Alfred’s following words were overshadowed entirely by Ashton’s deep, emotionless gaze. Under that icy stare, he felt his entire body freeze, as if the chill had seeped into his bones. It was frigid. ‘How could I have forgotten?‘ he wondered. ‘He is never someone we can take lightly.’

    In Shoneport, where the top 100panies gathered, order was only preserved because of the Wade Group’s overwhelming influence across their dealings. Regardless of whether one yed by the rules or not, the entire corporate world operated under Ashton’s unspoken guidelines.

    Anyone who dared to break those rules faced a truly miserable fate. So, considering that Ashton owned nearly a third of Dasmieca’s industries and was worth a fortune, it was unreasonable ito /iiexpect /ihim to be easy to negotiate

    with.

    Alfred couldn’t even bear to think about what would happen to the Davis family if the Wade Group decided to target them openly. Then there was Briar–a shrewd and calcting woman. As the least favored daughter of the Jennings family, she had hardly returned to Shoneport before attaching herself to isomeone /ias influential as

    Ashton.

    Only Roberti, /iwho was foolish, failed to recognize the reality of the situation and attempted to employ low–level tricks against Briar. What he believed to be harmless scheming ultimately provoked a deadly counterattack. It appeared that Robert’s stupidity might lead to the ruin of the entire Davis family this time.

    Alfred’s regret came toote. Ashton had already ordered him to bring Robert and wait at the gate of the house by seven that evening. There was no ambiguity–tonight was the time to settle the score.

    Alfred’s forehead throbbed as he watched Ashton and Briar get into the car and leave. The other bodyguards followed closely behind, all driving away. He had no idea

    OW Ashton was going to settle the score with the Davis family this time. It would be a relief if Ashton were willing to discuss things. After all, despite all of Robert’s antics, he hadn’t truly managed to harm Briar.

    Alfred had just seen Briar–she was up and about,pletely fine, and without a scratch on her. Robert’s little scheme to disrupt her had utterly failed. Since nothing significant had urred, there was still plenty of room for

    maneuvering.

    But if Ashton had no intention of reasoning and was using this as a chance to strike at the Davis family–cutting them off from the upper circle for good–it was a terrifying prospect. The idea alone sent a chill down Alfred’s spine. Perhaps that was why Ashton was making such a decisive move and showing up in person.

    The Davis family, once one of the top four elite families in Shoneport, may no longer be in the highest tier. Still,pared to those lesser families, their resources remain sufficient to attract considerable interest from many.

    The panic in Alfred’s eyes gradually gave way to fierce determination. If Ashton truly intended to take down the Davis family, Alfred wasn’t going to stand idle and let it happen. Once Ashton’s car disappeared from view, the hotel staff finally felt brave enough to approach Alfred, who remained there in a daze. They couldn’t help but look at him with sympathy.

    13:25 Thu, 21 Aug A

    ??36%b. /b

    They still weren’t entirely sure what had happened, but they had seen Ashton arrive with his men, surround the hotel, and create amotion as they stormed in and dragged someone out. The entire incident unfolded so quickly that the staff didn’t even have time to advise the other guests to remain in their rooms–so naturally, everyone witnessed everything.

    413

    Some sharp–eyed guests, seeing Ashton’s team in action, had already started packing. When the crown prince of Shoneport surrounded a hotel, its glory days were likely over. Wanting to avoid trouble, they quietly prepared to

    switch to a different hotel.

    Shoneport boasted plenty of excellent hotels–just the five–star ones under Ashton’s name were more than enough. The Davis family’s hotel wasn’t the only option. Ultimately, a hotel was a hotel, and choosing a good one

    mattered far more than its name.

    Once one guest requested to check out, others quickly followed. Soon, nearly every guest was crowding the front desk, eager to leave. The receptionists, overwhelmed and unfamiliar with such a rush, only began processing check–outs after getting approval from their manager.

    Even if they refused to process the check–outs, there was no way they could prevent these guests from leaving. Alfred watched as more and more guests checked out, feeling numb inside–he had long since passed the point of

    caring.

    All he could do was hope that those guests wouldn’t start talking once they left the hotel. If word got out that Ashton himself had surrounded the ce, containing the fallout would be impossible. And this was only the beginning. Once the news began to spread outside, the real cmity for the Davis family wouldmence.

    If word spread that he had brought Robert to Ashton’s doorstep for a public apology, no one would want to do business with the Davis family. Ashton’s tactic was ruthless, and whether the Davis family survived or fell from grace was no longer the iconcern /iof the Wade family.

    With a screech of brakes, Richard’s car came to a sudden stop in front of a bewildered Alfred. Richard rushed out, concern etched on his face. “Dad, what happened?” he questioned, ncing at the crowd streaming out of the hotel and the nearby manager. He could sense that something was amiss.

    “Richard, your brother has gotten us into a lot of trouble this time,” Alfred said, visibly rxing as soon as he saw Richard. He stumbled slightly, nearly losing his bnce.

    Fortunately, Richard swiftly steadied him. “Dad, let’s get in the car first, then we’ll talk.” With so many people around, it wasn’t the best ce for a conversation. Richard assisted Alfred into the car and quickly drove to an empty parking lot. “What did Mr. Wade say?” he inquired.

    On his way here, Richard had mentally prepared himself. ‘With Mr. Wade personally overseeing our hotel, there’s no way this will end well,‘ he thought grimly. As he assessed the situation, his heart sank even further.

    Alfred told Richard everything, withholding nothing. Richard, furious, pounded the steering wheel twice. “That idiot Robert! Once this is over, I’m sending him overseas right away. If he dares to get involved with Beatrice again, I’ll break his legs.”

    1325 THAU,

    36b% /b

    Alfred sat in the passenger seat, looking as if he had aged ten years overnight. “Richard, please call Robert and ask

    him toe back.”

    Richard’s voice brimmed with concern. “Dad, what if I take Robert with me tonight at seven? If Mr. Wade decides to confront him, I can at least try to shield him from the fallout.” He could boast about breaking Robert’s legs, but there was no way he could stand by and let his brother walk straight into danger.

    “Mr. Wade specifically mentioned that I should be the one to bring Robert. It would be inappropriate if you went instead,” Alfred said, shaking his head. “I will take him myself.”

    At Ashton’s vi on the city’s busiest avenue, the basement door stood ajar, and waves of agonized screams echoed from within. Ashton, Brandon, and the others had all been sent out, leaving Briar alone inside–she was the one personally interrogating Zayne.

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