Chapter 422
Chapter 422:
Once the auction was over, even without an official launch, Ashton’s venture was already causing a stir in Staville’s antique circles.
In the following days, Ashton and his team were swept up in the rush of their upcoming opening. Abrial and Rosalie, both experienced in business matters, took charge of the initial setup.
Meanwhile, Ashton was plotting something else. The groundwork laid by the others gave him the freedom to pursue his real agenda. Having observed the Marquez brothers’ interactions with Craig, Ashton saw an opportunity.
He figured he might leverage Craig to uncover Fraser’s whereabouts.
In Staville, Ashton found his influence diminished, unlike in Inewood. As he shadowed Craig over the past few days, no valuable insights emerged.
After several days passed without incident, Abrial and Rosalie approached Ashton, their faces lined with concern, just as the clock struck noon.
Noticing Rosalie’s unusually troubled look, Ashton teased, “What happened? Has someone dared to cross Abrial, the Carter family’s heiress p>
Abrial frowned at Ashton’s comment, replying sharply, “Why must you think so poorly of me p>
Rosalie, weary from the ongoing joke, cut in. “Enough, Ashton. This isn’t about Abrial. The Department of Commerce is obstructing our company’s registration. They’ve been nitpicking and stalling for days now. We’ve already secured contracts with various antique dealers. If we don’t launch soon, we risk breaching contracts and damaging our reputation right from the outset p>
Ashton’s demeanor shifted to one of concern as he pondered, “This obstruction must be the work of someone trying to thwart our branch’s opening p>
Abrial paused, and then with a puzzled look, questioned, “But considering what my cousin is capable of, how could he possibly sway the Department of Commerce to block our application p>
𝖁𝖎𝖊𝖜 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖖𝖚𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉: g⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Ashton smiled faintly and reassured, “Your cousin might lack the means, but his associates could wield such influence. Don’t worry. I’ll handle this. You both should concentrate on hiring staff and other preparations p>
Abrial eyed Ashton with skepticism and murmured to Rosalie, “Are we really doing the right thing, entrusting this critical issue to your assistant p>
Rosalie’s smile didn’t waver as she assured, “Don’t fret. Ashton doesn’t commit to tasks he’s unsure of p>
Despite her reassurances, a hint of doubt lingered in Rosalie. She knew well of Ashton’s deep connections with Skyline Group, yet this was Staville—a place unlike Inewood. She wondered, could Ashton manage a dilemma that even Abrial found insurmountable?
After resting briefly, Rosalie and Abrial got back to their preparations, and Ashton reached out to his grandfather, Ennis.
Pretending to be distressed, Ashton expressed, “Grandpa, you promised to leverage your contacts to support my investigation. How’s it going? If we don’t launch this company, my plans can’t move forward p>
Ennis, usually stern, loved his grandson dearly. That was why he had made arrangements for Charlie to aid Ashton in Inewood. Now, upon hearing the worry in Ashton’s voice, Ennis became furious, declaring, “I ensured everything was set for you. Who dares hinder my grandson’s business? Head directly to the leader of the Staville Department of Commerce. If he’s uncooperative, I’ll ensure his career comes to an abrupt end p>