Chapter 22
Chapter 22:
Ashton, already inside the restaurant, was unfazed by the minor disturbance outside. He followed Rosalie to their table, and instead of needing a regular customer’s seat, they went straight to a private room reserved for the Campbell family.
Soon, a large table set for more than ten diners was laden with a variety of gourmet dishes, featuring some rare and expensive ingredients. Ashton, familiar with high-end dining, estimated that the ingredients alone cost at least $50,000. Considering they were prepared by top chefs at a premier restaurant, the final tab was undoubtedly much higher.
Ashton, often overlooked by the James family members, was taken aback by the extravagance of the meal.
“Rosalie, this is just a meal. There was no need for such extravagance,” Ashton commented, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Rosalie smiled warmly and responded, “This is nothing compared to what you did to save Selena’s life p>
At the mention of her sister, Ashton’s demeanor grew more earnest.
“You and your sister are very close, yet you came here alone to meet me. You must have something important to discuss, right?” Ashton asked, cutting to the chase.
Seeing Ashton’s direct approach, Rosalie’s smile faded, and she nodded in agreement.
“Even though you saved Selena yesterday, her path to full recovery is still a long one, isn’t it?” she inquired sincerely. “After all, it’s unrealistic to expect a single treatment to fully heal her p>
Alone with Rosalie in the private room, Ashton saw no reason to hold back. He nodded, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
“Her condition is indeed complex. It has been Evolving over years, so naturally, curing it completely in a short time is out of the question p>
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After a brief pause, Ashton added, “However, if she’s prepared for a long-term treatment plan, I’m confident that a complete recovery is possible. But I must warn you, the costs could be substantial p>
Rosalie’s heart initially sank at Ashton’s words, but his next statement rekindled her hope. She stood up, her energy palpable. “As long as there’s a chance for Selena to get better, I’m willing to invest whatever time and money it takes p>
Ashton responded with a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry. I never commit to something unless I’m certain of the outcome p>
He seemed more agreeable today than before. Previously, he had agreed to marry Emalee as a way to repay a debt of gratitude, a decision that nearly cost him his career. Now, freed from his marriage to Emalee and facing life on his own, he had to consider his future.
“Dr. Baldwin, I’ll head back and share the good news with Selena,” Rosalie said.
After the meal, Rosalie waved goodbye, smiling warmly. Ashton watched her go and sighed softly. Her genuine warmth toward him starkly contrasted with the chilly, distant demeanor his ex-wife had displayed earlier. Honestly, it left him feeling quite disheartened.
Later, at his own home, Ashton sent a text to Emalee, eager to formally finalize their divorce and cut ties with what had become a pointless mess.
At the same time, Emalee, annoyed by their earlier canceled meal, decided to unwind in a bath, leaving her phone unattended in the living room. This lapse gave Phillip the opening he needed. A blaze of vengeance lit up his eyes.
Holding onto a grudge from their earlier confrontation, Phillip saw his chance now that Ashton had made contact. He was in no mood to hold back.
Phillip responded to the message, instructing Ashton to stay at home, and then he swiftly deleted the text before Emalee could return. He knew well that Emalee, ever concerned with her public image, wouldn’t personally confront Ashton.
But Phillip was different. He was determined to make Ashton pay for today’s embarrassment. A malicious scheme began to take shape in his mind. He sneered to himself, “Ashton! Why did you have to provoke me? Soon, you’ll realize that crossing me was your biggest mistake. You won’t have a place in Inewood for much longer p>