Chapter 399
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After the call, Mark put down his phone. Watching the Eternal conference video on the large screen, he rubbed his temples.
was
Catherine leisurely ate fruit. Seeing Ashley confidently present at the conference, she turned off the TV unhappily.“Why
stole she speaking? She
all the spotlight.”
Vivian said, “That’s not the point.” The presentation was insignificant; Eternal’s technology was what mattered. Ashley knew little about technology and her presentation was meaningless. Mark understood. Ashley had done well, but the technical parts were clearly done by Tim’s team. She couldn’t have known that much.
Ruby was also unhappy.“She’s really got Tim.” Regardless, Ashley had made it a success and helped the Jones family. She couldn’t be underestimated.
Catherine was focused on Zark’s attentive gaze on Ashley. He’d never looked at her like that. She felt uncomfortable, thinking that if she were on stage, he would be looking at her. When Ashley and Tim left the hotel, it was almost 10 PM. Exhausted, Ashley drove home. It was only when she arrived that she realized she just went back to her apartment. It was too late to go back to the Jones residence.
She checked her phone and found missed calls and messages from the Joneses and Sam. Sam texted her around 8 PM and asked when she’d be back. Ashley put away her phone.
After showering, she went to bed.
The next day, Sam called as soon as Ashley woke up. She didn’t answer, but then Amanda called her.
“Grandma,” she answered.
“Ashley, you didn’t come home last night?”
“No, I was too busy.”
Amanda, feeling sorry for her, gave the phone to Sam.
“Mommy.”
“Yes.”
Sam was surprised Ashley wouldn’t go home every day. He hadn’t seen her yesterday or this morning and felt disappointed.
“When will you be back, Mommy?”
Ashley said, “Tonight.”
“Oh…”
Ashley continued, “Call your father and have the driver pick you up from school. I’m busy today.” “Okay.” Sam asked, “Where do you live now? Can I see you after school?” “No,” Ashley immediately refused.“I’ll be working when you get off school. Stay at your great–grandmother’s. If you’re bored, call your father; he’ll take
you out to eat.”
“Okay.”
Ashley said, “I have to work. Goodbye.”
12:45
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< Chapter 399
“Goodbye, Mommy.”
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Ashley hung up. After breakfast, she went to work. She was very busy, still, she left work early and returned to the Jones residence for dinner with Amanda.
Amanda was in a bad mood. Seeing Sam wasn’t there, she guessed what had happened. Sam had likely gone to dinner with Chase.
Ashley didn’t care, but Amanda thought Sam was too close to Chase. She said earnestly, “Ashley, when you’re less busy, spend more time with Sam, otherwise…”
Ashley nodded perfunctorily. “I know, I will. Let’s eat.”
Amanda said nothing more. After dinner, Ashley went upstairs to rest. Around 9 PM, she went downstairs; the security guard announced a visitor. It was Chase.
Ashley frowned. Sam called her again. Amanda was still awake, and she knew immediately Chase had brought Sam back. She told the guard to let Chase’s car in.
Ashley answered the phone, speaking briefly before hanging up. Soon, Chase’s car arrived.
Sam happily ran out.“Mommy, I’m back!”
Ashley smiled faintly; Amanda was delighted. The car door was still open; Chase got out, carrying Sam’s backpack and a cake box. He walked to Ashley and Sam.
Ashley didn’t speak. Sam remembered something.“Oh, my cake and backpack! Thank you, Daddy.”
“Hmm,” Chase glanced at Ashley and then greeted Amanda.
Amanda coldly nodded. Ashley took the cake. Sam wanted to say something more, but Ashley interrupted him.“Sam, say goodbye to your father.”
Sam said, “Goodbye, Daddy.”
Chase nodded.“Goodbye.” He nodded at Amanda and returned to his car. Ashley, without offering to see him out, went inside with Sam.
Sam didn’t seem to mind it. He happily said, “Mommy, Great–grandmother, this is a cake Daddy and I bought for you. It’s strawberry! Try it!”
Sam smelled faintly of Tanya’s perfume. Ashley put the cake aside. “I’m full. Let’s save it.” Amanda agreed.
“Oh…” Sam was a bit disappointed.
