for the harm from the Astor Group, I'll settle that with him." Ashley tilted her head slightly, not letting her eyes sting, "Recently, Esme found me. She told me a lot of heartfelt things."
Damian didn't understand, the veins on his neck still bulging, "What did she say?"
"She said she loves Hendrix, that even if Hendrix doesn't look at her, she's willing to wait silently until he falls for her. But Hendrix told me he doesn't love Esme, that being with her is just settling, without any real affection or happiness. Do you know, Mr. Hearst, hearing that made me think of my past self. I was just as foolish, chasing after you, foolishly moved by my own feelings. Seeing her was like looking in a mirror, realizing my own ignorance and embarrassment. Now you casually talk about making amends, but does it help?"
"Ashley, you're not like them. You're not Esme, and I'm not Hendrix."
"Yes, Hendrix is at least gentler. Even if he doesn't love Esme, he hasn't hurt her."
Damian gritted his teeth, his fist nearly breaking the pen, "What do you want me to do? What can I do to make you feel better?"
He softened, retreated, pleaded.
He asked her, what do you want me to do?
He was willing to do anything to get her nod, to get a ticket back into her heart.
Ashley faced the courtyard, the fiery sunset glowing, the radiant afterglow illuminating the mountains, the winter hills draped in colorful attire, dazzling.
They said the most brilliant bloom of flowers inevitably ended in withering.
Human relationships were the same.
"Mr. Hearst, we're done. We can't go back to the past, and there's no future. Let's save our energy and find our own happiness. Mr. Hearst should look for a strategic partner, and I just want a gentle, caring lover. Simple meals, a simple life, for a lifetime."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
