Chapter 86

Chapter 86:

Emalee stood motionless, lost in thought. Ashton, without uttering a word, passed her by, accompanied by Aaron.

As they continued on, Aaron cast a questioning glance at Ashton. “Are you truly going to let them go without consequences? Give me the nod, and I can ensure they’re held accountable,” he insisted.

Shaking his head, Ashton replied, “I’ve decided to cut all ties with the James family. I’m letting it go, for Bobby’s sake.”

Aaron silently acknowledged Ashton’s decision, his respect for Ashton’s grace deepening.

Aaron, having dealt with numerous trivial disputes in his legal career, admired Ashton’s principled stance. This reaffirmed his belief in the worth of their friendship. After their discussion, Aaron departed to handle other commitments.

Meanwhile, Ashton returned to the school, where he was scheduled to begin teaching in the next couple of days.

Upon entering the campus, Ashton was surprised to encounter Selena.

Rosalie had recently informed Ashton that Selena’s health had significantly improved after her latest checkup. Thus, Selena was planning to return to school shortly, but Ashton was taken aback to see her back on campus so soon.

She was surrounded by a group of female students, who seemed to be her close friends.

They were all engaged in laughter and playful banter, with Selena appearing especially cheerful.

Ashton decided it was best not to interrupt their merry gathering.

However, as he turned to make his way toward his office, a sudden scream from behind him stopped him in his tracks.

He instinctively turned around, his brow furrowing in concern.

Selena, who had just been laughing and playing moments earlier, had suddenly collapsed, her face now as pale as chalk.

Ashton was baffled; she had looked perfectly healthy, and there had been no signs that she was unwell.

He quickly approached her.

“Let me check on her,” Ashton announced loudly, parting the crowd of onlookers with determination.

At that moment, Selena was being supported by a tall, slender girl with a delicate face.

As Ashton’s voice carried over, Selena’s friends turned to look at him.

Their expressions shifted to alertness when they recognized him.

Jenna Powell, the tall, slender girl holding Selena, instinctively took a few steps back, clutching Selena tightly, as if fearing Ashton might harm her.

This reaction was due to a recent event where Ashton had been falsely accused. Though the police and the school had issued a joint statement clearing his name, and the real culprit, Tristan, had been arrested and jailed, the students remained cautious.

They were still getting accustomed to their new teacher and were somewhat reserved around him.

Furthermore, Selena was a widely acknowledged beauty at the university, admired by many of her peers. They were uncertain whether Ashton was attempting to exploit the situation.

Jenna responded with polite firmness, “Thank you for your concern, but we have already called an ambulance. It’s best to leave this to the professionals.”

As she spoke, Selena’s other friends formed a protective circle around her, clearly reluctant to allow Ashton any closer.

Ashton’s expression conveyed a sense of urgency as he recognized the gravity of Selena’s condition.

He understood their protective instincts, yet he knew the situation was dire.

He was about to respond when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

“Please step back, and let the professionals take over!”

Turning around, Ashton saw Fraser approaching rapidly. Fraser, accompanied by a doctor clad in medical attire, made his way through the crowd and promptly reached the unconscious Selena.

.

.

.