Chapter 10
Chapter 10:
Ryder had actually come to see Ashton in person? The room fell into a hush. How could Ashton possibly be the doctor Ryder was personally looking for?
Miriam quickly regained her composure and scoffed dismissively, “Do you seriously think Ashton is an esteemed doctor? We’ve all seen what he’s done—or rather, hasn’t done—over the past two years. His accomplishments don’t extend beyond household chores. How could he possibly be a doctor p>
Overhearing her mother’s biting remarks, Emalee felt a wave of relief wash over her and nodded in agreement. “That’s right. I’ve lived with him for two years. I know him better than anyone here. Ashton being a doctor? Impossible. Mr. Campbell must’ve made a mistake p>
The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement. Bobby, however, remained detached from the flurry of gossip. He cleared his throat, drawing the room’s attention, and fixed his gaze on Emalee.
“Emalee, come with me.” He rose from his chair and made his way to a private room adjacent to the banquet hall.
Anxious, Emalee cast a fleeting glance at Phillip before quietly following her grandfather.
As she entered the room, she met Bobby’s gaze, which was laden with complex emotions.
“Emalee, Ashton is an exceptional young man. Why didn’t you cherish him? Why did you let him go?” Bobby asked, his tone cold and devoid of warmth.
“Grandpa, please don’t be charmed by Ashton’s sweet talk. What skills could he possibly have?” Emalee responded defensively.
Bobby laughed coldly. “I might not know every talent Ashton has, but it’s clear you never truly understood him. Did you know he could play the piano? You were his wife for two years. Did you ever genuinely care to know him? If you never took the time to discover who he was, how could you recognize his worth p>
Emalee lowered her head, her expression turning grave. Her grandfather’s words were piercing and irrefutable.
After a moment of silence, Emalee bit her lip and said, “I admit he’s good at the piano, but a doctor? What a joke! If he had such skills, why would he have spent two years quietly with the James family p>
She paused to gather her thoughts and continued, “And even if he’s knowledgeable in medicine, so what? Phillip is an elite lawyer with international experience. How can Ashton even begin to compare to Phillip p>
As soon as she finished, Bobby’s expression darkened with fury, and he erupted, “How dare you defend Phillip! You insisted on marrying that scoundrel over my objections. And what happened? Even after invitations were sent, he fled the country the night before your wedding p>
He took a deep breath and added, “Had it not been for Ashton stepping in to marry you, the James family would have been the laughingstock of Inewood! And yet you still want to defend Phillip p>
Emalee found herself speechless, overwhelmed by her grandfather’s rebuke and the weight of her own choices. Bobby sighed heavily. “Do you honestly think I appointed you CEO just because of your efforts? When you were devastated by Phillip’s betrayal, it was Ashton who brought forward several strategies that saved our company from crisis. I made you CEO believing that with Ashton’s support, you’d take the company to new heights. But it turns out the plans made in your name were all Ashton’s doing. Had I known the truth, I might have reconsidered giving you your position p>
After a pause, he continued, “Over the past two years, whenever you were sick or stayed late at work, Ashton was always there, taking care of you. Now, you’ve pushed away the person who stood by your side for someone who abandoned you at the altar. I’m really disappointed p>
Emalee looked up at her grandfather, who seemed to have aged years in just moments.
Bobby exhaled deeply and added, “Forget it. There’s no point in discussing this further now. I just hope you won’t come to regret your decision. I believe Ashton will accomplish great things. It’s not that he isn’t worthy of you. It’s that our James family doesn’t deserve him p>
Emalee listened to her grandfather’s words in silence and felt a myriad of emotions. Yes, Ashton had indeed made many sacrifices for her and the James family, yet she couldn’t help feeling that her grandfather’s praise for Ashton was too much.
“Grandpa, I’m not as incapable as you believe. One day, I’ll show you that my decision today was the correct one!” Emalee responded with a defiant tone.
With those words, she left the room, leaving Bobby behind to sigh in exasperation.
As Ashton stepped out of the hotel, his thoughts about the future were abruptly interrupted when a stretch Lincoln limousine pulled up in front of him.
The moment the car came to a stop, a young woman emerged from the back seat.
Ashton looked up to see her dressed in a pristine white gown. Her skin was flawless, and her features were strikingly beautiful, eclipsing even Emalee’s.
The woman, beaming with joy, looked at Ashton and eagerly asked, “Are you Dr. Baldwin p>
After thinking for a moment, Ashton replied, “Are you Rosalie Campbell, the one who called me p>
Rosalie nodded, her eyes filled with a sincere plea. “Dr. Baldwin, I’ve been searching for you. My family member has been suffering from a chronic illness. Please, help us p>
Moved by her earnestness, Ashton felt a surge of compassion. Then, after a brief moment of contemplation, he nodded. “Take me to them. If there’s anything I can do, I won’t hesitate p>
Rosalie was overjoyed at his response.
Just as Ashton agreed to help, Ryder arrived on the scene, visibly relieved to see him speaking with Rosalie.
“Miss Campbell, you’re truly remarkable. You managed to find Dr. Baldwin as soon as you got here,” Ryder remarked with a sheepish smile, afraid of a reproach from her.
Ryder then held the car door open for them.
With a soft hum, Rosalie chose not to dwell on his shortcomings.
Just then, her phone rang. She answered, and her expression drained of color.
The voice on the other end delivered a jarring message.
“Miss Campbell, your sister’s condition has worsened. She’s critical now p>