Chapter 368 The Couple's Precise Analysis
"What? You were in a car accident? Are you alright?" Ashley's voice pitched with alarm at the news.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," Ethan reassured her. "Just minor scrapes. The accident happened right after I confronted George with everything. I never imagined he'd try to kill me."
"George tried to kill you?" Disbelief filled her voice. "How could he be so vicious?"
Despite the miles between them, the tension was palpable. Both their expressions were grave, their emotions running high.
"Is he after your position in the company?" Ashley asked.
"According to him, he's seeking justice for his late father, Jimmy," Ethan explained. "He's bought into some lie that my dad was responsible for Jimmy's death. He gives my dad far too much credit."
The contempt in Ethan's voice was evident. James was incompetent at everything except womanizing—how could he possibly have orchestrated the demise of someone as cunning as Jimmy?
"Tell me everything," Ashley urged. "Maybe I can help analyze the situation."
Ethan nodded. "Over thirty years ago, the Yates Group was selecting an heir. Michael had three sons and a goddaughter, all candidates. Jimmy was the frontrunner."
"I've never heard you mention any of them before," Ashley said, surprised.
"They became family taboo after... certain events. No one talks about them anymore, so it's no wonder you haven't heard of them."
Ashley pouted, feeling somewhat slighted. After being married into the Yates family for over a year, she was still discovering new members. It felt as though she wasn't fully accepted yet.
"I've always wondered—why doesn't Catherine have the Yates surname?" she asked.
"Because she's Michael's goddaughter," Ethan explained. "She used to be Catherine Yates, but after finding her biological parents, she took her father's name, Addison, and moved in with the Addison family. Later, Jimmy and Catherine fell in love and got married."
"I see," Ashley said thoughtfully.
"The marriage strengthened the alliance between the Addisons and the Yates. Jimmy was brilliant—a natural businessman. He was the most likely candidate for succession, and Michael had indeed chosen him. But on the day the succession was to be formalized, tragedy struck."
Ethan's expression darkened as he continued, "Jimmy and I were kidnapped on the same day. By the time I was rescued, news came that Jimmy was dead. And Michael's youngest son, Hawk Yates, had vanished without a trace. The Yates enterprise had no choice but to go to my dad."
Ashley considered this information carefully. "So following that logic, it all looks like your father's scheme. He eliminated Jimmy, made Hawk disappear, and claimed the prize?"
Ethan scoffed. "If only my dad had that kind of capability!"
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Either my father is incredibly adept at hiding his true nature, or this was all just a tragic coincidence."
"Which do you believe it was?" Ashley pressed.
Ethan pondered for a moment. "I believe it was coincidence."
"Why are you so certain?"
"After my dad took over, the company's performance plummeted," Ethan explained. "Within five years, profits were in free fall. The company nearly went bankrupt. My dad simply wasn't capable of such complex machinations. If Michael hadn't stepped in to salvage the business, the Yates family would have been finished."
"I see," Ashley said. After a pause, she asked, "Has there been any sign of Hawk all these years?"
Ethan shook his head. "None."
They fell into silence, both contemplating the past events. Finally, Ashley spoke, "I think we need to find Hawk."
"We searched for over a decade with no success," Ethan replied. "We've given up."
Ashley thought of Pauline's tracking system, a cunning glint in her eye. "Perhaps I can help locate him."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You have a way?"
Ashley smiled mysteriously. "Just wait for good news, darling."
Sensing her determination, Ethan grew concerned. "Ashley, you're pregnant. Don't do anything rash. Do you suspect Hawk orchestrated all this? But why would he disappear for decades? With him present in the Yates family, Michael would never have given the company to my dad."
"We'll only know once we find Hawk," Ashley replied firmly.
The atmosphere grew charged with possibilities and secrets yet to be revealed.
"Alright," Ethan conceded. "Just don't overexert yourself. It's rare enough we get to talk, and here we are discussing all this troubling business."
Despite his despondent mood, this conversation had given Ethan a potential breakthrough. George's attempt on his life couldn't go uninvestigated—he was determined to uncover the truth about the past.
Ashley smiled. "Helping you solve this mystery is the least I can do. I should go now. While I'm still in town, I'll start looking for Hawk. Do you have a clear photo of him you could send me?"
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