Chapter 412 

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Eternal’s party was three days after Green Corporation’s. That evening, Zark arrived early. Things went smooth, perhaps because Tanya, Chase, and Jeffery weren’t there. The party was 

well–attended. 

Ashley and Tim were incredibly busy, hardly paying attention to Zark. Only when they saw him chatting with Steve did they realize he hadn’t left. Mond Corp’s party was held at the same night. They’d assumed Zark came here early so he could leave early to attend the other party. It turned out that they were wrong. 

Tim was pleased. He murmured, “Now that’s what I call valuing the partnership. As for that stupid Jeffery… I don’t even want to talk about him.” 

Ashley was equally surprised. Zark being so nice meant they couldn’t ignore him. They approached Zark, saying politely, “Mr. Green, there are a lot of guests here. You must think us very disorganized.” 

Throughout the evening, Zark’s attention kept drifting to Ashley, though unnoticed by others. He clinked glasses with them, taking a sip before saying, “Not at all. We’re all friends.” 

While their collaboration had been pleasant, Tim never considered them friends. He knew Zark was just being polite. Still, putting aside any personal issues, he appreciated Zark’s professional demeanor. 

Zark spoke to Tim, but his gaze kept returning to Ashley. It was Tim and Ashley’s night. Despite Tim’s presence, Ashley had quite a bit to drink. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with a hint of moisture, losing some of her usual coolness. She looked…cute. 

Zark’s grip on his champagne flute tightened, then he slowly looked away. Ashley was tipsy, but not drunk. 

As the party ended, Ashley walked Zark to the door. He stopped. The wind bit fiercely. Seeing a sliver of her slender, snow–white leg peeking from beneath her soft gown, he said, “Let’s stop 

here.” 

Ashley nodded.“Okay. Drive safe.” 

Zark looked at her, as if he had something to say. But he didn’t. He then turned and left. 

After the important guests departed, Ashley left the hotel in Steve’s car. Zark hadn’t actually left. He was worried that Ashley would drive under the influence. Seeing her safely in the car, he told his driver, “Let’s go.” 

The next day, Ashley joined her grandmother and Mandy at breakfast. They were discussing shopping for New Year. Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. The company officially closed for the holiday. 

Ashley said, “I’ll with you.” 

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Amanda_smiled.“Wonderful. Let’s go together.” Her smile faltered slightly.“Ashley, will Sam…spend the New Year with the Sterlings this year?” 

Speaking of Sam, a shadow passed over Ashley’s smile.“I think so.” The day she met Brooks, Chase had mentioned Sam in the elevator, subtly suggesting she look after him. But since then, neither he nor Sam had contacted her. Sam would likely be spending the New Year with the Sterlings. 

Amanda felt a pang for Sam and sadness for Ashley. Ashley, however, remained calm. She 

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comforted Amanda, “Grandma, I’m fine. As long as Sam is happy.” 

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But Amanda sensed Ashley was trying to hide her sorrow. She sighed quietly and didn’t press further. 

After breakfast, Ashley, Mandy, and Amanda went shopping. The streets were brightly lit, festive New Year’s songs playing everywhere, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. They’d already done a round of shopping earlier, and this trip was mainly to fill any gaps. Children on the street were wearing festive outfits and carrying adorable lanterns. 

Ashley stopped, watching a little girl skip and hop. She used to buy two or three sets of those festive outfits for Sam every year before he went abroad with Chase. Sam had loved them. He loved the lanterns, too. Those used to be his favorite toy, and he could play with them for hours with the candlelight flickering inside. 

But that was two years ago. For one year, Chase and Sam had spent the holiday abroad. They returned last year, but Sam no longer liked those festive outfits. He considered them tacky and refused to wear them. Ashley hadn’t forced him. She bought him new clothes, but Sam didn’t like them, either. Ashley had thought she’d fallen behind on Sam’s tastes. She later learned Sam simply didn’t want anything she bought. 

Ashley quietly rejoined her grandmother and Mandy. 

Henry and Sheldon texted Ashley, asking her to buy fireworks so they could have a display in the garden on New Year’s Eve. Ashley smiled and replied, “Okay.” 

back For the past years, even on holidays, Chase was often traveling. Still, Ashley had always gone to the Sterling residence for the New Year with Sam. She realized it had been seven years since she’d spent the New Year at the Jones residence. 

Ashley put her phone away, smiling. She was about to buy fireworks when her phone rang. It was Tim. He said he’d bought many expensive fireworks and would send her some. Ashley thanked him. She wouldn’t need to buy any now. 

Ashley’s phone rang again when she returned home. This time, it was Zark Ashley was a bit surprised.“Mr. Green.” 

“I ordered a batch of fireworks a while ago. Betty asked me to share some with you. Can you give me your address? I’ll have them sent over.” 

Ashley was startled. She instinctively refused.“Mr. Green, you don’t have to…” “Then you can call Betty and tell her.” 

Ashley paused for two seconds, then said, “Please tell Betty thanks for me.”