Chapter 47
Chapter 47:
Rosalie glared at Phillip with a cold intensity. “Why are you apologizing to me? You know very well who you were slandering. Were you planning on having Ashton arrested if I hadn’t shown up p>
Phillip, terrified, turned to Ashton and began apologizing profusely.
Emalee, observing her ex-husband standing closely with Rosalie, felt a twinge of discomfort. Seeing her boyfriend bowing and apologizing to them only made her feel worse.
Unexpectedly, Phillip, noticing his apologies were not effective, pulled Emalee and Tristan toward him in his desperation.
“Emalee, don’t just stand there. You’re partly to blame. Come and apologize,” he insisted.
Feeling humiliated but aware she couldn’t offend Rosalie, Emalee bit her lip and pulled Tristan with her. After forcing Tristan to bow, she said, “Ashton, I’m sorry. I accused you without checking the facts first. That was wrong p>
The words made her feel utterly demeaned. Humiliated repeatedly in front of a crowd, she longed to vanish completely.
After the trio finished their apologies, Phillip slowly looked up at Rosalie. Although she remained silent, her previously furrowed brow seemed to soften slightly. Interpreting her silence as acceptance of their apology, Phillip felt a hint of relief.
He then seized the opportunity to establish a rapport with Rosalie. With a tentative smile, he ventured, “I apologize, Miss Campbell. Having lived abroad for years and only recently returned, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you until now. Our families, the Campbells and the Watsons, are business partners p>
Phillip hoped his friendly overture would lighten the mood, but Rosalie’s response was frosty.
Her voice was icy as she retorted, “I asked you to apologize to Ashton. Who said anything about forgiving you? Why are you trying to connect with me?” Phillip’s heart sank.
It dawned on him that Rosalie had no intention of letting things slide.
Rosalie snorted coldly and declared, “The Watson family’s attitude is deeply disappointing. I will discuss with my father the possibility of terminating our partnership! I cannot risk our family’s future by associating with someone as inept as you p>
Phillip’s panic escalated. He opened his mouth to speak, but Rosalie’s chilling stare silenced him.
“Just leave! If you delay any further, it won’t just be about ending the partnership!” she snapped.
Phillip felt as though a thunderbolt had struck him. If he returned home and his father learned of this debacle, he would face severe repercussions. Yet, if he remained and further incited Rosalie’s wrath, the consequences could extend beyond ending the partnership.
The Campbells might take measures against the Watsons that could ruin them.
Despite his profound resentment, Phillip had no option but to leave, his teeth clenched in frustration.
At that moment, Ashton raised an eyebrow and addressed his ex-wife. “Emalee, now that it’s clear my finances are unrelated to the James family, you should return and closely examine the missing funds from your company p>
While speaking, Ashton’s gaze shifted to Tristan. Emalee caught Ashton’s meaningful look and began to suspect something was amiss.
Tristan noticed Ashton’s glance and his panic surged.
“Emalee! Don’t listen to him!” Tristan blurted out quickly. “I didn’t do anything p>
Ashton allowed a small smile and queried, “Did I imply it was related to you p>
Realizing his own mistake, Tristan silently berated himself, wishing he could take back his words.
Emalee’s expression flickered as she retorted, “I don’t need your guidance. I’m aware of my actions. I will thoroughly investigate this matter p>
With that, she turned and swiftly followed Phillip, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.