Chapter 386
Chapter 386:
Dora blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. An apology? Public? It was unthinkable. She had spent her life shielded by her own status, used to others bending to her whims.
The thought of apologizing to someone else was entirely foreign to her. The notion of doing it publicly, in front of others, was downright absurd.
“That’s not happening! I just want my stuff back. Why should I apologize to you?” she exclaimed, her lip curling in defiance.
“Then why should I let you rifle through my private belongings?” Ashton shot back, his voice now steely. “With so many people here, why are you targeting me alone p>
The stand-off had reached its peak when a middle-aged man, feigning a sense of reason, stepped forward. He looked at Ashton with the condescending smile of someone trying to appear wise.
“Look, son,” he said, “you’re not a kid anymore. The girl’s clearly upset. What’s the harm in letting her take a quick look? It’s not that serious, right p>
The crowd, sensing their opportunity to push Ashton into a corner, murmured their agreement. The air thickened with pressure, as if Ashton’s refusal to comply was the only thing standing between the crowd and the resolution they craved.
Ashton felt the walls closing in. He was being forced into a corner—morally trapped by their accusations and the weight of their expectations.
With a sneer, Ashton muttered, “Some people can’t admit when they’re wrong, so there’s no point in explaining it. Maybe it’s a sign of how they were raised, but that’s none of my business. Here’s a tip, though: acting like this only embarrasses you. Go ahead and look, but don’t be surprised if you don’t like what you find p>
Dora, unmoved and certain of Ashton’s guilt, snapped, “I don’t care! I’m going to find out if you stole my things, and I’m doing it now p>
Ashton sighed, realizing there was no reasoning with her. The best he could do to protect Rosalie’s privacy was to make the inspection as discreet as possible.
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: ⲅⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧸ⅽ𝗼𝗺
He chose a few women from the crowd to serve as witnesses and led them and Dora to a nearby changing room, away from prying eyes.
Before stepping inside, Ashton gave Dora one last look. “Whatever happens in there,” he warned, his voice low, “just remember—I told you to be prepared for what you find p>
Dora rolled her eyes, brushing off his warning like it was nothing. She turned to Flint. “Hey, handsome, do me a favor and keep an eye on the door, okay? When I’m done in there, make sure no one lets him slip away p>
Flint, practically giddy at her attention, puffed out his chest and replied eagerly, “No problem! With me on guard, this creep won’t be able to slip away p>
Ashton could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on him as he followed the women into the changing room that had been cleared for them, Rosalie’s laundry basket in hand.
Setting the basket down on a bench, he glanced at Dora. “Just a last warning. None of this is yours; don’t blame me if the real thief has taken the chance to run away p>
Dora crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “You’re awfully chatty. Just wait until I find my underwear in there. Then we’ll see if you can walk the talk p>
With a quick shove, she nudged Ashton aside, her confidence taking over as she reached into the basket, fishing through the clothes.