It was a common scene nowadays for those at the top of the hierarchy to exploit those working for them. And the outcome of that was no one lending the old couple a helping hand despite the bustling street.
It was all karma. Treat the world with indifference, and the world will treat you the same.
There were many kind-hearted people with an overwhelming sense of sympathy. But unfortunately, Simone and Nicolas had simply run out of luck.
Simone’s voice was completely gone after thirty minutes under the hot sun. Her cracked lips opened and closed, but no words came out. Feeling dizzy and light-headed, she fell on her back with a loud thud.
The square was left with only a few passersby. They hastened their pace and some even broke into a run when they passed by Simone and Nicolas. There was no telling if they were rushing for something urgent or they simply wanted to get out of there quickly.
At two o’clock sharp, only two bodies were left in the middle of the square.
Ashton coldly retracted his gaze from the sight. He rolled up his window, blocking the view outside as if also cutting off the ties between him and the Hall family.
“Start the car,” Ashton said with a deadpan expression. “We’re going back to the company.”
When kinship was involved, the offender could act brazenly without consideration and the victim, heavy-laden, would not be able to fight back. Thus, it was much easier to be a bad person.
Alas, Ashton wasn’t a bad person.
At such times, any kind of comfort was useless. And all he needed was a silent companion.
I held on to Ashton’s arm on our way back, playing with his hand as I leaned against his shoulder. I could feel his occasional stare, but he didn’t say anything. I didn’t push him for anything and simply pretended not to know. I cuddled in his embrace, taking on the role of a stress-relieving plush toy.
After Ashton had become the wealthiest man, his company was naturally situated within the tallest building in the city center. It was only two blocks away from the square and they arrived at their destination after a few minutes.
“Bring me the documents,” Ashton ordered Joseph as he took my hand in his and led me into his office.
It had been too long since I had last dealt with company matters, so I had no memory of it and didn’t have much of an interest when Ashton started talking business. I thought he had dropped by the company to settle some urgent work since we were in the area. Seeing him taking off his coat and heading toward his desk, I naturally took a seat at the guest area to get out of his way.
Ashton was pulling out his chair when he caught me taking a seat on the couch. He waved his hand at me and said, “Letty, come. Sit here.”
I obediently stood up and took a seat across from him.
Joseph pushed the door open, strode toward Ashton’s desk, and handed him a manila envelope. Then he pivoted on his heels and left after giving me a respectful nod.
As I recalled all the work Joseph had done for us all these years, I said, “Shouldn’t it be time for Mr. Campbell to set up a family in K City? Maybe we can give him a raise?”
Joseph had always been by Ashton’s side since their days at J City. He had shouldered a lot of Ashton’s burden and I felt guilty about it. It would be reasonable for him to possess a portion of the company’s share and have the same level of authority as us.
Joseph’s talent was equivalent to other companies’ CEO. And yet, he had stayed by Ashton’s sides all these years, working tirelessly without a single complaint. He deserved to be respected and rewarded.
“I have my own plan,” Ashton answered as he untied the string on the envelope. He set it on his desk and pushed it toward me. “Open it.”
“What is it? How mysterious.”
Taking out the document inside, I scanned the contents. It was similar to the share transfer agreement from before, and there was even my signature at the end of the page.
It was the document I had given to Ashton when I gave up Fuller Corporation’s share.
“What is the meaning of this?” I asked in confusion. The contract was only effective for two years, so it had expired and was no longer in effect. I didn’t expect Ashton to keep it until now.
Ashton’s lips curled into a smile. He steepled his fingers in front of his mouth. “Let’s talk after you’ve finished going through it.”
I looked back down at the document a second later. There were indeed a few pages there, but I had overlooked them because the papers were too thin.
