Ashton’s words were exactly what I was thinking. I glanced at him and got ready to watch the show.
Suddenly, a thought flashed across my mind. Could it be he’s venting his anger on the Hall family because of me?
I raised a brow and changed my posture of hugging Audrey to conceal my uneasiness.
Well… Nathaniel can only blame himself for having bad luck.
“Haha…” Nathaniel laughed humbly, as his eyes curled into crescents. “Ashton, stop making jokes about me. I know my capabilities, and Dad said you’re the best candidate to inherit his company. I’m well aware of my shortcoming, so I won’t think of getting what’s not mine.”
“But why did I hear that you’re the one in charge of the Hall family’s assets before me?” Ashton narrowed his eyes and a meaningful smile plastered on his face.
Their gaze met one another’s, and neither of them intended to back down.
Most people showed fear when they faced Ashton, and there were only a few for those who withstood the pressure. Plus, none of them were simple.
However, Ashton emerged victorious in scheming as he could make his opponent give themselves away after exchanging a few words.
The silent confrontation went on for half an hour before Nathaniel was defeated. He averted his gaze from Ashton casually and changed the topic. “Ashton, you should understand that we have little say in a lot of things.”
Before Ashton could give a response, Nathaniel decided to leave. He turned to Gregory and patted on his shoulder before saying, “Granatano experts in programming. I’ve sent some men there to collect information for your references and they would be delivered to me soon. When the time comes, I’ll ask someone to send it here.”
“Thank you, Uncle Nathaniel.” Gregory actually smiled at him while in the past, the child never smiled in front of the others, except to me and Audrey.
Seeing how he was amiable to Nathaniel, I figured they must’ve gotten along well in the past six years.
“It’s getting late. I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb you guys anymore. Goodbye.” With that, Nathaniel headed toward the exit slowly.
His pace was calm and collected.
On the other hand, Ashton fixed his fiery gaze on Nathaniel’s figure until the latter disappeared from his sight. Then, he seemed to be lost in thought.
The expression in the eyes could easily expose what one was thinking.
Perhaps Ashton had no choice but to pretend to lose his memories. However, his acting was way too poor, so he gave himself away many times.
I wanted to tear away the mask he was wearing, to see the secrets it held.
So, I called out to him. “Ashton.”
He turned to me subconsciously as he furrowed his brows in confusion.
“Not only did they decline your resignation, they even send Nathaniel here to visit you. Do you not suspect what John and I said? Maybe the Halls value you greatly, so they were reluctant to let you go.” I looked at him in the eyes and asked seriously, “Maybe I was the one ruining your relationship with them. Are you really not doubting me?”
Upon hearing my words, Ashton lowered his gaze and pondered for a while. Soon, he spoke, “Every relationship we have is related to the benefits that followed, be it close or distant. They are just for beneficial gains. I don’t have the time to determine who is to blame, as all I wanted is to do whatever I want and see the truth I want to know.”
His words were practical, as his tone was indifferent. After saying his words, he went upstairs.
However, right when he stepped onto the stairs, he halted in his tracks. “How did you know I’m unhappy being the live-in son-in-law of the Stovall family?”
With that, he went upstairs without glancing back.
I froze for a long while before coming back to my senses. I didn’t even notice Gregory leading Audrey away from my embrace.
Ashton didn’t lose his memories!
He had been pretending to be foolish and behaving in a servile manner just to make us believe that he was naïve. As a result, we let our guard down.
