Chapter 416 Ashley's Disappearance
Ethan hung up the phone, his expression turning grave. "I understand. I'll speak with Evil Spirit directly and have her clarify everything publicly."
Ashley's eyes flickered with recognition, but she feigned confusion. "What's wrong, honey?"
"I'm sorry, love," Ethan said regretfully. "I need to handle something urgent—I can't continue our shopping trip."
In truth, Ashley had deduced the situation the moment he mentioned 'Evil Spirit,' though she pretended otherwise.
"Go ahead then," she offered. "I'll just browse a bit longer and head home."
Ethan shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. Felicity is still at large—I won't risk you shopping alone. Let me take you home first."
"Don't worry, I can just grab a taxi."
"No, I'm driving you home," Ethan insisted.
Ashley gently pushed him toward the exit. "Darling, the mall is crowded—what could possibly happen? If you're really concerned, send a security detail. I promise I'll head home soon."
Ethan's face was a mask of concern. "Are you certain you'll be alright?"
"Positive. Now go."
"Fine, but wait somewhere public. I'm calling security to watch over you."
Ashley nodded obediently. Ethan made the call, then reluctantly departed.
After watching him leave, Ashley found a coffee shop, ordered a drink, and began scrolling through news headlines.
#Evil Spirit's Controversial Research Claims: Public Demands ClarificationComments flooded the article:
[A miracle drug that cures late-stage cancer in a month? Is this even possible?]
[Definitely not—Evil Spirit must be fabricating everything.]
[Let her demonstrate the formula publicly and settle this once and for all.]"Let her demonstrate the formula publicly and settle this once and for all."
Ashley merely raised an eyebrow at the skepticism.
Her phone rang—it was Pauline.
"Hey, Pauline."
"Ashley, we have a problem! Ethan just showed up at my place asking if I'm Evil Spirit! God, you weren't planning to let me take the fall, were you?"
"Not this time," Ashley replied. "I'm going public with my identity."
"Thank goodness! I can finally declare I'm not Evil Spirit. How are you planning to reveal yourself?"
"With a video statement." Ashley scanned her surroundings, spotting an emergency exit. "Pauline, I'll call you back."
She headed for the stairwell—a perfect, quiet place to record. As she positioned her phone, she failed to notice two shadowy figures following her.
Facing the camera, Ashley began, "Hello everyone. I am Evil Spirit. My research has generated significant public interest, with many questioning the effectiveness of Panacea. Some believe the drug's miraculous properties are too good to be true. I'm recording this video to address these concerns..."
Without notes, Ashley delivered a compelling explanation, addressing every key point with precision.
After uploading the video to the forum, she prepared to leave. At the stairwell entrance, two figures approached her.
Sensing danger, Ashley backed away. "Who are you? What do you want?"
"Mrs. Yates, don't be frightened!" One of them sneered, removing their mask.
Ashley's eyes widened in recognition. "Felicity!"
Seeing the murderous intent in Felicity's eyes, Ashley attempted to defend herself. "Stay back! Don't come any closer!"
Felicity's male companion advanced and engaged Ashley in a struggle. Concerned for her pregnancy, Ashley held back, her defensive movements restrained.
Suddenly, the man delivered a sharp blow. Ashley groaned and collapsed.
Chris caught her unconscious body, removing his mask to reveal a triumphant smirk. "The emergency exits have no surveillance, and I disabled the cameras at the exit. Let's move."
Felicity nodded, and they carried Ashley to their waiting vehicle and drove away.
Meanwhile, at Pauline's apartment.
Ethan and Ryan sat on the couch while Pauline served coffee.
"Pauline," Ethan pressed, "my sources traced Evil Spirit to this address. Are you certain you're not her?"
"I'm absolutely not Evil Spirit, Ethan. It's Ashley!"
Ethan stood abruptly, stunned. "What? Ashley is Evil Spirit? That's ridiculous."
Ryan, scrolling through his phone, suddenly exclaimed, "Ethan, your wife is trending!"
"What?" Ethan took Ryan's phone and watched Ashley's recently recorded video. His jaw dropped in amazement as he heard her declare herself as Evil Spirit.
At the end of the video, Ashley stated, "Over the next two days, I'll produce more Panacea to help those in need. Anyone requiring this medication can contact me for free supplies."
"Damn it," Ethan muttered. "She's been keeping this from me all along."
He hastily called Ashley, but couldn't connect.
Ethan's brow furrowed. Why wasn't she answering?
A sudden foreboding gripped him—something was terribly wrong.
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