No one would have expected that our plan against Thora yesterday would actually prove to be helpful today. The Hall family only had themselves to blame because they were the ones who were in the wrong.
Tiffany was at a loss for words. Clearly, she had not seen this coming. She darted her agile gaze around, trying to figure out a solution.
I let down my guard when I saw the expression on her face, but Ashton was far from relaxing his vigilance. He nudged me with his elbow and his brows arched subtly, hinting me to corner Tiffany.
Men were always so combative. They went all out when they were faced with threats. Judging from Ashton’s expression, I could tell he would not easily let Tiffany off the hook.
I could not choose to not cooperate with him, so I started speaking again. “Since Mr. Young is Mr. Hall’s representative, please kindly relay our intentions. The deal he offers is tempting, but the Stovall and the Moore family are not in want of anything. We’re not desperate to an extent where we need to sacrifice our children, so I suggest he stop wasting his time before he loses everything.”
I stopped briefly and held Ashton’s hand in mine before continuing, “He might be a nobody to all of you, but to me, he’s everything. I hope the two families can each go their own ways after this. This is how things should have been since the accident happened. If the Hall family stops meddling with us and minds its own business, then the Stovalls will back down. But if your family insists on creating trouble, then you’d better pray that you guys have someone who’s a match for Ashton. The Stovalls live only by one mantra: we will not let any offender walk away unpunished.”
I was fully aware that I might have sounded overconfident and snobbish, but what I said was no exaggeration. I had to stamp the Hall family to the ground and put them in their place.
Ashton might not be in his best state, but I could still take care of him. If he did go blind, the Stovall and Moore family could still be his support. Even in the worst-case scenario, we would have Sally help us. She was one of us, and she was kind-hearted. I was sure she would do everything within her capacity to help.
The point was, Ashton’s life could still go on without the Halls interfering.
My condescending words were obviously no music to Tiffany’s ears. “Don’t be too sure of yourself. You probably have no idea what our family is capable of. Do you think you will be able to keep the kids just because you want to?”
I gave her an indifferent shrug. “Of course. It goes without saying that children should stay with their mothers. It’s the only reasonable way to do things, after all. This is how society works… Unless you mean to tell me this rule doesn’t apply to the Hall family. Come to think of it, I might be wrong to assume the Hall family plays by the rule.”
Without waiting for retaliation from Tiffany, I turned toward Bill. “Mr. Young, you’re a philanthropist yourself. I’d advise you to take a good look at who you’re working with. Associating with people with dubious morality is only going to hurt your good name.”
The first time I heard of Bill Young was when he was involved with Armond. Now that the man was working with Nicolas, I wonder how it would affect his hard-earned reputation.
Gloom settled over Tiffany’s face. “You don’t have to insult our family in such an indirect manner. You can start numbering your days if my father finds out what horrid words just came out of your mouth.”
Before I could say another word, Ashton sprang toward Tiffany and grabbed her, lifting her off the ground in a violent tug. “Your family poisoned her?” he bellowed.
Everyone present was suddenly alarmed. Many were originally here to see how Ashton and I would teach Tiffany a lesson, but when they heard Ashton’s sharp question, all of their curiosity was piqued. I could see John’s tightly clenched fists quivering as anger burned in his eyes. Even Emma was looking at Tiffany in terror after she got a grasp of what was going on.
I myself could not believe Ashton’s very own father was the one who poisoned me.
When Tiffany realized she blundered, she tried deviating from the topic. “What poison? I don’t know what you’re talking about!” she cried out as she struggled to free herself.
