Chapter 115
Chapter 115:
In the grand banquet hall of the Campbell family’s manor, the night was drawing to a close. With Bruce and Charlie’s sudden declaration, the young heirs and heiresses quickly lost interest, and many began excusing themselves, needing to prepare for the upcoming bid. This sparked a chain reaction of farewells, with even the more reluctant guests being nudged home by their elders.
Ashton, who held little interest in the bid, took the dwindling crowd as his cue to leave. He said his goodbyes to the Campbell sisters and made his way out of the manor.
Yet, as he reached the parking lot, he found Charlie waiting for him.
“Sir, is now a good time to talk?” Charlie asked, his smile belying the seriousness of his tone.
Ashton exhaled softly, a mix of resignation and reluctance in his sigh. Though he wasn’t quite ready for this conversation, he knew it couldn’t be avoided. Without a word, he gestured for Charlie to get in the car, and they drove off in silence.
It wasn’t until they were seated in the private room of a quiet café that Ashton broke his silence. Facing Charlie with a look that mixed various emotions, he finally voiced his query.
“What do you need?”
Charlie could sense that Ashton was still hesitant. With an uncomfortable smile, he replied, “Sir, your father and the others have been aware of your dealings with the James family over the past few years. Now that those ties are severed, your father has instructed me to tell you that all restrictions on you have been lifted. You’re free to return to Tacland at your leisure.”
Ashton’s emotions surged as he processed this. The decision he had once made impulsively had led him to this stark reality.
It was his only defeat, and it was a profound one.
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Now, his father was calling him back, but Ashton wasn’t sure how to face him or the other elders of the family.
Noticing Ashton’s reluctance, Charlie quickly pulled out his phone.
“Sir, your father anticipated that you might hesitate to meet him, so he left you a message.” Charlie then played the message.
Ashton immediately recognized his father’s voice. “Ashton, you’ve endured a lot these years. Remember, Baldwin blood flows through your veins. How could we ever truly cast you aside? You will always be my son, a part of the Baldwin family. Return home when you feel ready.”
The words from his father touched Ashton deeply, slowly breaking down the walls he had built around his heart. He realized that his family hadn’t truly disowned him—his worries had been unnecessary.
With a deep sigh, Ashton finally made peace with his past. His face softened as he spoke. “Charlie, let my father know I’ll come by when I find the time.”
Charlie’s face lit up with joy. Ashton’s words indicated that he was open to reconnecting with his family. Nodding enthusiastically, Charlie added, “Sir, now that you’re considering returning, there’s something else you should know. The family would like you to take charge of Skyline Group and step in as chairman. Your father believes it’s a test to gauge your progress over the years.”
Ashton’s brow furrowed, his response not immediately forthcoming. He had just accepted a position at Inewood University and had yet to teach his first class. Departing now would certainly let Ivan down. He was reluctant to abandon his new role at the university.
Noticing Ashton’s hesitation, Charlie quickly reassured him. “Sir, please don’t worry. I’ll manage the day-to-day tasks at the company. Your role will primarily involve making key decisions.”
Assured by Charlie’s thoughtful planning, Ashton’s reservations faded. He nodded, ready to embrace the challenge. “I’ll make time to visit the company tomorrow,” he decided.
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