Chapter 17
Chapter 17:
Emalee’s sudden verbal attack caught Ashton completely off guard, leaving him perplexed by her accusation. With a frown on his face, he responded, “Please don’t flatter yourself. I am here solely to enjoy a meal; my presence has absolutely nothing to do with you p>
However, to Phillip and Emalee, Ashton’s explanation seemed nothing more than a weak attempt to cover up an embarrassing situation.
Phillip scoffed derisively, “You’re here for dinner? Are you even aware of the prestige of this place? This is the Modern Restaurant, known for being one of the most elite private dining venues in all of Inewood. A meal here can cost thousands. How can you possibly afford such extravagance unless you were here following us p>
To Ashton, Phillip’s conceited demeanor was more amusing than aggravating. He chose not to let Phillip’s words provoke him.
With a calm smile, Ashton countered, “It’s true that I don’t frequent establishments of this grandeur, but what if I told you I was invited by someone else p>
This comment caused Emalee’s face to darken.
“Ashton, stop fabricating stories! You’re just piling one lie on top of another. It’s utterly pathetic p>
Despite her words, she secretly felt pleased. In her mind, she was convinced that even if Ashton had not deliberately followed them, he must have learned of their plans from her grandfather and was attempting to ingratiate himself back into her life.
Feeling a surge of pride, Emalee straightened her posture. Despite the harshness of Ashton’s words during their separation, his current actions seemed to contradict those words.
Before Ashton could offer a reply, Emalee pressed on.
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“Ashton, I recognize that your departure from the James family may have left you feeling resentful, but there is absolutely no possibility of us reconciling. If your presence here today is merely to collect some form of financial reparation you believe you were deprived of yesterday, I am prepared to settle that matter immediately. However, if your intentions extend to rekindling what we once had, let me be clear: it will not happen. My heart is irrevocably committed to Phillip and him alone p>
Although Emalee’s words were definitive, they failed to impact Ashton emotionally.
Reflecting on the events of the previous day when he signed the divorce agreement, Ashton found himself not saddened but rather liberated. At that moment, Ashton came to the realization that his affection toward Emalee had always been rooted more in a deep-seated gratitude than in romantic love.
This gratitude explained his initial decision to marry into the James family, a commitment he made because Emalee had dramatically saved his life on a previous occasion. Their separation marked the resolution of any mutual obligations, leaving Ashton free from any emotional entanglements with her.
Nevertheless, being publicly confronted and berated by Emalee and Phillip was becoming increasingly irritating, despite his general disinterest in further interactions.
“Believe whatever you choose, but my presence here is tied solely to a dinner engagement,” Ashton clarified firmly.
At that moment, Phillip looked around and stated, “Oh, is that so? And just where is this mysterious dinner companion of yours? It appears you’re quite alone p>
Just then, as if on cue, Rosalie made her way toward them, having caught snippets of their heated exchange. Displaying visible displeasure and speaking in a frosty tone, she interjected, “I am the one who extended the dinner invitation to Ashton. What concern is it of yours? Please refrain from thinking highly of yourselves and creating disturbances here. It’s quite undignified p>