Chapter 434
Mans
Tim followed Ashley’s gaze and saw Chase and Tanya. The Reed and Sterling families weren’t particularly close, and Tim had never been here; he didn’t even know the Sterling residence was nearby.
He smirked. “What are they doing here?”
Ashley looked away.“That road leads only to Emily’s house.”
Tim blinked, then understood.“So, Chase brought Tanya to meet his family?” Before Ashley could say anything, Tim sneered with a hint of anger in his voice.“Your divorce isn’t finalized yet, is it? And he’s already bringing her to his family? Is he that desperate?” It seemed Chase was indeed in a hurry, but Ashley knew he’d tried to introduce Tanya to his family before. However, Emily had forbidden it, and with the other elders‘ opposition, Chase had been forced to back down. In other words, Chase had been waiting for this day for a long time. Now, with the divorce imminent, he wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
Tim looked at her.“By the way, when will your divorce be finalized?”
Ashley shrugged.“I don’t know. I asked Chase, and he said soon.” But it had been a while since she last asked, and she’d heard nothing.
Tim scoffed.“Who knows what he’s planning? He’s the one desperate to divorce you and marry Tanya, yet
he’s the one delaying the divorce papers. Next time you see him, make sure you push him to finalize it. I don’t want to see him again!”
Ashley smiled.“Okay.”
Shortly after returning to the office, Ashley’s phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she froze, then answered quickly.“Mr. Cook.”
Marshall Cook, Alex Sterling, and Ashley’s grandfather were close friends. Since Ashley moved to this city, her grandfather had brought her with him every time he met Marshall. Basically, Marshall had known her all her life.
Marshall went abroad to recuperate a few years ago and hadn’t been back in years.
“I’m back,” Marshall said cheerfully on the other end.“Ashley, sweetie, how about you join me for dinner this weekend?”
Ashley readily agreed.“I’d love to!”
Marshall chuckled.“Oh, and bring Chase along.”
Ashley’s smile faltered. Before she could explain, Marshall hang up due to a visitor.
Ashley hesitated for a moment and then texted Chase.
“Mr. Marshall Cook wants us to visit him this weekend.”
She put her phone down and returned to work.
The next morning, a text from Chase popped up on her phone.
“Okay.”
Ashley sent him that message yesterday afternoon, and he replied to her the next day. The next thing she knew, another message arrived.
15:18
99.1%
< Chapter 434
“Saturday or Sunday? Morning or afternoon? No specific time?”
And the third one followed swiftly.
“Why don’t you call him and ask?”
Menu
Ashley didn’t reply but called Marshall. After confirming the details, she sent the information to Chase. This time, Chase replied quickly.
“Got it.”
Saturday morning, Ashley drove to Marshall’s mansion. Many of the Cooks lived overseas, so apart from a few servants, only Marshall was home.
Marshall personally greeted Ashley at the door.“Ashley, it’s so nice to see you again!”
“You too,” Ashley smiled. She was relieved to see him looking well. Still, she couldn’t help but remark, “You’ve lost weight.”
Marshall chuckled.”A bit, but I feel much better. Don’t worry.”
They went inside. Marshall offered Ashley tea. He didn’t ask about Chase’s absence. She realized he must know about her pending divorce. He didn’t ask about Sam either, which meant he also knew about the custody
not Ashley chose arrangement. Ashley
to
- up.
bring it They chatted over tea for about twenty minutes when a servant informed Marshall of visitors. Marshall didn’t respond, showing his lack of interest in greeting them. Instead, he offered Ashley some sweets; she took a couple of bites.
Then, from a side entrance, the butler announced, “Mr. Sterling, please come in.”
Marshall’s gaze hardened instantly. Ashley tensed; the sound of heels confirmed her guess. She glanced sideways, and saw Chase and Tanya.
Chase met her gaze briefly before looking away and addressing Marshall.“Mr. Cook
Chase introduced Tanya.“This is Tanya. Marshall grunted, remaining silent. Tanya, ignoring Ashley completely, smiled and greeted Marshall.“Hello, Mr. Cook.” Though Marshall knew about Chase’s divorce and his relationship with Tanya, he was clearly surprised by Tanya’s arrival.
Marshall scoffed.“I’m sorry. I don’t remember inviting you.”
“Mr. Cook,” Chase interjected. Clearly, he didn’t want Marshall to be so hostile to Tanya. Marshall remained cold and silent. Chase, completely at ease in the mansion, settled onto the sofa with Tanya. It seemed that he was not in the least affected by Marshall’s indifference. Two days ago, Chase had brought Tanya to Emily’s. Now he brought Tanya here. Was he that desperate to introduce her to people important to him before the divorce was finalized? Ashley withdrew her gaze, quietly sipping her tea. Chase acted like he owned the place. When Marshall ignored them, he poured tea for himself and Tanya.
Marshall, still fuming, slapped his hand away.“Don’t touch my tea!”
Chase smiled. “Then I’ll make my own.”