Chapter 87 Ten Seconds to Open the Door
Judge Peterson strode down the hallway, his approach heralded by the respectful nods of countless lawyers and court staff. He carried himself with the commanding presence of a prime-time TV anchor.Ashley, gathering her composure, returned his greeting with a respectful nod. "Good morning, Judge Peterson."The judge studied Ashley's appearance with a discerning eye. His nephew had made an excellent choice; her beauty, grace, and intelligence were truly one in a million.Just the previous day, he had spoken of her to his wife, who had urged him to expedite the wedding. In the matrimonial market, she was a prize that could not be risked losing to another suitor.Judge Peterson's expression turned stern, and he feigned irritation. "What's this, 'Judge'? Just like Nate, call me Uncle Pete."Despite being surrounded by court staff and still in her robes, Ashley maintained a respectful distance. "I wouldn't dare, Judge. Speaking with you always keeps me on my toes, like one yellow card away from a penalty."The judge responded with a hearty laugh. "Finished with the case? Any plans tonight?"Ashley had yet to finalize matters with the representatives from KM Road and used this as her excuse. "I still have a half day's wrap-up. Duty calls, as you understand."The judge's face fell. "How about tomorrow? My wife is an excellent cook. Nate's favorite is her steamed meatloaf. You should come over; she'll cook for you."Ashley instinctively declined. "I have commitments tomorrow."But he cut her off, "Work never ends. You've got to eat. Let Nate pick you up. Come over early."Just then, another person approached the judge with a greeting, and he responded with a cheerful wave.Ashley was left feeling uneasy, wondering what Sean had told his uncle. A family dinner, now?When Clark saw Ashley conversing with Judge Peterson, he was puzzled. She certainly had an impressive network.Overhearing the latter part of their conversation, he realized it was a classic matchmaking setup."Mr. Clark."Having finally excused the judge, Ashley acknowledged him with a nod.Clark smiled. "Hard work today, Ashley. But it's finally coming to an end.""Just doing my job, nothing strenuous," Ashley replied.After discussing some final details, Ashley said, "Mr. Clark, with the case over, our agreement is concluded. I hope for your support in the future should the opportunity arise."This was just another necessary pleasantry, but she had no desire to collaborate with KM Road again.Clark nodded in agreement, then abruptly shifted the conversation. "Does you know old man Hearst?"Last time, Ashley had taunted him about her relationship with Sean. This time, she brushed off the question with a noncommittal "Sort of.""Is he setting you up with someone?"Ashley thought to herself, ‘Why are the execs at KM Road so nosy?’"It's nothing serious, just getting acquainted."But Clark had his doubts. Dinner at someone's home was more than just an acquaintance.Back at KM Road, after reporting their triumph to Damian, Clark couldn't contain his curiosity. "Ashley knows Sean, and she's tight with He Jin Song, too. I heard them talking today about having dinner at his place. They seem quite close."He couldn't figure Ashley out. She was a seemingly unremarkable girl, yet heavy hitters surrounded her.After Damian finished signing a document, he paused and looked up. "A family dinner?"Clark suddenly felt a chill down his spine and glanced at the central air conditioning – it was off. "Yeah, tomorrow. Never thought he'd be such a matchmaker, he practically lit up looking at Ashley, as if he was certain about something."Damian's grip tightened, nearly snapping the pen.With an icy demeanor, he said flatly, "Get out."Clark had come to share the good news, hoping to see his CEO's smile. Instead, he seemed to have irritated him.His heart tightened, not daring to say more. He tiptoed out.Only a few steps away, he heard, "Stop."Clark's heart pounded erratically. "Yes, sir? Any instructions?"Damian's tone was stiff. "What did she say?"Meeting someone for a few days and already going to their house for dinner?Was she so eager to find a man? Couldn't bear being alone?Clark was astute. He guessed it concerned Ashley. "Ashley didn't seem too enthusiastic, just polite."Damian snorted. "Call Thomas in."Moments later, Thomas knocked. "Sir?"Damian pushed aside a file, his presence cold. "What's your report?"Thomas was perplexed. He'd been monitoring the Manchester branch operations and didn't recall any slip-ups. Had someone uncovered something amiss?Uneasy, he picked up the file Damian had abandoned. At the top was Sean's name.Wait, hadn't he withdrawn from the lawsuit?Reading further, Thomas's eyes widened slightly. "He's He Jin Song's nephew?""Are you questioning me, or am I questioning you?"Lin quickly scanned through the page and got the gist—Sean wasn't just an associate of Shuyuan Law; he was a legacy, a "second gen." "My apologies, Sir. I was focused on the defense attorney's win rate in past cases. I didn't delve deep into his family background."Damian had done some preliminary digging and found Sean entangled in a web of connections with the political elite, though the specifics of his parents' identities remained elusive.He wondered about the He family's decades of navigating the political tides. Without a substantial family heritage, their current standing seemed improbable.The He family? Could it be the one from Rochester City?The same thought struck Thomas, and he recalled the tumultuous scene at Cloud ManHearston—Mrs—Young dining with Sean. The realization sent chills down his spine.Could Sean be pursuing Mrs. Young?This could blow up in a big way!"Maybe I should talk with Sean?" Thomas ventured carefully.Damian asked, "As what?"
Thomas paused, his mind grappling with the delicate situation. He was acutely aware that he couldn't remind Damian to maintain a respectful distance from their former client, Mrs. Young."The Shuyuan Law Firm has been a part of our legal network for six months now, yet they've contributed nothing of significance," Thomas voiced his concern. "Perhaps it's time we gave them a gentle push?""Speak with Director Ye from Shuyuan," Damian directed, his tone firm and decisive.The strategy was clear: to catch the crook, target the king first. Director Ye Mingdong held a higher rank than Sean. Thomas recognized the wisdom in Damian's approach and nodded in agreement. "Understood, Sir. I'll arrange a meeting with Director Ye."---Ashley's day had been a whirlwind of activity. Exhausted, she returned home, discarded her heels at the door, and made a beeline for the kitchen, her stomach growling in protest.Opening the freezer, she was met with a disappointing sight. It was devoid of her usual stock of ready meals, not a single dumpling to be found. Instead, the fresh produce drawer was neatly filled with an array of fruits and vegetables, along with a pack of handmade dough.She could only attribute this unwelcome change to Damian's intrusive meddling. His hands always seemed to be busy with everything except his actual work. What was he thinking, reorganizing her freezer? The idea of quick meals in minutes was a farce!Frustrated, Ashley slammed the double doors of the freezer shut and shot a glare at the dishwasher. She had purposely refrained from reporting the court results to Damian that day, hoping he'd get a taste of what it felt like to be cut off completely. This time, she was determined to sever ties for good.She slid her phone open, ready to order takeout, when the doorbell rang. Ashley froze, her ears perked up, silently praying that the silence would give the impression of an empty house.The doorbell rang again.Ashley held her breath, playing possum.Then her phone buzzed.Damian's name flashed on the screen, fueling her annoyance. She turned her back on the phone, pretending it wasn't there.The ringing ceased, only to be replaced by a text from Damian.[You have ten seconds to open the door, or I punch in the code.]
