Chapter 37
Chapter 37:
Too Much Into It
Phillip’s cheeks burned red with embarrassment after he was chastised by the concert manager in front of an audience. Despite his discomfort, he was aware that it would not be wise to upset anyone from the influential Campbell family.
Attempting to recover, Phillip managed a strained smile and apologized. “I’m truly sorry. This is my first time at such a prestigious event. I was unaware of the rules. I hope you can overlook my mistake and forgive my ignorance.”
The manager did not reply immediately; instead, he turned his gaze to Ashton, seeking his direction.
Ashton, preferring to avoid further complications with the James family, decided to say, “Just follow the usual procedures. There’s no need to make exceptions for me.”
Phillip’s frustration grew. The person he needed to speak cautiously to was listening to Ashton’s direction? What on earth was happening?
The manager felt a sense of relief upon hearing Ashton’s casual dismissal of the situation. Recognizing the importance of even those with standard invitations, who were notable figures in Inewood, he knew it was prudent to avoid any conflicts.
Consequently, the manager addressed Phillip. “Please adhere to the standard protocol. Select one guest to accompany you inside.”
Phillip nodded in agreement and expressed his gratitude. Understanding the significance of not crossing the Campbell family, Tristan reluctantly stayed back, his mood turning sour.
Phillip swiftly entered the venue with Emalee, eager to evade further attention.
Left behind, Tristan’s spirits deflated. He had arrived at the charity concert brimming with excitement, having boasted to his classmates about mingling with the elite and possibly encountering a wealthy heiress who could elevate the James family’s status. Now, his elaborate plans had crumbled, leaving him stranded outside.
On the other hand, Ashton seemed pleased with the unfolding events, which allowed the manager to breathe a sigh of relief and resume his duties.
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Tristan, still outside, noticed Ashton remaining nearby without entering the venue, and his anger flared anew, convinced Ashton was deliberately witnessing his embarrassment.
In a biting tone, Tristan challenged him, “Ashton, don’t think I’m unaware. You might present well, but I know you’re still not over my sister. How does it feel to see her so affectionate with my future brother-in-law? You must find it hard to accept, don’t you? That’s why you’re reluctant to enter the venue, right?”
Ashton offered Tristan a fleeting glance and responded with a dismissive calm, “You’re reading too much into it. I’m merely waiting for someone.”
Tristan, unconvinced by Ashton’s indifferent facade, was about to escalate his taunts when he was suddenly interrupted by a melodious voice from behind. “Ashton, sorry to keep you waiting!”
At that moment, Tristan’s body tensed. He turned to see Rosalie pushing Selena in a wheelchair, making their way toward them. Ashton walked over to them without hesitation.
“Rosalie, is everything alright with Selena? Why is she in a wheelchair?” he inquired, concern evident in his voice. Selena looked visibly distressed. “I didn’t want to be in this wheelchair, but Rosalie insisted I couldn’t come out otherwise.”
Rosalie quickly explained, “Selena hasn’t fully recovered yet; she’s still quite weak. Considering tonight’s concert is going to be quite lengthy, I insisted on the wheelchair for her safety.”
Relieved, Ashton replied, “I’m glad she’s okay. You don’t need to worry, Rosalie; I’ll look out for Selena.”
Rosalie stood firm. “Even with you here, I will ensure nothing compromises her safety.”
As they engaged in conversation, they continued into the concert venue. Throughout this time, Ashton did not once look Tristan’s way.
Meanwhile, Tristan remained where he was, stunned, watching as Ashton walked away accompanied by the two striking women. He was unable to shake off the surprise. Both were more beautiful than Tristan’s sister, Emalee.
Rosalie exuded an elegance and beauty that surpassed Emalee’s, and Selena, known on campus for her beauty despite often being homebound due to her illness, had a charm of her own.
Tristan was left wondering, how did Ashton become so fortunate?
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