“How could you…” Simone’s sad voice almost broke when she heard him.
“I’m fine, really,” I stated clearly before pulling Ashton out of the kitchen. I did not want to be the catalyst that made their relationship go downhill.
Not long after we walked out, we saw the maid leading Bill into the house through the front door. Behind him stood a spectacled young man dressed in formal wear. I trailed Ashton’s gaze and took a closer look at the new guest. We both stiffly froze the moment it clicked.
Armond was here.
Armond felt our burning gazes and looked up without shying away. A sly smile played on his lips, sending a shiver down my spine.
Bill entered the dining hall and greeted Nicolas courteously, “Mr. Hall, I’ve brought the man here.”
Everyone around the table put down their cutlery at the announcement of a guest. Simone had just gotten out of the kitchen as well. She had her hair tied up and looked all freshened up like an elegant lady after the little brush we had back in the kitchen.
Nicolas nodded without haste and looked at the man behind Bill. “So… you’re Armond?”
“Yes. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Hall.” Armond bowed like a gentleman, but I could still spot a glint of sinister spite in his eyes through his glasses.
“I’ve looked at the research project you oversaw in M Country. Everything was very well done, so keep up the good work. Mr. Young will surely continue supporting you if you do,” Nicolas said disinterestedly.
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Hall. I will do my best to make sure you and Mr. Young see good results,” Armond replied with a smile.
“Take your time,” Nicolas said, waving his hand dismissively. “I’m a businessman. I’m only interested in maximizing the profit of my investment, so you should probably focus on making my investment worth it and stop things difficult for Ashton and his family.”
It seemed like what Tiffany said was true. Nicolas was really putting an end to all this and letting Ashton go.
Nicolas’ words struck Armond like a lightning bolt. The smile on his face became rigid and unnatural. He probably did not know the relationship between the father and son yet. “What’s with the sudden change? We’ve been working together really well all this while. It won’t take long before we can take Ashton down.”
“That’s enough,” Nicolas cut him short, his face darkening. “Didn’t Mr. Young teach you that it’s impolite to ask too many questions? The Hall family didn’t give you the money and status you enjoy right now for you to create trouble. Do I have to discuss and explain my decisions to you right now?”
A scowl spread across Armond’s face as he squinted his eyes at Ashton and I. “So you’re expecting me to put aside our grievances and work together with him under you?”
I gulped a mouthful of cold air at Armond’s sharp words.
If Nicolas were an imposing tiger, then Armond would be a venomous snake. You would never know when he would decide to strike you.
Even Ashton and I knew better than to not distance ourselves from him no matter what.
Surprisingly, Nicolas did not disagree with the statement. “This matter does not concern you,” he stated blankly. After a period of silence, he opened his mouth once more. “See the guest out.”
“Right away, Mr. Hall.”
Just as Armond was about to disagree with Nicolas, Bill interjected. With that said, the man turned and left with Armond without giving the latter a chance to speak.
Although Armond was discontented with the arrangement, openly challenging Nicolas wasn’t an option, so he left the estate reluctantly.
Ashton pulled me over to our seats once Armond left.
However, before I could even resume eating, I heard Ashton’s voice ringing clearly beside my ear. “Armond isn’t someone who lets people control him. Instead of letting him off just like that, why not leave him to me?”
