Chapter 565 Bad Attitude, Punch to Flatten
Samantha held her wine glass, sipping slowly, "It sounds like you have some bad habits you really want to change."
Ashley replied, "I used to love snow, but not so much anymore."
Samantha didn't quite understand, "Isn't it all just snow? What's different? Did something unhappy happen when it snowed?"
Since it was a long flight, most passengers were well-equipped with neck pillows, eye masks, comfortable slippers, and snacks, which were essential.
Ashley took a neck pillow from her carry-on, put it around her neck, and adjusted her seat, "Because it involves some unpleasant memories, it's uncomfortable."
Samantha didn't fully understand, and seeing her close her eyes to rest, she didn't ask further.
The plane landed smoothly in Evercrest City. Ashley, pressed for time, didn't go to the hotel but went directly to see the so-called third party.
In the taxi, Ashley was surprised to see Samantha in high spirits. She hadn't used a neck pillow on the plane, just rested against the seat with her back straight.
Just looking at her made Ashley feel tired.
"After such a long flight, aren't you tired? Don't you need to adjust to the time difference?"
As a fellow woman, the difference was too great. Ashley had to force herself to stay energetic.
Samantha seemed unfazed, "It's probably a professional habit. In our line of work, adaptability is a must. Otherwise, how can we protect others? Not to mention flights of ten to twenty hours, during missions, we could go three days and nights without sleep and still be agile."
Ashley couldn't imagine such a scenario. If it were her, she'd definitely go crazy without sleep, "Why be a bodyguard with such hardship? Female bodyguards seem quite rare."
Samantha smirked, "Precisely because there are few of us, there's more demand. Professional female bodyguards earn more."
As for why she did it, Samantha thought it wasn't the right time to say too much.
Ashley was skeptical, "If it's just for money, it wouldn't have sustained you till now. But if you don't want to say, that's fine."
Samantha smiled, "You're very smart."
The taxi drove along the wide, empty roads of Sylvania. The non-urban sections were smooth and unobstructed, with the scenery on both sides quickly receding.
Soon, the car arrived at a row of apartments. Four-story buildings with external staircases winding up. The area wasn't great, but the surroundings were beautiful and quiet. Each household kept to themselves, living their own lives.
For an affair, it wouldn't be easily discovered.
Ashley sneered, glancing up, "There, second floor, 203."
The address given by the court was here, no mistake, but it was uncertain if anyone was home.
Samantha started up the steps, "Need me to kick the door in?"
Ashley burst out laughing, finding Samantha suddenly adorable, "I'm a lawyer, not a robber. Let's go up and knock."
Samantha complied, "Okay, you walk behind me."
Ashley didn't stop her.
If Samantha didn't do something, she wouldn't be able to showcase her professional skills.
Besides, Samantha walking boldly in front, fearless, was very cool.
At the door, Ashley knocked.
No response.
Samantha shifted her leg, ready to kick if no one answered.
Ashley shook her head and tried again.
Though no one opened the door, they heard something fall inside.
Not willing to open?
Ashley went to the window, "Hello, Anne Fuller, I need to talk to you in person. Please open the door."
Silence again.
Samantha pursed her lips, her temper flaring.
Ashley frowned, "Miss Anne, I'm Luna's attorney. I believe you've received the court summons. The hearing is tomorrow morning. This is your last chance. If you accept an out-of-court settlement, we can save your face from public exposure. If you insist on not returning the couple's joint assets, we will pursue litigation to the end."
The door opened.
In the doorway stood a voluptuous, sexy woman with deep brown hair, deep-set eyes, a high nose, and long legs peeking out from her nightgown.
She looked about twenty-five, young and beautiful, clearly a well-qualified mistress.
Anne's face was sullen, "What joint assets? That money is all Matthew's, it has nothing to do with Luna. She's just a housewife, she has no right to get a penny from my boyfriend!"
Her tone was strong, firmly asserting her innocence.
The term "boyfriend" was said with particular righteousness.
Not to mention, her demeanor was much stronger than Luna's.
These days, mistresses were so confident.
Ashley didn't confront her, smiling, "Miss Anne, can we talk inside? It's cold out here."
Anne looked at her and Samantha. Seeing they were all women, she let her guard down a bit.
Entering the living room, they sat down. The place was tastefully decorated, with a well-stocked wine cabinet and various silk items on the coat rack, all exuding a sexy style.
Matthew sure knew how to enjoy life, with a wife at home managing the household and a mistress outside for his romantic escapades.
Ashley glanced around, smiling, "Your home is very cozy. You have good taste, choosing high-end furniture and clothes. Those coats over there are all new-season items."
Chanel, Dior, Hermès, all luxury brands.
Such things were unaffordable for an average girl.
Anne crossed her legs, sinking into the vintage sofa, revealing a long leg, "You're not here to admire my home. I don't want to hear your flattery!"
Ashley picked up a teacup from the coffee table, "Antique tea set, quite expensive, at least four to five thousand dollars for a set."
Anne raised her long eyebrows, "What exactly do you want to say?"
Samantha didn't know what Ashley was getting at, but seeing Anne's bad attitude, she wanted to punch her!
Ashley put down the cup, smirking, "You don't have a job, your parents are ordinary workers. Without Matthew's support, this luxurious lifestyle will be out of reach. So you don't want to give up everything you've got. But let me be clear, the law states that a husband cannot transfer, gift, or hand over joint assets to a third party without his wife's consent. The wife has the right to reclaim everything. That's the outcome you'll face in court tomorrow. The court and the judge won't have the patience to chat with you like this."
Anne gritted her teeth, refusing to believe the outcome could be so bad!
Matthew said the money was hers, hers!
Ashley continued, "Besides the money directly transferred to your account, everything he bought for you must be returned, including jewelry, bags, shoes, clothes, furniture, and wine. If Luna pursues it, you must comply unconditionally. After the trial, if you don't comply on time, the court will send people to forcibly move your belongings. Most of the things in your house will be cleared out."