Chapter 122
Chapter 122:
Phillip and Emalee had painstakingly saved up a substantial sum of money. Brimming with confidence, they hurried to the venue, but were greeted by the sight of Ashton standing at the entrance. Phillip’s mood, once buoyant, plummeted at the sight of him. It felt as though Ashton was everywhere Phillip went lately, and almost each time, it meant trouble. Now, here he was again, at this crucial event, souring Phillip’s mood even further.
Phillip approached Ashton, his face clouded with anger. Before Phillip could speak, Ashton’s brow furrowed as he asked, “Why is it always you? Can’t you stop following me p>
To Phillip, Ashton’s accusation seemed absurd. His anger was palpable, yet he knew better than to make a scene at such a significant event. Clenching his teeth, Phillip retorted, “Following you? Are you here for the auction too p>
Ashton shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not here to bid,” he said dismissively.
As the organizer, Ashton had no reason to participate in the auction himself. Phillip, oblivious to this, felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him as he watched Ashton concede defeat. His rage subsided, replaced by a gratifying sense of triumph. Phillip gave Ashton a scornful look, savoring his victory. Although Ashton had bested him several times before, Phillip was convinced that winning this one time would decisively tip the scales in his favor.
Flush with victory, Phillip couldn’t help but mock Ashton, saying, “At least you’re self-aware. You do realize this auction is a rivalry among big families, right? Even with the Watson and James families teaming up, we’re not entirely sure of our standing. As for you, don’t think you’re fit to participate in an event of this stature just because you’ve pilfered funds from the James family p>
Ashton responded with a mere smile, remaining silent.
He hadn’t anticipated that Phillip would take his impromptu decision to organize the charity auction so seriously. Yet, Ashton’s quiet grin led Phillip to believe he had struck a nerve. Seizing the opportunity to demean Ashton further, Phillip pressed on with his taunts.
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“Just so you’re aware, the Longevity Pill you gifted Bobby at his birthday banquet was counterfeit. Today’s auction, organized by the Skyline Group, is offering the genuine medicine! I’ve been told that Bobby still pulls out your bogus pill now and then. I plan to secure a real one today and present it to Bobby upon my return. I want him to realize that you’re a liar and that I am the one who genuinely looks out for the James family p>
Ashton had been slightly worried, having not heard much about Bobby recently. Judging from Phillip’s words, it seemed that Bobby was still in good health. Ashton felt a wave of relief wash over him.
Despite Phillip’s attempts to provoke him, Ashton remained unfazed and smiled dismissively. “Go ahead. I hope you really can win a Longevity Pill and rub it in my face p>
Phillip, assuming Ashton was bluffing, sneered back, “You think I can’t do it? Just wait and see! If you’re brave enough, stick around and see how I prove you wrong!” His relentless taunting began to irritate Emalee. She frowned, her voice low and gentle, as she advised, “Let it go, Phillip. You’re going too far. If people overhear, they’ll start talking p>
Emalee’s words were meant to urge Phillip to dial back, but he perceived it as her siding with Ashton, which only fueled his anger further. However, remembering the effort he had put into mending things with Emalee and his ambitions involving the James family’s assets, Phillip bit back his fury. Casting a venomous glance at Ashton, he forcefully grabbed Emalee’s wrist and pulled her with him into the auction venue.