Chapter 139
Chapter 139:
Phillip and Emalee stood as the lone representatives from their families.
However, because of Phillip’s confident demeanor, many members of the James family, including Matthew and Miriam, had been waiting at the gate of the venue with high hopes resting on him.
Surprisingly, Phillip’s efforts fell short. He had to leave in a disgraceful manner, much to everyone’s dismay.
At the venue’s entrance, they witnessed Phillip rolling all the way to their feet, leaving them in utter shock.
Unable to bear the embarrassment, Emalee hurriedly left the scene.
Before fleeing, she cast a discontented glance at Ashton and noticed Sheila next to him, speaking apologetically.
This moment left Emalee stunned.
She reflected on the day’s bidding and the recent charity event, sparking a curious suspicion.
She speculated whether Ashton might be linked to the influential Skyline Group or if he held a secret identity that even they respected.
The urge to confront Ashton surged within her, but her courage faltered.
After escaping the venue, other James family members quickly approached her, their faces etched with concern.
Their questions bombarded her. “Is the bidding finished? What were the results? Did we secure the partnership? Also, why didn’t Phillip wait for you? He left so abruptly without a farewell.” Their inquiries stung Emalee like mocking taunts.
She wished for the ground to swallow her up.
She didn’t know what to respond when she observed the concern on her relatives’ faces.
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Emalee managed to muster a forced smile and gave brief, perfunctory replies to her relatives before quickly finding a reason to return home with her parents.
Upon their arrival at home, Matthew and Miriam were finally informed about the events. They sat on the sofa, their expressions grim, and remained silent.
Emalee wished to offer them comfort, yet she found herself at a loss for words.
The family had dedicated substantial efforts to this bid, only for it to culminate in a humiliating defeat.
The mood at home was now suffocatingly somber.
Matthew resorted to chain-smoking.
Even after consuming nearly a whole pack of cigarettes, he was still puzzled as to why things had proceeded so seamlessly for Ashton, while Phillip continued to be disgraced.
Miriam, on the other hand, was vocal about her frustrations concerning Phillip’s incapability.
Since the reconciliation between Emalee and Phillip, the benefits for the James family had been negligible. Instead, their association with him had brought considerable hardships and had even tarnished their social standing. This particular incident had significantly eroded their family’s image among their friends and relatives.
Miriam, who had once envisioned Phillip as her future son-in-law, started to question her prior judgment of him.
At that moment, Matthew suddenly slapped his thigh, and his eyes lit up with an epiphany.
“I’ve figured it out!” he declared. “Could it be that Ashton has some hidden identity? Do you recall what my father mentioned about him? He always insisted that Ashton was not just anybody. My father built what the James family is today thanks to his astute instincts p>
Emalee bit her lip, pausing before she spoke. “Initially, I suspected Ashton was merely targeting our family’s assets, and my bias led me to disregard him. Reflecting on his actions now, I’m starting to think he might indeed be someone remarkable.” With Emalee’s insight, the family seemed to suddenly grasp the solution to their dilemma. A wave of relief and newfound optimism swept through them.
Now, they were convinced that Ashton possessed an extraordinary identity and had connections with the Skyline Group. Reflecting on this, even Miriam couldn’t suppress her excitement. She grasped Emalee’s hand.
“Emalee, you’re still not officially divorced from Ashton. Phillip has proven unreliable and cowardly. Why not consider reconciling with Ashton?” she suggested.
Emalee felt awkward and was at a loss for words.
However, Tristan, who had remained silent until now, was displeased with the idea of bringing Ashton back into the fold.
Before he could voice his objections, Matthew and Miriam seemed to anticipate his response. They fixed him with a stare that made him hold back his words.
Their speculation about Ashton’s true identity grew more fervent. Noticing Emalee’s hesitation, they began to patiently persuade her.
Matthew was the first to make his case. “Emalee, I understand this might be uncomfortable for you, but think about it. What’s more crucial, saving face or securing the family business? Right now, your position as CEO and my role as vice general manager are both at risk p>
Miriam supported his plea. “Exactly, Emalee. Reconnect with Ashton, if only for your parents’ sake! Find out who he truly is.
Our family is relying on you now p>