Chapter 279
He had no idea that Mr. Ashcroft’s illness had already been cured. Mr. Ashcroft had only reported his health status to the higher–ups, but the news hadn’t been made public yet.
However, he did know that Mr. Ashcroft was under the care of a doctor. As for the progress, that remained unclear.
The middle–aged man’s gaze returned to the surveillance screens. “Mr. Everhart’s been here all along, it’s a bit tricky for me to approach that kid for a chat.”
He’d been lurking around, waiting for a chance to talk to Miranda. Ever since he’d seen the video of her first time at the shooting range, she’d caught his attention. But there had always been someone meddling, so he’d paused his observations for a while.
Today, he’d arranged for Mr. Ashcroft to come over for some shooting practice and was surprised to see the girl again. Witnessing her marksmanship firsthand left him restless.
This girl had been under his watch for a while. Her familiarity with firearms and her technical prowess were textbook–level impressive.
Every firearm has its unique handling and shooting technique, yet she mastered them with ease. Her grip was perfect, like she’d undergone special training in the military. Her shooting accuracy was astonishing!
However, with Sebastian around, approaching her was out of the question.
Mr. Ashcroft chuckled. “That’s easy. Watch me.”
Timothy Temple was puzzled. Was Mr. Ashcroft always this ostentatious?
Mr. Ashcroft snapped a photo with his phone and opened WhatsApp to send it. Timothy glanced at the screen and saw the contact name–Elian.
Wait. Was Mr. Ashcroft sending the photo to him?
Elian, who usually took his time to respond to Mr. Ashcroft’s messages, replied almost instantly.
Elian typed, “Address?”
Mr. Ashcroft sent a voice message, “Shooting range.”
After sending it, Mr. Ashcroft put down his phone with a satisfied look. “Just wait.”
Timothy was still confused. What did that mean?
But he waited there, eager for a chance to talk to Miranda and curious to see what the fuss was about. Honestly, he was looking forward to meeting this guy. After all, it had been three years.
In those three absent years, Elian turned into a legend for his exploits.
Sure enough, less than ten minutes later, Elian’s figure appeared on the surveillance screen. Dressed casually, he had the air of an effortlessly relaxed aristocrat. But his brisk pace betrayed urgency.
“I heard recently that Elian’s been personally promoting some fan pairing of him and you,” Sebastian said with a faint smile. “I don’t really get all that online stuff, but it sounds amusing.”
Miranda looked skeptical. “Really? I don’t buy it.”
Sebastian had been on a reality show with her; how could he not know anything?
Miranda held out her hand. “Unless you show me your browsing history.”
She didn’t believe for a second that Sebastian didn’t go online. He probably had browsed some porny stuff.
Sebastian was rendered speechless, while Hannah couldn’t help but feel impressive.
13:29
Chapter 279
Sebastian cleverly changed the subject. “I just think, if he’s going to do even that himself, it makes sense who sabotaged our magazine shoot.”
Miranda understood finally what Sebastian was implying. He was suggesting that Elian was up to mischief, and from his words, it seemed a bit petty for Elian’s action.
She objectively commented, “That’s a bit petty.”
“Wifey, you believe him over me?”
Elian’s sulky voice cut through the air before he appeared before them. As soon as the word “wifey” was uttered, Sebastian’s eyes turned a tad icy.
Elian went on flatly, “Sebastian, is stirring the pot the only thing you’re good at?”
Sebastian frowned but looked at Miranda. “I didn’t.”
Miranda was rendered speechless. No, he did, she murmured to herself.
Elian smirked coldly. “We both know each other’s tricks too well. Who doesn’t see through your dirty little schemes? Acting all noble on the outside but a real snake behind the scenes!”
Sebastian’s voice grew cold as he stated in a deep voice, “Mr. Elian Ashcroft, you’re being a bit hypocritical. I was just stating facts. But maybe you’re just feeling guilty and lashing out.”
Hannah glanced nervously between Miranda and the two men who were practically spitting fire, inching back a little.
Miranda found their bickering tiresome. “Why don’t you guys take it somewhere else?”
Elian grabbed a handgun from nearby, his lips curling into a frosty smile. “The range over there is empty.”
Sebastian’s voice was equally chilly. “Fine by me.”
