Chapter 222 Ashley's Secret Identity Got Blown
Everyone knew Kelsey's kicks were tricked out by Ashley, and those sketches Chloe was clutching? Yeah, those were whipped up by the big-shot designer Elisa.
The crowd was floored by Ashley's bombshell, thinking, "No way, this can't be real."
Ashley shot a worried glance at Ethan.
She wasn't sweating about her secret identity getting blown.
She was freaked out about Ethan finding out she toughed it out to fix Kelsey's shoes.
Ethan's jaw dropped at Ashley's words, but then a wild idea popped into his head...
His heart was pounding, and he stared at Ashley like she was the last slice of pizza.
He thought, 'Wait, could Ashley be...'
"Babe, I'm sorry, there's something I've been keeping from you for ages..."
Ashley looked at Ethan, her eyes full of guilt.
Ethan grabbed her hand, his heart aching, and said, "I should be the one saying sorry. You've gone through so much to help me and the Yates Group. How could I ever blame you?"
As he spoke, he rubbed her wrist with his thumb, his eyes full of pain.
Ashley was taken aback and asked, "You knew?"
Ethan nodded. "Yeah."
"Babe, you've been through hell."
Ethan's voice was soft as he stroked Ashley's hair, treating her like she was made of glass.
Seeing this, Ashley figured there was no point in hiding anymore. Since Ethan already knew she was the one who fixed Kelsey's shoes, she decided to drop another bombshell.
On stage, they locked eyes, making everyone green with envy.
Chloe snapped, "Ashley, what exactly did you mean?"
Ashley shot her a cold look and said, "I spelled it out for you. Are you dense? Can you not understand plain English?"
"You!"
Chloe was fuming.
"Three months ago, I was laid up in the hospital with busted hands and feet from an accident. I was in a crappy mood. Just then, the brand needed new designs. Since I couldn't use my hands, I had Pauline help me out..."
As she spoke, Pauline showed up with some stuff.
"Ashley."
Pauline was a bit out of breath, like she'd sprinted over. She shot a cold glance at Chloe and stepped forward, saying, "These are the draft sketches."
"Everyone can take a look. These are the draft sketches for Celestial Swift. Each sketch has a design time and signature."
Kelsey looked at Ashley in shock and asked, "Mrs. Yates, are you Elisa?"
Everyone had been thinking it, but no one dared to say it out loud. Kelsey's words caused a stir.
Ethan, meanwhile, was staring at Ashley like she was a rockstar.
When Ashley mentioned the works came from the same person, Ethan had already pieced it together. He hadn't expected Ashley to be such a genius; she was a legend in the design world!
"That's right!"
As soon as Ashley dropped the bomb, the crowd went nuts.
"No way! Elisa's never shown her face. I always thought she was some old lady. Didn't expect her to be young and hot..."
"Ashley's totally flipped my script. I used to think pretty girls couldn't hack it in their careers..."
"She's Elisa? Man, I used to think Ashley was punching above her weight. Now, they're like the dream team..."
Meanwhile...
The Yates family, glued to the live stream, were just as shook.
James was practically bouncing, "This is awesome. My daughter-in-law's Elisa. The Yates Group's gonna be golden. We'll be swimming in praise."
Ivy slumped back on the couch, grumbling, "She's Elisa? Big deal. She's still childless."
Michael nodded, a smug grin on his face. "I've met a lot of folks in my time. The moment I saw Ashley, I knew she was something special. Looks like I was right..."
Over at the White Villa...
"Landon, she's Elisa. That's wild."
Liam was buzzing with excitement. Landon, trying to play it cool, was also pretty blown away.
Landon thought, 'I never imagined she was this talented. If she really is my sister, the White family would be legendary.'
At the hospital...
John clapped his hands, grinning ear to ear, "Ashley is the best!"
Seeing everyone hyping up Ashley, Chloe couldn't stand it and snapped, "You say you're Elisa, but where's the proof?"
Ashley's eyes flashed, knowing Chloe was doubting her. She couldn't be bothered to argue and turned to Kelsey, saying, "Your Majesty, if I can prove I'm Elisa and these designs are mine and one-of-a-kind, will you drop the lawsuit against the Yates Group?"
Kelsey, cornered, said, "Of course."
"Pauline, bring out my personal seal."
Because of her outfit, Ashley didn't have her seal on her.
Kelsey's face went pale as she read the contents, exclaiming, "You really are Elisa!"
This left Kelsey stunned.
Ashley said, "Absolutely!"
Kelsey said, "Sorry, I was rude earlier..."
Before Kelsey could finish, Chloe butted in, "The seal can be faked. Who knows if you made a fake one!"
"How dare you!"
A stern voice cut through the noise, and everyone turned to look.
"Chloe, you're a big name in Ferndale. Your actions today will have serious consequences for your life and career!"
Chloe turned to see who it was, her eyes widening, and immediately put on a respectful front.
But when Ashley saw the person, she smiled naturally and said, "Talon, long time no see."
"Elisa, long time no see."
The two shook hands, looking like old pals!
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