Chapter 130
Chapter 130:
Phillip’s suggestion seemed completely reasonable to the James family and the others.
The scale of this bidding event was so immense that even the most influential families could only afford to send representatives. How could Ashton, a man with neither status nor significant position, possibly gain entry? It seemed utterly out of the question!
Even Fraser, who usually played the role of the affable gentleman, now stood by with a frosty demeanor. He was aware of Ashton’s ties to the Campbell family, yet he doubted those connections were substantial enough to secure Ashton an invitation to such a pivotal event.
Fraser was curious to see the source of Ashton’s audacity.
Led by Phillip, the group made their way to the security checkpoint at the entrance of the venue and approached the designated security team.
Phillip wasted no time and inquired directly, “Could you check if there’s a person named Ashton Baldwin on the guest list for this event p>
The head of security, knowing the significance of the attendees—who were all representatives from prominent families in Inewood—took his duty seriously.
He promptly retrieved the guest list and, after several thorough checks, he delivered a clear response. “Mr. Watson, I’ve gone through the guest list multiple times, and there’s no mention of anyone named Ashton Baldwin. Furthermore, there isn’t even a family with the surname Baldwin on the list p>
Upon hearing this, a wave of triumph washed over Phillip and the others. After expressing their gratitude to the security officer, they hurried back to confront Ashton.
Phillip, bubbling with glee, taunted, “We’ve checked. The list has no Ashton, nor any Baldwin! Now, let’s hear you explain this!” Fraser watched from the sidelines, a smirk of satisfaction on his face.
Ashton had exuded such confidence that Fraser had half-expected the Campbell family to have extended him a private invitation.
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But now, it was clear he had given Ashton too much credit. Fraser, with a resigned expression, played the mediator again and approached Ashton.
“Ashton, I know you’re close with Rosalie and Selena, and you probably thought you’d be welcomed here at the bidding event. But you should consider that it’s organized by the Skyline Group. Even if Rosalie and her family wanted to include you, the Skyline Group wouldn’t allow someone like you to attend. Staying here might only tarnish your reputation, especially with so many eyes on us p>
Ashton responded with a faint smile, “Who says I can’t enter just because I’m not on the guest list p>
Phillip burst into laughter and taunted him, “Still being stubborn, are you? Fine! I’d love to see how you’ll manage to get inside!” Ignoring Phillip’s mockery, Ashton walked confidently toward the security checkpoint.
The guards, who were unaware of his identity but had caught wind of the earlier disturbance, tensed up as he approached. As Ashton neared, they extended their arms to block his path, anticipating trouble.
Phillip and the onlookers, including Emalee’s parents, watched eagerly, ready to relish Ashton’s humiliation when he would inevitably be turned away by security.
As the guards reached to intercept him, Ashton smoothly extracted a Skyline Group ID card from his pocket.
“Do you recognize this?” Ashton inquired, his voice subdued. The guards scrutinized the ID card, each struck by a sudden surprise.
One, doubtful, swiped Ashton’s card through a reader. It cleared. A collective shock seized them.
The man before them was the enigmatic chairman of their very company!
The head guard’s hands shook as he hastily handed back the ID card and cleared the way for Ashton.
“We’re terribly sorry, sir. We had no idea who you were and stopped you. Please forgive us!” he stammered, his apology laced with nerves.
Ashton slipped the ID back into his pocket, offered a reassuring smile, and dismissed their worries with a wave of his hand.
“You were merely performing your duties, and you executed them admirably. Keep up the good work. Just make sure to keep my identity under wraps, alright p>
The guards assured him in hushed tones, “Mr. Baldwin, rest assured that your secret is safe with us!” Pleased, Ashton nodded his approval.
He then turned, offered a casual smile to Phillip and his entourage, and strolled into the venue with ease.