Ashley was different. She kept her innocence but also enjoyed fun and games with Joshua. Apart from occasional impatience, they clicked well in other ways.
Joshua’s decision to marry Ashley wasn’t about sharing his life with her but about appeasing family pressure and fulfilling his grandmother’s wish. Ashley lacked significant family connections, posing no threat to him. This allowed Joshua to enjoy the glamorous world comfortably.
Even at home, Ashley wouldn’t be a dull companion. It was like having the best of both worlds.
Evelyn had recently sent someone to find out about the Scott family. The findings showed that they ran a small company and weren’t very rich, but they had a good reputation.
When Joshua said that Ashley had never dated anyone before him, Evelyn was impressed by Ashley.
On the other hand, Bianca was more striking. She was beautiful and capable, but her personality was unpredictable, making her unsuitable for marriage. It was unclear how many powerful people she had secretly associated with to get where she was.
Evelyn doubted Bianca’s innocence.
So, for Joshua, choosing a pure and innocent girl like Ashley seemed like the better option.
Evelyn quietly shared her thoughts with Melinda. Melinda glanced at Ashley. While Melinda favored Bianca, her grandson loved Ashley, and Evelyn had a valid point. Joshua wouldn’t be able to handle someone like Bianca.
Although Joshua hadn’t been in a serious relationship before, it seemed he was taking this one seriously. If Melinda voiced her objections and upset Joshua, it could delay his marriage even more.
After thinking for a moment, Melinda agreed with Evelyn.
Seeing this, Evelyn approached Joshua and Ashley. “Joshua, Ashley is a wonderful young woman. You should cherish her. Today, your grandmother’s birthday, it’s a perfect time to formalize your marriage. How about celebrating two happy occasions together?”
Stacey and Petter, who were nearby, were happy to hear this and almost jumped for joy.
Ashley was about to marry into a wealthy family!
From the first moment they met, their daughter’s exceptional qualities had impressed the Reed family, and now she was on the brink of getting engaged on the spot. Stacey and Petter would soon be Joshua’s future in-laws, and anyone who dealt with them would need to show respect and admiration.
Petter eagerly rubbed his hands together. The financial challenges his company faced seemed likely to be resolved. With Ashley’s help and support from the Reed family in the future, his company was set to grow significantly. Maybe one day, it could be one of the top companies in the country. He also wished Bianca could achieve as much and be as willing to contribute to the family.
With these thoughts in mind, Petter glanced disappointedly at Bianca.
Ashley’s heart swelled with happiness. She felt like she was floating on clouds, looking down at everyone else.
She was about to become a wealthy woman at last. The challenges she had faced had helped her grow personally. In the future, she would have a high position and a lot of money. She wouldn’t envy Bianca anymore or feel inferior to anyone else.
Bianca could never surpass her.
Bianca would lose to her in the end.
Of course, Ashley wanted to share this good news with Bianca. She went up to Bianca, crossed her arms, and said firmly, “Bianca, do you finally believe me? Are you convinced now? I always said I would marry into the Reed family. You’ve been working hard for so long. What’s the point? How can a small company compete with the Reed family and the other important families? In the end, you won’t even come close to my success. Think about what I’m saying. A woman’s marriage dream matters more than her background. No matter how proud you’ve been, you’ll end up being overshadowed by me.”
Bianca narrowed her eyes but kept smiling. She looked at Ashley with calm, clear eyes and responded, “The higher you climb, the harder you fall. Ever heard that before?”
“Bianca, there’s no need to get upset. You’re just feeling jealous.”
Ashley couldn’t understand why Bianca stayed so calm during such an important moment.
Just then, Evelyn spoke up in the room, “Everyone, today, on Melinda’s birthday, I have an important announcement to make. My son Joshua and Miss Ashley Scott are getting engaged…”
Right then, Joshua’s phone buzzed with a new message.
He took out his phone to read it.
Suddenly, his body tensed up.
Standing near Joshua, Ashley looked pleased and confident. Seeing Joshua’s serious expression as he read the message, she grabbed his arm and asked, “What’s wrong? You look so serious.”
Joshua turned to Ashley, his eyes red with anger, and slapped her across the face!
Ashley fell hard to the floor from the slap. Dazed and holding her red, swollen cheek, she looked up at Joshua with wide eyes, shocked by what had just happened.
The room fell into a stunned silence. Everyone was bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
‘What had just happened?’
‘Only moments ago, Evelyn had announced their engagement, and now Joshua had hit his fiancee?’
That was quite a sudden change.
“Joshua, what are you doing?” Melinda slammed her cane on the floor, scolding him sharply.
Joshua looked furious, his eyes red and his face twisted with anger. He glared at Ashley, who was lying on the floor, his hands shaking with rage. “You lying bitch! How could you deceive me like this!”
“I don’t understand! I haven’t lied to you!” Ashley scrambled over and grabbed Joshua’s leg, tears streaming down her face.
“Let go of me!” Joshua pushed Ashley away, and she fell hard onto the marble floor.
“Ashley!” Stacey hurried to Ashley’s side and helped her up. She glared at Joshua, saying, “Mr. Reed, if you have something to say, say it. Why did you hit Ashley?”
Evelyn approached Joshua and grabbed his arm. “Joshua, what’s happening?”
“Look at this!” Joshua handed his phone to Evelyn.
Evelyn watched the video on the phone, sent in an anonymous message. Her face twisted in shock, and she turned a fierce glare toward Ashley.
“Let me see that!” Melinda, sensing trouble, demanded.
Evelyn handed the phone to Melinda, whose expression turned to shock. The video showed Ashley in a compromising position, naked on a bed in a dimly lit room. The man filming was heard breathing heavily, using crude language to urge her on, saying, “Hurry up, bitch. Don’t you want this? Make me feel good, and I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”
Complying, Ashley increased her pace.
Melinda found it unbearable to watch. Trembling with anger, she approached Ashley with her cane, slamming the phone down heavily in front of her.