Chapter 196
Chapter 196:
Emalee, who had been gazing at Ashton with affection, looked conflicted.
Her face showed a blend of embarrassment and hurt, torn between her parents’ insistence and Ashton’s rejection.
Feeling insulted by Ashton’s ungracious response after her polite overture, Miriam’s frustration boiled over. She shouted, “We came to you because of your close connection with Emalee, hoping you would assist us. Are you now accusing us of flattering you? What is this charade? Do you think Inewood will collapse without Skyline Group? Since you reject our goodwill, do not blame us for seeking help elsewhere! Sup Group is inviting families from Inewood to collaborate. If you refuse to support us, we will turn to Sup Group! Remember this moment. Do not come crawling back later, begging for cooperation p>
Ashton’s lip twitched in response.
Whether or not Sup Group would consider partnering with this family was irrelevant.
Even if Sup Group chose to work with them, it would not spell disaster for Skyline Group. It would simply introduce a new competitor.
Additionally, while Sup Group’s headquarters were substantial, a branch office in Inewood posed a minimal threat.
Before Ashton could reply, Miriam’s loud outburst drew the attention of Bobby, who was resting inside. Upon witnessing Miriam’s confrontation with Ashton, Bobby grasped the situation.
His expression darkened, and he yelled, “You have no shame! Haven’t you caused enough trouble for me recently? Leave now! I do not want to see you here p>
Miriam and Matthew were visibly shaken by Bobby’s fierce response.
Without a word, they hurriedly pulled Emalee along and quickly departed.
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As Emalee’s family hurried away, Ashton turned to face Bobby, whom he hadn’t seen in quite some time. Amidst the loud rebukes and Bobby’s unmistakable energy, Ashton pieced together the situation.
He shook his head, rueful about his gullibility in taking the family’s words at face value.
Despite being duped by Emalee and her parents, Ashton was heartened to see Bobby’s lively demeanor.
With a smile, he greeted his old friend. “It’s been a while, Bobby. I heard you were under the weather, so I made it a point to come see you. You look well, and that puts me at ease p>
Bobby, having already surmised Miriam’s motives from their hasty exit, had his suspicions confirmed by Ashton’s comments.
Angrily puffing out his beard, he vented, “Those two never change. My granddaughter can’t manage things on her own without you. She buys into every ridiculous scheme! Don’t worry, next time they try to drag you into their mess under the pretext of my health, just ignore them. If I really need something, I’ll reach out to you directly. No need for them to meddle p>
Relieved to find Bobby unchanged, Ashton fell into their familiar banter.
“Well, I guess I owe them thanks for giving me a reason to come see you. Otherwise, I might not have found the right opportunity.” Ashton laughed, easing into the comfortable rhythm of their friendship.