Chapter 697

Chapter 697:

By that time, word had quietly spread through Staville that the rivalry between Skyline Group and the three major families was heating up.

No one could confirm whether the rumors were true, but it was clear that Skyline Group’s move into the catering industry was seen as a direct challenge to the Crawford family’s Pavilion Foods Group.

The influence of Staville’s three powerful families was far-reaching, and none of the restaurant owners Ashton contacted were willing to work with him. Even when he offered a significant sum for an acquisition, his calls were swiftly rejected. Some didn’t hesitate to hang up the moment they realized who was calling.

Ashton was taken by surprise. He hadn’t realized just how deeply the Crawford family’s reach extended.

In the midst of his frustration, his phone rang. It was Alisha.

“Ashton, I heard from Abrial that you’re trying to buy a restaurant for that competition. But I’m guessing you’ve had no luck, right? I’m sure no restaurant would dare cooperate with you, not with everything going on,” Alisha said, her voice light with a knowing smile.

“You’re right. I’ve reached out to so many places, and they’ve all turned me down without hesitation,” Ashton replied with a resigned chuckle.

Despite the situation, Ashton couldn’t help but feel a warmth in his chest. Even though Abrial had claimed she couldn’t help him, it was clear that she had been secretly trying to find a solution.

Alisha continued, “Abrial mentioned that our family has more connections, so she asked me to do some digging. Funny enough, I just remembered a restaurant my father used to take me to when I was a kid. The place has fallen on hard times lately, and I think they’re in a lot of debt. Why don’t you go check it out? Maybe you’ll get lucky.”

Ashton was eager for a chance to promote his new venture, and this upcoming competition seemed like the perfect opportunity.

With that in mind, he accepted Alisha’s suggestion to take a shot at the restaurant she had recommended.

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Using the address Alisha provided, Ashton quickly made his way to the restaurant nestled in the heart of bustling downtown.

It was the height of mealtime, yet, despite the prime location, only a few scattered patrons lingered at tables. These diners looked anything but loyal; they seemed to have drifted in by happenstance, and their expressions were less than enthusiastic—a silent pledge that this wasn’t a place they’d visit twice.

Just then, a middle-aged man with a warm but nervous smile approached Ashton, wringing his hands as he asked, “Hello, sir, how many of you will be dining today?”

Ashton shook his head. “I’m not here for a meal. Is your boss around? I have some business to discuss.”

The man’s face flickered with a wary look as he eyed Ashton up and down. Then, he plastered on a sycophantic smile. “Oh! I’m the owner, Malcom Deleon. Could you please tell your boss that I simply can’t gather the funds this month? But I’ll pay everything back with interest next month, I swear!”

It took Ashton a moment to realize that Malcom had mistaken him for a debt collector.

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