Chapter 446
Chapter 446:
This show of authority was something Ellis had never faced before, and it left him visibly intimidated and compliant. With Ashton’s military background, Ellis knew better than to defy him. He nodded repeatedly, almost desperately, assuring, “Mr. Baldwin, don’t worry. Should any information about today’s events leak, we are completely at your disposal p>
The female models, echoing Ellis, voiced their agreement, affirming their loyalty.
Ashton’s expression eased slightly at their assurances. He gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, which seemed to relieve Ellis.
Grasping at the opportunity to reinforce his loyalty, Ellis hurriedly continued, “I deeply regret our previous misunderstandings. Let me inform you that today, the Marquez family, which controls Sup Group, has been trying to consolidate power among the Staville families to edge out foreign competitors like your Skyline Group. However, rest assured that our Byrd family did not align with their intentions. We have always stood against underhanded means for gain p>
Though Ellis outwardly maintained a facade of integrity, internally, he was relieved that his father had outright rejected the Marquez family’s proposal because he didn’t take Skyline Group seriously. Any alignment against Ashton could have spelled disaster for them.
Ashton was well aware that Ellis was deliberately trying to ingratiate himself, but he remained indifferent to such attempts. However, he couldn’t suppress a sneer upon hearing the news Ellis divulged.
Ashton had long marked the Marquez family as a key subject of his investigations, especially given the looming threat from the Dark Night Organization and the family’s ties to Fraser. He had been strategizing on how to approach the Marquezes, yet unexpectedly, the two brothers’ next plan had just handed him the perfect pretext.
Seeing Ashton’s sneer, Ellis’ heart raced with anxiety. Just as he was bracing himself to plead for mercy, Ashton dismissed him curtly, saying, “Alright, you have no further business here. Remember my instructions, and leave now p>
Without hesitation, Ellis departed with the young models accompanying him. Once they were gone, Ashton’s gaze shifted back to Milena. Yet, no one could decipher her thoughts; Milena’s face remained a perfect mask of impassivity. Observing this, Ashton chose not to press further.
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“I can’t take you with me right now,” Ashton stated. “Given your status as a senior intelligence officer, I assume you have your own strategies. Please, contact me as soon as you uncover any new information p>
Milena offered no reply, simply nodding in silent agreement. They then exchanged contact details before departing in opposite directions.
Upon returning to the Carter family’s manor, Ashton walked into the living room to find Rosalie and Abrial deeply engrossed in what appeared to be a secretive discussion. The moment the door creaked open, both turned toward him, their eyes twinkling with intrigue, and quickly approached him.
“What’s got you both so animated?” Ashton inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Rosalie beamed and responded, “There’s a land auction coming up in Staville—official bidding for the expansion of the business district. The plot is excellently located, and we’re debating whether to participate in the bidding p>