After the Skyward Art Exhibition concluded, Charlie took the initiative to find Ashley.
However, Ashley was indifferent, and she looked at him with cold eyes as if he were a stranger.
Charlie paused briefly upon meeting her icy gaze. When they were in Ramos family, although Charlie was indifferent to Ashley, Ashley's eyes towards him were always full with expectation.
"Ashley, I really like your painting Territory, and I'm willing to pay a high price for it."
Ashley refused bluntly. "It's not for sale."
Charlie frowned, probing. "Do you not want to sell the painting, or do you not want to sell it to me?"
Ashley chuckled, cold mockery in her beautiful eyes. "I don't want to sell it to you."
Charlie furrowed his brows even more tightly, about to say something more, but Ashley had already turned and walked away as if saying another word to him would be a waste of time.
*****
After taking care of the post-exhibition matters, Simon invited Ashley, Valentin, Joseph, and Clinton to the adjacent lounge.
Everyone took a seat on the sofa.
Clinton bombarded Ashley with numerous questions, hardly giving her a moment to breathe.
Joseph glanced at Clinton, then Valentin, thinking Clinton shouldn't monopolize Ashley's time. It was time to give her back to Valentin.
After Clinton finally quieted, Simon said, "Ashley, you suffered a lot during your time with the Ramos family in the past two years."
Recent revelations about the Ramos family's actions made it clear that they did not treat Ashley well despite bringing her back home.
Ashley shook her head. "It's okay, Mr. Hunt, it's all in the past."
Simon, hearing her words, felt even more uncomfortable. She had endured so much hardship, yet she comforted him.
How could the Ramos family be so cruel to such a good girl?
Simon sighed and spoke affectionately. "Ashley, join me for dinner tonight. Let's have a good chat."
"Sure, Mr. Hunt." Facing an elder, Ashley couldn't refuse.
After saying that, she instinctively glanced at Valentin beside her. Only then did she realize that he had been looking at her for who knows how long.
Seeing Ashley looking over, Valentin raised his eyebrows slightly and discreetly squeezed her hand.
Ashley's heart tightened, thinking, 'There are still others around.'
After Joseph heard Simon's words, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'Well, he's even occupying Ashley's dinner time.
'Thankfully, the dinner is scheduled for tonight, not tomorrow. Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of Valentin and Ashley's marriage. They will definitely celebrate it together!'
*****
Cara returned to her apartment, and her phone rang. The caller was Tyler.
Cara answered, "Mr. Morgan."
His voice sounded displeased from the other end. "What happened today? Is dealing with Ashley so challenging?"
Cara tightened her fingers on the phone. "Mr. Morgan, I didn't expect Ashley to be Aurora Easel."
"Cara, I believe you won't disappoint me next time," Tyler said. Then, he asked, "Has anyone from the Pliskin family contacted you?"
"No," Cara replied.
Tyler continued, "They are investigating you. They want to see if you are the lost daughter of their family."
Upon hearing this, Cara raised her hand to touch her face gently and walked to the mirror. Seeing the resemblance in her look to Ashley, she couldn't help but close her eyes.
Cara hung up Tyler's call and took out another shabby phone from the cabinet.
After turning it on, she inserted a seldom-used SIM card and dialed a number.
Once the call was answered, Cara spoke indifferently. "Keep an eye on Ashley today and teach her a lesson."
After finishing her words, Cara turned off the old phone and removed the SIM card.
*****
During dinner, Ashley arrived at the prearranged restaurant.
Entering the private room, Simon was already there, along with Clinton, who insisted on joining for dinner to spend more time with Ashley.
"Mr. Hunt. Clinton." Ashley greeted.
"Ashley is here! Come and have a seat." Simon beckoned happily.
Ashley walked over and sat down. In addition to Simon and Clinton, there was also a young and handsome man who appeared to be in his twenties.
Simon smiled, "Ashley, this is my friend's grandson, Jamie Chastain. He has always admired Aurora, so I brought him here to meet you."
Jamie stood up, his charming face showing a warm smile. "Hello, today I finally have the honor of meeting you. It turns out you're Aurora. I've heard your name many times before. You're quite famous. I've even followed you."
"Thank you," Ashley replied politely.
Jamie smiled lightly, "I've heard you play the harp and know you as the composer, Ash. I didn't expect you to be a painter as well. You're truly talented."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Save Myself From Desperation
Chapters 451 to 460 are shortcuts. I so love this novel and it's quite disappointing not to read the chapters in full....
How can i read the full chapter...