Chapter 490
Chapter 490:
At that moment, Ashton also turned his attention to the scene. Upon seeing the middle-aged policeman, his expression shifted.
This man was no stranger to him; he had met him at the military base a few days earlier—he was Rayden Smith, the director of the Staville Police Department.
Catching Ashton’s gaze, Rayden promptly addressed him with respect. “Thank you, Mr. Baldwin, for your assistance. Otherwise, my daughter’s naive actions might have become the talk of the town.”
Ashton shook his head modestly and replied, “Not at all. It’s my pleasure.”
While speaking, Ashton gave Rayden a discreet look, signaling him not to disclose his true identity.
Rayden, understanding the cue amidst the crowded scene, smiled and gave a slight nod.
Then, shifting the conversation, Rayden mentioned to Ashton, “Mr. Baldwin, my birthday is coming up in a few days. If you’re available, please come over to my house for dinner.”
Ashton was initially hesitant, but recalling the report from Milena, he realized it might be prudent to speak with the director of the police department privately.
Thus, he graciously accepted the invitation. “Mr. Smith, since you’ve personally invited me, how could I refuse? I’ll definitely make time to visit.”
Following behind, Alisha, still puzzled, leaned in and asked her father in a low voice, “Dad, do you know him well? Why are you being so cordial with him, even inviting him to your birthday party?”
Rayden looked at his puzzled daughter and explained, “Of course, the more the merrier at a birthday party. Why do you ask? Do you have any concerns about Mr. Baldwin?”
Alisha shook her head, still looking perplexed. “Dad, you’re the director of the Staville Police Department, and everyone who attends your birthday is a notable figure in Staville, right? Who is he?”
𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀．ⅽ𝗈𝗺
With a warm smile, Ashton interjected, “Let me introduce myself. My name is Ashton Baldwin, and I am the general manager of Skyline Group’s branch here in Staville. I hope I may have the honor of attending your father’s birthday celebration.”
Ashton continued, his tone playful yet earnest, “If you’re still questioning my credentials, remember what I taught you today—don’t always take people at their word. Your father invited me because he thought it was important. Isn’t that reason enough?”
Alisha, who had heard of Ashton’s burgeoning reputation and his status as one of Staville’s most talked-about newcomers, was taken aback to meet him in person. This revelation made her father’s invitation seem all the more appropriate.
Feeling a rush of embarrassment at Ashton’s teasing, Alisha’s cheeks flushed a deep red.
She playfully grabbed her father’s arm and complained like a spoiled child, “Dad, look, Ashton is teasing me!” Rayden’s response was a blend of amusement and resignation as he listened to the exchange between his daughter and Ashton.
After all, Rayden was intimately aware of Ashton’s true identity, while others might still be in the dark. He would never dare disrespect anyone from the Baldwin family, particularly not now. Recently, the higher-ups in Tacland had requested that he cooperate with Ashton to covertly investigate the Dark Night Organization, a notorious terrorist group. Offending Ashton was simply not an option.