Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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“You really think you can handle that? Are you out of your mind?” Caspian stared at her, incredulous, sarcasm dripping from his words. “This is a helicopter, not one of those toy planes you mess around with. Do you even know the difference?”
Ash held his gaze steadily, her resolve unshaken. “Sounds like you’re just itching to remember what it’s like to be put in your place. I can help with that.”
Caspian fell silent, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief.
Dorothy, watching the tense exchange, looked concerned. “Sweetheart, please don’t put yourself in danger for me. Your safety is what matters most.”
With a soft smile, Ash reassured her, “Don’t worry! I’ve flown helicopters before. I’ll be just fine.”
“I’ll go with her,” Calvert’s deep voice suddenly broke the tension, surprising everyone since he had been quiet until now.
Dorothy’s face shifted from worry to relief. “Calvert’s taken helicopter lessons, so I feel a lot better knowing he’ll be with you!”
Before Ash could respond, Calvert stepped forward with confidence,
Jade, unable to hold back any longer, interjected, “Calvert, I don’t think Ash has any real flying experience. It’s better not to take any chances.”
Although she hoped that Ash would suffer, she couldn’t bear to see her beloved in danger too.
Ash shot Jade a cool glance before confidently sliding into the pilot’s seat. The interior of the helicopter looked familiar, similar to the one she had flown before, but this model was top–of–the–line, military–grade.
As she examined the cockpit, she couldn’t help but admire Caspian’s handiwork. While he often seemed unreliable in everyday life, the materials he chose were impressive and suited all her flying needs.
“Anyone brave enough to join me can hop on,” she said casually, settling into her seat.
Without waiting for anyone to respond, she began pulling up the control stick as the cabin door gently closed.
Calvert quickly moved, taking the seat beside her in the co–pilot position.
Seeing Ash was now out of reach, Caspian couldn’t help but raise his voice. “Hey! Do you even realize how dangerous it is to fly without a license? This isn’t a toy!”
Jade felt a jolt of anxiety; while she wanted Ash to fail, Calvert was in the helicopter too.
“Ash, come down! Mom and Dad are going to freak out!” Jade yelled, trying to sound genuinely concerned.
Inside the helicopter, Ash tuned out their voices and focused on her preparations, gradually pushing the helicopter forward until it lifted smoothly into the sky.
Caspian and Jade watched with wide eyes, bracing for chaos, but to their surprise, the helicopter took off without a hitch, following the designated flight path approved by the Turner family.
As the helicopter glided effortlessly under Ash’s control, Caspian’s expression shifted from worry to confusion; maybe his sister wasn’t as clueless as he thought.
Even in aviation, she seemed to know her stuff.
In the cockpit, Calvert’s gaze remained fixed on Ash.
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Chapter 78
Her intense focus, skilled maneuvers, and that determined look captivated him completely.
Once they were airborne, she entered a state of bliss, as if she were in her element, radiating confidence.
Out of sight from those below, she began to maneuver the helicopter—diving, spinning, and climbing with ease.
To Calvert, it felt less like piloting and more like she was playing with a toy.
He finally spoke up, his voice low. “You’re trying to take control for yourself, aren’t you? That’s why you insisted on a test flight?”
Ash turned to him, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “You got me. That’s only part of it
Her bright smile and vibrant energy showed no trace of embarrassment.
Outside, the endless white clouds and blue sky stretched before them, with sprawling mountains and rivers below. The wind tousled Ash’s hair, adding to the magic of the moment,
Calvert suddenly realized this lifestyle wasn’t so bad after all.
“Let me guess the other reason,” he said, his tone softer, though Ash was too engrossed in flying to notice.
“You don’t want my grandma flying in this helicopter, but you can’t just say it, so you figured you’d handle it this way instead?”
Her smile widened at his insight. “It’s nice to talk with you.”
Earlier, when Ash had given Dorothy the nourishing pill, she had noticed just how fragile Dorothy’s health really was. Any additional strain could push her over the edge.
As long as the flight stayed smooth, everything would be fine, but even a little turbulence could land Dorothy in the ICU.
“You know how my grandma is, right?” Calvert asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes as if this was new information to him.
“Of course,” Ash replied with a nod, then added, “I’ve picked up some medical knowledge from spending time with Prunella.”
Calvert fell silent at her words, contemplating.
Glancing ahead, Ash realized they were nearing the end of their test flight and it was time to turn back.
“Once we land, I need your help,” she said, beginning to maneuver the helicopter. “You’ll have to tell your grandma she can’t come aboard.”
“Got it,” Calvert replied simply.
It had been a while since she had last piloted a helicopter, and as the wind rushed past her, Ash felt an exhilarating sense of freedom bubbling inside her. She pushed the throttle, eager to feel the thrill.
Just as the Turner family’s helipad came into view, a sudden gust of wind hit, jostling the helicopter.
Meanwhile, Jade was sprawled on the lawn, anxiously waiting for Ash and Calvert to return when her phone buzzed with a message from Samantha.
[Can you
do me a favor?]
[Jewel just hit me, and I want to call the cops, but she’s threatening me with my company. I’m at my wits‘ end.]
Jade’s interest piqued immediately. That little brat had just dazzled everyone, flaunting her expensive gifts and flying a helicopter–like she owned the skies. She had completely stolen the spotlight.
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Even Josh and Brooke were on their way over, drawn in by the commotion.
Why is Ash getting all the attention when I have been raised properly by the Turner family? No way am I going to les chat slide! Jade thought.
After a moment’s hesitation, Jade replied, What do you need me to do?}
On the other end, Samantha’s face lit up with excitement at the response. Her friend was actually willing to help.
I need you to protect my family’s company, and then I’ll report that nasty woman!) Samantha’s reply came through almost instantly.
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Chapter 78
Even Josh and Brooke were on their way over, drawn in by the commotion.
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‘Why is Ash getting all the attention when I have been raised properly by the Turner family? No way am I going to let that slide! Jade thought.
After a moment’s hesitation, Jade replied, (What do you need me to do?]
On the other end, Samantha’s face lit up with excitement at the response. Her friend was actually willing to help.
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[I need you to protect my family’s company, and then I’ll report that nasty woman!] Samantha’s reply came through almost instantly,
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