Chapter 116
Chapter 116:
The next morning, Ashton made his way to Skyline Group to officially assume the chairman’s mantle from Charlie.
Over the preceding two years, Ashton had faced numerous challenges. He had even assisted Emalee in completing several strategic plans that had netted significant profits for her family company, eventually leading to her appointment as CEO. Confident in his own development, Ashton was eager to demonstrate his progress to his father.
However, upon reaching Skyline Group’s entrance, Ashton unexpectedly encountered Phillip and Emalee. Aware of his embarrassing behavior from the day before, Phillip knew Emalee was probably still upset with him. Anxious to make amends, Phillip quickly ushered Emalee with him, searching for his sister, Sheila Watson, an employee at Skyline Group.
Unlike Phillip, Sheila was a genuine source of pride for the Watson family. At a remarkably young age, she had clinched the role of vice president at Skyline Group. Holding such a prestigious position in a top-tier company, Sheila was clearly on a trajectory toward a stellar career. Sheila’s role as vice president gave Phillip the confidence to promise the James family a spot in the upcoming bid. Throughout their journey, Phillip spoke highly of his sister’s accomplishments, which gradually softened Emalee’s stern expression.
Pride swelled in Phillip as he arrived at the company’s entrance, where he immediately spotted Ashton from behind. His initial surprise quickly turned into a scowl as he closed the distance between them. Striding forward, Phillip taunted, “Ashton, you’re like a bad penny—always turning up where you’re least wanted.”
Ashton, who had been ignoring their presence, now faced provocation he couldn’t ignore. He shot back with a sneer, “People say the pain fades when the wound heals, but it seems your wounds are still fresh. Have you forgotten how you fled just yesterday?”
Phillip’s face, still marred by the bruises from yesterday’s beating by gang members, twisted in discomfort as he felt sharp, intermittent pains from his injuries. Adding to his humiliation was the fact that if Ashton hadn’t intervened, he might not have been able to stand there at all. This memory gnawed at him bitterly.
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Stung by Ashton’s words, Phillip reacted with the sudden, sharp anger of a cat whose tail had been stepped on. At that moment, Emalee, her emotions mixed at the sight of Ashton, felt deeply conflicted. She had agreed to make amends with Phillip, yet a lingering sense of disappointment clung to her. Now, Phillip was instigating another argument with Ashton. To Emalee, Phillip appeared petty and vindictive, a stark contrast to Ashton.
Catching the troubled expression on Emalee’s face, Ashton noticed a trace of regret in her eyes. Considering the previous day’s events, he concluded that since Emalee still chose to remain with Phillip despite everything, she was beyond reasoning with. Respecting her decision, Ashton refrained from interfering.
Emalee, catching the peculiar look in Ashton’s gaze, longed to clarify her feelings, but the words failed her. Their silent exchange did not go unnoticed by Phillip, who sensed a shift in their dynamics and grew increasingly furious. Just as he was on the verge of exploding in anger, something caught his eye. His expression morphed from fury to elation, as though he had just spotted a lifeline.
.
.
.