Chapter 9
Chapter 9
As Ash walked away with a swagger, Tristan watched her, his gaze deep and complex
Samantha clung tighter to Tristan’s arm, whining. “Did you see how mean Jewel was to me?”
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Tristan broke free from her grip. “Samantha, I have to go. Troy will drive you home, he said abruptly, already walking away.
“Wait, Tristan-” Samantha protested, her calls falling on deaf ears. Frustrated, she stamped her feet, her pretty face contorted with anger.
Tristan quickly caught up with Ash, accelerating to cut off her car
The sudden braking threw Ash forward, her head smacking against the front seat. Before she could recover, the car door was yanked open and a strong hand grabbed her arm
When Dean moved to intervene, Ash stopped him. “I know him she said tersely
Tristan pulled her out of the car, and Dean, sensing trouble, immediately called Calvert
“What are the bodyguards for? Calvert responded coldly before hanging up.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, conflicted. He knew he shouldn’t get involved–Ash’s problems weren’t his concern. Yet he found himself telling his driver, “Turn around.”
Meanwhile, Tristan had dragged Ash aside, gripping her jaw with such force that it felt like her bones might snap.
Ash glared at him, hissing, “What the hell is wrong with you, Tristan?”
“You disgust me, Ash, Tristan spat venomously. “We’ve barely broken up and you’re already in some old man’s bed? How desperate are you?”
Ash laughed bitterly, prying his hand away. “You’re in no position to criticize me, not after what you did with Samantha Don’t you dare try to judge me.” She shoved him away, adding, “Besides, we’re over. My life is none of your business.”
As she turned to leave, Tristan grabbed her waist, spun her around, and kissed her forcefully.
Before Ash could react, a loud thud rang out. Calvert’s fist connected with Tristan’s face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Ash quickly stepped back as Tristan wiped blood from his mouth, cursing, “Who the fuck do you think you are?” “Someone way out of your league,” Calvert sneered, landing another punch squarely on Tristan’s face.
As Tristan lay on the ground, unable to fight back, Calvert shook out his hand. “Don’t let mecatch you acting like a desperate fool again,” he warned coldly.
He reached for Ash, but she brushed past him and headed back to her car without a word.
Calver: watched her go, bemused by her lack of gratitude. As he got into his own car, rubbing his temple in frustration, he wondered what had possessed him to rush to her aid.
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08:49 Mon, Feb 10 BG.
Chapter 9
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His assistant, Shane Horton, reluctant to speak up sensing the boss’s foul mood, still asked, “Mr. Snider, are we still meeting with Miss Jade Turner?”
Calvert’s face remained cold. “No, back to the office
Shane lowered his head, silently puzzled. He had never seen anyone affect his boss’s mood like this–and a woman, no less.
That evening. Ash returned home to find Jade greeting her warmly.
“Hey, Ash, you’re back!” Jade exclaimed.
Having had enough of Jade’s phony act, Ash ignored her and headed straight for the stairs, only to be blocked by Caspian. “Didn’t you hear Jade greet you? Where are your manners?” he demanded sharply.
Ash smiled coldly. “Sorry, I only use my manners with decent people.”
As Caspian bristled, Jade intervened, playing peacemaker. “It’s okay, Caspian. I’m sure Ash didn’t mean any harm,” she said. soothingly.
Caspian bit his tongue and glared at Ash. “Remember, before you came back, Jade was the young lady of this house. Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because you’re our parents‘ biological daughter.”
Ash, Caspian doesn’t mean to single you out, Jade interjected, playing the understanding mediator. Her voice was saccharine sweet as she added, “Please don’t take it to heart.
Ash fixed Jade with an icy stare. “Does it feel good, manipulating people’s feelings for you? Not everyone is as easily fooled.”
She leaned in closer, her voice low and threatening. “You know exactly why I disappeared at the welcome party. I’ll let it slide this time, but don’t push me again. Get out of my way!”
Ash shoved Jade aside and headed straight upstairs. Caught off guard, Jade stumbled backward, instinctively grabbing the railing for support
At that moment, Brooke appeared. Seizing the opportunity, Jade let go and fell down the stairs, hitting her head hard on the floor and losing consciousness.
“Jade!” Caspian rushed to her side, shooting a venomous look at Ash. “If anything happens to her, you’ll pay!”
Brooke, shocked by the scene, clutched her chest and collapsed onto the stairs.
Ash hurried to her side, gently rubbing her chest. “Mom, are you okay?” she asked, concern etched on her face.
Brooke looked at Ash, her voice shaky. “What’s going on, Ash? Why, why did you push Jade?” From her perspective, it certainly appeared as if Ash had deliberately pushed Jade down the stairs.
Ash remained silent, noticing her mother’s labored breathing and pallor. Checking her pulse, Ash realized Brooke had severe heart disease. She instinctively reached for her bracelet, only to remember she’d lost it at the party.
Acting quickly, Ash carried Brooke to her room, then rushed to retrieve a set of acupuncture needles
Standing before her mother, she took out a needle and inserted it into Brooke’s scalp, her movements precise and determined.
08:49 Mon, Feb 10 BG.
Chapter 10
