Chapter 136
Chapter 136:
Phillip’s aggressive approach seemed absurd to Ashton.
Dismissing it, he simply began to toy with his phone.
“The Horton family’s successful biddings are revoked, and they are barred from all projects p>
Ashton promptly composed a message and dispatched it to Sheila for resolution.
The Campbells, known for their friendly ties with the Hortons, might consider intervening.
However, for Fraser, it was already too late. He had chosen the wrong adversary. Even pleas from Bruce on behalf of the Horton family for clemency were futile.
As Ashton stayed engaged with his device, Phillip interpreted his quietude as surrender and vulnerability, which only increased his glee.
He erupted into laughter, taunting, “You seem upset, but don’t even contemplate withdrawing now! This mess is of your own making. I’ve said it from the start. As long as I can secure even the smallest part of the project by all means necessary, I’ll be the winner, and you’ve consented to it. Now with considerable support on my side, are you second-guessing your decision? Ignoring me won’t help you. We both have recordings of the wager, so you might want to start thinking about how you’ll concede your defeat p>
Ashton then looked up, smiling slightly, and retorted, “Who mentioned I would keep my promise p>
Taken aback, Phillip quickly turned his surprise into ridicule. “You’re contemplating withdrawal? Recall, I have a recording of our wager too. If you back out, you’ll be ridiculed throughout Inewood p>
Phillip swelled with pride.
With a bit of manipulation, he had cornered Ashton, leaving him looking ensnared and helpless.
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Should Ashton physically roll out of the venue, he would humiliate himself before numerous esteemed families. However, if he chose to remain and defy departure, Phillip was prepared to publicize the recording.
He could easily depict Ashton as a shameless man who failed to keep his promise, making him the butt of jokes in Inewood. Regardless of Ashton’s decision, Phillip was sure he had the advantage.
But Ashton merely shook his head, still smiling confidently. “I haven’t lost a thing, so why should I comply? Do you genuinely believe Fraser could secure that partnership? He’s unable to even rescue himself, much less assist you p>
His words triggered a wave of murmurs from the spectators.
Fraser blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly.
He sighed, glancing at Ashton with slight irritation. “Your words sting a bit. I didn’t intend to corner you. I wanted to help YOU maintain some dignity, yet Phillip opposes this idea. Supporting the Watson family was my original goal, so your criticisms seem overly harsh. And really, when has the Horton family ever been excluded from a project p>
Phillip, basking in his triumph, looked at Ashton with disdain and mocked, “You might look sharp, but your words? They’re quite foolish. Are you struggling to accept a loss? If you doubt the Watsons and the James family’s ability to secure a deal, that’s your concern. However, the Horton family’s reputation in Inewood ensures they never fail in bidding p>
A member of the audience chimed in, addressing Ashton, “Perhaps you’re unaware, but the Hortons and the Campbells share a strong bond. Moreover, the Hortons are influential. Securing a couple of projects should be effortless for them. Your arrogance seems misplaced here p>
The crowd quickly aligned with Phillip, bolstering his ego further.
Phillip, emboldened, called out to Ashton, “Take a look around, Ashton! Do you think everyone is as oblivious as you? Who are you trying to fool with such absurd claims p>
At that moment, Phillip noticed his sister approaching, her expression serious, flanked by several others.
His heart lifted at the sight.
Confident that Sheila wouldn’t be heartless to him, he knew she must have been orchestrating from the shadows to secure that partnership.
With Fraser and his sister’s support, he felt utterly invincible. He thought, even if there was divine intervention, Ashton stood no chance against him.