Chapter 156
Chapter 156:
His gaze was fixed on Ashton, who continued to perform on stage. Phillip struggled to control his urge to confront him, demanding to know how he was able to play so smoothly. However, he suppressed his anger, aware of the other people around.
This frustration, like an invisible flame, quietly consumed the last vestiges of Phillip’s sanity.
As Ashton concluded his performance with the choir, a hush fell over the audience. It was as if time itself had paused, holding its breath. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by a thunderous wave of applause, sweeping through the venue like a powerful storm.
With a gracious smile, Ashton rose to his feet, and alongside the choir members, he acknowledged the ovation. Though it had been a collective effort, there was no denying that Ashton had been the star of the evening, the spark that had ignited their exceptional performance.
However, Phillip found no joy in the night’s proceedings. The sight of Ashton’s jubilant expression was more than he could bear. With a deep scowl on his face, he stood abruptly and stormed out of the venue, leaving Tristan behind.
Convinced that his strategy had been sound, Phillip directed all his frustration at Tristan, blaming his incompetence for the failure of their plan.
As he distanced himself from Inewood University, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Fraser.
“Phillip, how’s it going? I’ve contacted the online trolls you asked for. Just say the word, and Ashton’s reputation will be in ruins by dawn!” Fraser’s voice rang with eager anticipation.
Gripping the phone, Phillip hesitated, then admitted, “I’m sorry, Mr. Horton. There’s been a slight complication p>
Fraser fell silent for a moment, then sneered in disbelief. “A slight complication? Are you sure it’s just a minor issue? Why is Ashton’s performance topping the charts on Inewood’s trending topics p>
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Phillip had prepared a host of excuses, but he hadn’t expected the news to spread so quickly. Caught off guard, he fell silent, his mind racing.
After a tense pause, during which Phillip said nothing, Fraser finally sneered with barely concealed contempt. “What did you promise me? I’ve already made all the necessary arrangements. And now you’re telling me you’ve failed? Don’t come to me again, you loser p>
Phillip’s heart raced with panic as he pleaded desperately, “Mr. Horton, please p>
I beg you to give me one more chance. You’re my only hope to salvage this disaster. My standing in the legal community has been shattered. These days, even my sister has started to distance herself from me, and my family has redirected the resources they once allocated to me elsewhere due to the failed bid. I need your support to make things right. Help me this one last time. I swear, I’ll do whatever you ask of me from here on out p>
Listening to Phillip’s fervent plea, Fraser paused for a moment, reflecting carefully before responding, “I’ll give you one last chance, but remember, this is it. What’s your plan this time p>
Now with almost nothing left to lose, Phillip realized he had no way back. His loathing for Ashton had reached its peak, and Fraser’s final opportunity pushed him beyond the edge of reason. Without hesitation, Phillip spoke with chilling resolve, “I’m done playing games with Ashton. I want to end him—completely p>