Chapter 428
Chapter 428:
“Mr. Baldwin, I’ve never heard of this before,” Vincent said, his voice tinged with concern. “But rest assured, I’ll investigate thoroughly and handle it properly. I guarantee you’ll receive a satisfactory explanation.” As he spoke, he wiped cold sweat from his forehead.
Ashton studied Vincent for a moment. Although angry, he decided not to press him further when he saw Vincent’s sincerity. He might need Vincent’s help in the future and wanted to keep the relationship amicable.
After a brief pause, Ashton checked his phone. “It’s almost dinnertime. Let’s find a place to eat and discuss this further. I may need your assistance later.”
As soon as Ashton extended the dinner invitation, Vincent was filled with relief. He was even more thrilled to learn that Ashton was looking to enlist his help in the future. This was his chance to build a strong relationship with someone of such high status.
Without hesitation, Vincent smiled and said, “I truly apologize for the mishap earlier. To show my sincerity, I’ll take care of tonight’s dinner, Mr. Baldwin!”
Ashton, understanding that declining could seem rude, accepted the invitation.
Guided by Vincent, Ashton arrived at a place called Paradise Hotel. The hotel’s interior was elegant and sophisticated, showing that Vincent had gone to great lengths to make amends.
“I’ve secured a private room for us upstairs,” Vincent said politely. “Please head up, Mr. Baldwin. I’ll have some local dishes prepared for you.”
Ashton didn’t think much of it. Being unfamiliar with Staville, he followed Vincent’s suggestion. He asked a waiter for directions to the private room and made his way upstairs alone.
By chance, as Ashton stepped out of the elevator, he ran into Craig and the Marquez brothers, who had just finished their dinner and were heading to a club. With them was Roy, the deputy director of the Department of Commerce, someone Ashton had never met before. The group was just as surprised to see Ashton, and they all paused briefly.
Jacoby quickly regained his composure and taunted, “Look who it is, Ashton! Shouldn’t you be sorting out your company’s failed application? How do you find the time to dine out?”
ℓ𝖆𝓉𝑒𝓼𝓉 ¢һ𝖺ρ𝗍𝖊𝓇𝘀 ⳑ𝖆𝓁𝗇𝗈𝖛𝖊𝗅𝓈﹒ⅽ𝗈𝖒
Though Ashton had his suspicions that the Marquez brothers were behind the troubles with his company, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by Jacoby’s comment. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “From your remark, are you admitting your involvement in our difficulties?”
With a sly grin, Jacoby retorted, “And what if I am? Think you can lay a finger on me here?”
Craig joined in with a taunt, “Exactly! Don’t assume Skyline Group can act all high and mighty in Staville. This city is full of people who know how to deal with you!”
A subtle smile curled on Ashton’s lips, and he was about to respond when Roy, the deputy director who had accompanied them, cleared his throat and pretended to be serious. “What are you two implying? Surely this has nothing to do with us. They simply failed to submit the proper documents, so they need to resubmit. How can you say we did this on purpose?”
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