Chapter 82
Chapter 82:
The following day, after finalizing the procedures to retract the lawsuit, Ashton arrived at the prison gate to once again encounter the James family.
Due to the ongoing stress related to Tristan, Emalee appeared fatigued, with dark circles under her eyes. In the past, Ashton would have shown concern for Emalee’s condition, asking about her health.
But now, he didn’t even glance her way.
Instead, the hostile stares of Emalee’s parents caught his attention.
With a smile, Ashton addressed them. “Dividing assets after a divorce is quite normal, isn’t it? Why do you look as though I’m plundering your family’s wealth p>
Matthew, his face clouding over, snapped back, “You ingrate, relish your fleeting moment of victory. There are things that don’t rightfully belong to you, and you’ll be compelled to return them sooner or later p>
Ashton considered pointing out that it was Emalee who had initiated the divorce and that Tristan had framed him. Yet here he was, being labeled a thief for claiming compensation.
However, he chose not to engage further, maintaining a calm demeanor.
It seemed more prudent to disengage from the James family as swiftly as possible.
Soon after, with evident reluctance, the James family signed the compensation agreement and handed it to Ashton, facilitating Tristan’s release on bail.
Tristan had drastically lost weight; jail life had been harsh, marked by regular beatings as the newcomer. His fragile appearance had even nearly led to an assault by other inmates.
Reunited with his family, Tristan immediately collapsed into their arms, crying uncontrollably.
He was particularly shattered upon learning that his actions had cost the family a substantial amount in compensation to Ashton.
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Matthew and Miriam, their hearts breaking for their son, consoled him by patting his back and offering soothing reassurances.
Ashton watched the emotional family reunion with an air of cold detachment, feeling nothing but a desire to sever all ties with the James family once and for all. Without a word, he turned to leave, clutching the signed document.
Just then, he spotted Phillip arriving late.
Phillip had been steering clear of Emalee, claiming he was swamped with work. However, it was clear he was deliberately avoiding the turmoil Tristan had unleashed. The situation had escalated beyond control, and Phillip was particularly apprehensive about Ashton bringing Aaron into the fray.
A legal confrontation with Aaron would likely end in defeat, tarnishing Phillip’s own standing in the process. When Phillip realized Ashton had arrived alone, without Aaron, he watched quietly from the sidelines.
Eventually, Phillip emerged with a cold smile, as though he had unraveled Ashton’s plan.
Confident that Aaron’s involvement last time was a one-off, orchestrated by Rosalie, Phillip was convinced that Ashton wouldn’t have her backing again.
Phillip speculated that Rosalie’s assistance might have been due to Ashton inadvertently curing her sister’s illness.
However, he was certain Rosalie would not aid Ashton this time.
Given that the Campbell family held a prestigious position in Inewood, Phillip believed someone like Ashton was unworthy of their attention.
With his assumptions bolstering his confidence, Phillip decided to confront Ashton.
He approached and called out, “Emalee, sorry I’m late. We don’t need to give in to him. If we back down now, he’ll only demand more p>
The James family was visibly uplifted by Phillip’s arrival. Emalee, particularly relieved, questioned, “Phillip! Weren’t you tied up with a case? What brings you here p>
Phillip offered a disingenuous smile and responded, “I just wrapped up my work and made it here as fast as I could. Don’t worry. Even if Ashton disagrees, I have other means to secure Tristan’s release on bail p>