Chapter 452
Chapter 452:
With a calm smile, Ashton met his gaze. “I’m only questioning your Sup Group’s bid proposal p>
Beal’s face twisted in anger, his composure slipping. “What nonsense are you spouting?” he snapped. “Our proposal was approved by Mr. Perry, which is why we won. Your outburst is nothing but an insult to the government’s authority. Mr. Perry, I suspect this man is here to cause trouble. He should be removed immediately before this bidding process is further disrupted p>
Phil, perched on his lofty stage, fixed Ashton with a glacial stare. The delicate balance of the auction was beginning to tip, and he could sense it. Phil knew the room was rife with suspicion—many in the audience had already guessed that his dealings with Sup Group were less than honorable. But up until now, everyone had played their parts well, turning a blind eye for the sake of their own interests—except this audacious representative from Skyline Group. A newcomer to Staville, Ashton dared to question what even the city’s most influential families had chosen to overlook.
Phil’s lips curled in disdain. Clearly, this outsider had enjoyed too much freedom in Inewood and was overdue for a lesson in real power.
With a dismissive wave, Phil summoned security to handle Ashton and Rosalie.
The security guards exchanged eager glances. They relished the opportunity to show force, and their eyes gleamed with an added incentive—Rosalie. The stunning woman accompanying Ashton had caught their attention, and the thought of taking advantage of this situation brought dark satisfaction. Some hoped Rosalie would resist, giving them an excuse to handle her more “firmly.” The Marquez brothers, too, smirked at the thought of Ashton creating a scene; causing trouble at a government-backed auction would surely spell the end of Skyline Group’s ambitions in Staville.
But Ashton read their intentions with ease. Without hesitation, he stepped in front of Rosalie, shielding her with a steely gaze that didn’t waver as the guards closed in.
It was at that precise moment that Marlon burst into the room, his breath ragged from haste. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the scene unfolding—Ashton encircled by guards, on the verge of being forcibly removed. Rage flushed through his veins, turning his face ghostly pale.
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After a moment of stunned silence, he finally found his voice and bellowed, “What do you think you’re doing? Stop this, right now p>
Marlon’s furious roar immediately captured everyone’s attention. As the crowd pivoted to gaze upon the livid figure, a wave of shock washed over the entire room. He was none other than the head of the Staville Land Bureau—was there anyone present who did not recognize him?
Yet, how could such a high-ranking official, burdened with endless responsibilities, find the time to appear at a minor land bidding meeting?
While the audience was still reeling, Marlon took a deep breath and, without hesitation, marched directly to the stage.
Onstage, Phil was momentarily taken aback but quickly donned a flattering smile, nodding in greeting. “Sir, what brings a busy man like you to our humble bidding meeting p>