CHAPTER 439: CHAPTER 439: FORCED TO KNEEL

Just like most parents.

When a missing child is found, they are both anxious and happy, but when they speak, it turns into reprimands.

So, it’s precisely this attitude, yet those around can easily see that Elder Prescott truly cares for this "god-granddaughter."

Ashley Shaw also understands that the elder is both worried and upset.

He’s upset not only with Hugh but also with her for not informing him immediately.

Ashley Shaw was about to explain that she didn’t have time to inform him then, just as the elder seemed to mutter to himself or perhaps speak to her.

"Ah, it’s also my fault, was so busy I lost my head, I should have gone to the university with you all on the first day. Fine, I’ll have that boy Warren come over; no matter how busy, he should prepare for the start of school."

Aethelgard University’s start date is two days later than The Medical University, and having Warren come over earlier is for Ashley Shaw’s safety.

Ashley Shaw suddenly felt alarm bells in her heart.

"Grandpa Prescott..." she cautiously chose her words and said, "A couple of days ago, Chairman Prescott asked if I was adjusting here and mentioned in passing that Warren went abroad for a project and might not make it back in time for the start of school."

"Went abroad? No wonder his phone was off when I called yesterday."

Then Elder Prescott frowned and said, "Studying is still the most important thing for him, why rush him into business? That godfather of yours too! Just because he’s eager to retire doesn’t mean he should rush things."

Of course, Ashley Shaw agreed with Elder Prescott, "You’re right. I also think he’s rushing. But getting some early experience isn’t necessarily a bad thing, after all, studying is just to help him better manage the company in the future."

Ashley Shaw seemed to agree with Elder Prescott, but listening to her words one could understand Lars Prescott’s arrangement.

The elder’s brows slowly relaxed, and soon the topic shifted back to her.

"And you? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No. I’m perfectly fine."

Ashley Shaw smiled, but her pale lips made her look like a wilting white rose.

"Better go to the hospital for a check-up. You might feel fine, but your body could disagree."

Ashley Shaw wanted to decline, saying she was just a bit thirsty and tired and that a rest would set her right.

But Owen Sinclair and Elder Prescott insisted, and Ariana Grant and the others wanted to accompany her to the hospital.

How could Ashley Shaw argue against so many people?

So she had to agree.

Fortunately, after a thorough check-up at the hospital, the doctor only recommended an IV to replenish fluids and then let her go home.

Not needing to be hospitalized and just receiving fluids was the best outcome, so Ashley Shaw asked Owen Sinclair and Elder Prescott to leave, saying she had friends with her and too many people at the hospital would be inappropriate.

Elder Prescott wanted to stay, but the company was calling him non-stop.

——Lars Prescott was keeping the elder busy.

So Elder Prescott had no choice but to return to the office.

But when he left, he assigned a bodyguard named "Three-seven" to Ashley Shaw.

He wouldn’t follow her closely or disrupt her studies and life, but would stay near the university, ready to appear if she needed him.

This was actually what Owen Sinclair wanted to arrange, but since Elder Prescott brought it up first, he couldn’t say much more.

Plus, with so many eyes on them at the hospital, he couldn’t stay long either, so he left.

Once both groups left, only the three girls remained.

Free to speak about anything.

Jocelyn Hayes brought up Hugh York.

"I don’t even know where this person came from, I heard he’s good at networking, has quite a few ’friends’ up there, and now that he’s caught, it’s uncertain if those ’friends’ will help."

But she quickly reassured Ashley Shaw, saying, "When we left, my mom told me she’d provide some evidence too."

Ashley Shaw nodded gently.

"Thank you, Robin."

Jocelyn Hayes said, "There’s no need for thanks between friends, just say when you’ll treat me to a meal!"

Ariana Grant said, "Exactly, no time like the present, treat us to a feast tonight."

Ashley Shaw nodded again, "Of course, no problem."

The girls chatted and chattered, and time passed quickly. Shortly, the IV was finished.

Just as they were about to leave, Jocelyn Hayes received a call from Vincent Ford.

She listened briefly, then asked Ashley Shaw, "Ashley, my mom wants me to ask you, regarding Wendy Alden, how do you plan to handle it?"

"Who’s Wendy Alden?"

The two explained to her, also recounting how Wendy Alden’s mother’s attitude had shifted.

Ashley Shaw slightly knitted her brows and said, "Then just handle it as it should be."

The fact that she searched through her drawers without permission and broke her hairpin is true.

Since the other side shows no remorse, she doesn’t need to be lenient.

"Alright." Jocelyn Hayes nodded, "I’ll tell my mom."

However, when the three returned to campus, they found that Wendy Alden’s mom was waiting at their dorm door for who knows how long.

As they approached, Mrs. Alden rushed over immediately.

Ashley Shaw thought the woman was about to attack her and got ready to defend herself, but unexpectedly the woman suddenly knelt down about a meter away from them.

This action caught the eyes of students and parents in the hallway.

Ashley Shaw and the others exchanged glances and helplessly approached to help her up.

Jocelyn Hayes first asked, "Auntie, what are you doing?"

Mrs. Alden lifted her head, was about to speak to Jocelyn Hayes, but caught a glimpse of Ashley Shaw.

She recognized Ashley Shaw as the girl who spoke up for her initially and realized that the spot where Wendy had taken the hairpin was Ashley Shaw’s bunk, instantly understanding Ashley was the owner of the hairpin.

Without a word, she grabbed Ashley Shaw’s arm and knelt again.

"I am begging you, please spare my daughter and me! I know that Wendy was wrong, but her offense doesn’t warrant this punishment! Can’t you show mercy and forgive her this time? Please, consider it a plea from this old woman!"

Ashley Shaw was caught off guard by the grip on her arm and promptly tried to pull her up as the woman attempted to kneel again.

But the woman was determined to kneel, and Ashley Shaw simply didn’t have the strength, so she said directly, "Auntie, if you really want to resolve this, then come into the dorm with me. Let’s be straightforward, clear things up, and perhaps we can turn a big issue into a minor one."

New students had mostly finished registering, and with so many people in the dorm building, caused by Mrs. Alden’s scene, those inside were peeking out to see what was happening.

Mrs. Alden might be okay with this loss of face, but Ashley wasn’t.

Already drawing enough attention for being taken by the police, she didn’t want more undue scrutiny.

Mrs. Alden hesitated, then asked her, "If I speak to you honestly, will you give my girl another chance?"

Ashley Shaw didn’t make any promises, just responded, "That depends on whether you truly want to solve the problem."