< Chapter 433
Chapter 433
terse
Inside the private room.
“We’ve met plenty of prodigies,” chuckled Edward, “but very few of them have achieved so much at such a young age as you. Calvin and I both wanted to meet you. I hope it doesn’t bother you.”
Edward was in high places, yet he acted so modest. Ashley replied politely, “Not at all, Mr. Barrigan. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Calvin, another influential figure, chuckled.“Alright, Edward, you’re gonna scare her.” Both Edward and Calvin were impressed by Ashley’s potential and wanted to get to know her. With David and Derek around, the atmosphere in the room was convivial.
After dinner, they continued their conversation for another hour. Ashley exchanged contact information with Edward and Calvin before they parted ways.
Next Monday was the first day of school for elementary and middle school students in town. Sheldon was boarding at school this semester. Mandy was out of town, and Steve was swamped with work, so Ashley took Sheldon to school on Sunday afternoon.
At the school gates, Ashley saw the Mond and Holden families. Three maids trailed behind them, carrying numerous luggage bags – quite a spectacle. So, Neal had transferred to this school? Getting into this prestigious school without connections was nearly impossible. Obviously, Chase had pulled some strings.
Almost all the Monds were here. Apparently, Neal was showered with love. As a child who grew in care, he was carefree and bright as sunshine. Watching Miranda looking at Neal dotingly, Ashley felt a bitter pang. She still remembered how Miranda had promised that she would be her only grandchild. It was ironic, wasn’t it?
The Monds noticed Ashley. Their smiles vanished.
A passerby gasped at the sight of one of Neal’s suitcase.“Whoa, that’s a thirty thousand dollar suitcase! They must be super rich!”
Hearing that, the Monds looked over. The passerby felt embarrassed and quickly apologized. Then, he scurried away.
In fact, Ashley noticed it, too. Not to mention Neal’s suitcase, even his duffel bag cost at least tens of thousands of bucks. And Vivian was carrying a million–dollar limited edition handbag… Satisfied with the envious stares of passers–by, Miranda and Catherine cast a look at Ashley and Sheldon. Sheldon’s luggage was half the size of Neal’s, packed in humble bags and a suitcase costing a few hundred dollars at most. Miranda glanced at it dismissively, and Catherine let out a derisive laugh.
To the Monds and Holdens, though Jones Group was recovering, it would take a while for it to turn a profit. And who knew if Steve would even succeed? Ashley’s connection with Tim seemed less significant than they’d initially thought.
In short, the Joneses were no longer in their league. Moreover, Chase was on their side. Given his devotion to Tanya, their marriage would offer the Monds the chance to move into higher classes. The Joneses would be left far behind.
Ruby, who was smirking, cast a contemptuous glance at Ashley before joining the others in escorting Neal to his dorm.
After settling Sheldon, Ashley returned home. A knock came shortly after she arrived. It was
15:18.
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Kelly and her mother. They had just returned from their hometown and brought Ashley some local delicacies.
“Thank you,” Ashley said.
“You’re welcome!” chirped Kelly. Pulling a small trinket from her pocket, she said, “This is for Sam! I’ll give it to him tomorrow.”
Kelly loved spending time with Sam. Since Sam’s New Year’s call, their friendship had blossomed. She excitedly chattered about the new school year. It reminded Ashley that Sam hadn’t called her for days. That meant Sam didn’t need her to take him to school. Perhaps Chase and Tanya would take care of it. Ashley smiled, chatted with them for a while, and then went to the living room with the gifts.
The next day, Ashley continued recruiting tech staff. At lunchtime, Kelly’s mom sent her several photos of Sam at a school event. One photo included Tanya and Chase, which confirmed Ashley’s guess.
Ashley glanced at it, then noticed the photo was gone. Kelly’s mom probably realized what was going on and recalled it quickly.
Ashley hadn’t told Kelly’s mom much about her marriage to Chase. In many divorces, the custodial parent would limit the non–custodial parent’s access to the child. Kelly’s mom assumed Ashley and Chase were in the same situation. She believed Ashley rarely saw Sam, which was why she would share the photos with Ashley.
Explaining the whole story was not easy, and Ashley knew she meant well, so she just replied, “Thank you.”
Wednesday, Ashley and Tim had business near the Sterling residence. As they got into the car, a car emerged from a side road leading directly to the Sterling mansion. Ashley recognized it was Chase’s car. Before she could look away, the car stopped, and Chase and Tanya stepped out. It seemed that they came out of the mansion.
Did it mean that Chase had taken Tanya to meet Emily?
< Chapter 434