After completing the medical examination in the afternoon, Brian dropped Olivia off at the james Family residence and then headed to the company. As soon as he entered his office, he saw several shareholders sitting on the sofa, looking troubled.

“What’s wrong?” Brian handed his jacket to Daniel. “What’s making you all look so troubled?”

The directors waited until Brian sat down before speaking.

“Brian, your father just asked about the board re-election. We haven’t given our votes yet. Do you have any thoughts on this?”

“Thoughts?” Brian chuckled. “Isn’t my father well-prepared?”

David had made many empty promises outside in order to secure his position as chairman of the board, and these shareholders had also received a lot of benefits.

“But,” the shareholders hesitated, “we have enough votes to push you up. Aren’t you planning to try this year?”

Although Brian had only been with the company for five years, his decisive methods and outstanding abilities had already earned him an unshakable position. Even though David held the title of chairman, Brian, as the CEO, was the one truly in control.

The shareholders had long been fed up with David’s hypocrisy and arrogance, and had secretly sided with Brian. They were eager for Brian to take over, as it would mean rewards for them as well.

However, despite having the votes ready, Brian hadn’t made any moves.

Brian smiled. “Calm down, gentlemen, the timing isn’t right. I don’t want to take the position yet.”

“Huh?”

Timing? What timing?

If he didn’t want to take the position, why did he instigate everyone to cause trouble behind the scenes, making his father anxious?

Brian smirked. “My father’s getting desperate. Doesn’t that make the show more entertaining?”

The shareholders exchanged looks, not daring to ask further questions.

After sending the directors away, Daniel reported on recent work. Considering Ashley’s previous request, Daniel refrained from mentioning Jack’s disruptive behavior.

...

The next morning, before Ashley had fully awakened, her hospital room door was kicked open.

“Who’s there?” Ashley snapped her eyes open.

“Ah, Ashley, you’re awake?” A sharp, delighted female voice came through, followed by a familiar figure.

Lily from the Quinn Family entered, carrying a basket, with Melissa following her.

Ashley frowned. “Lily, Mom.”

Were they here to visit a patient or buy groceries?

“Don’t get up,” Melissa hurried to her bedside. “You have a concussion. The doctor said you shouldn’t move.”

“It’s okay. I am fine.” Ashley let Melissa prop her up with a pillow. “Why is Lily here?”

“You silly child,” Lily, who had been scrutinizing her since she entered, finally spoke. But her gaze was filled with jealousy and disdain despite her affectionate tone.

“We’re family. It’s my duty to visit you since you get so ill.”

Family?

Ashley didn’t think so. Lily, taking advantage of being Mrs Quinn’s maid, often acted arrogantly.

Ashley frowned, leaning back against the headboard with a pained expression. “Since we’re family, Lily, just say what you need to. My head hurts badly.”

Melissa’s face was filled with concern. “Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?”

“Hey, come on,” Lily’s face fell, looking displeased. “Is this an act for my benefit?”

“No, no, Ashley really isn’t feeling well,” Melissa hurried to explain.

Lily ignored her. “Mrs Quinn sent me to discuss compensation.”

Ashley opened her eyes, no longer pretending. “Compensation?”

Lily pulled out a check from the basket.

Melissa instinctively reached for it, but Lily bypassed her and handed it to Ashley. “Take a look.”

Melissa’s expression was embarrassed, but her eyes remained glued to the check.

Ashley looked at Lily, understanding that she was representing Mrs Quinn. From the moment Lily entered, she had shown disdain, disgust, and contempt towards Melissa, even subtly mocking her.

Recalling the recent beating, Ashley lowered her eyes.

The check was for one hundred thousand yuan, already signed by Mrs Quinn.

Ashley asked, “What’s this for?”

“What else?” Lily sneered, pulling out a contract. “Mrs Quinn wants to settle things. What happened the other night was a family matter. Fights can even strengthen family bonds. So, just take the money and don’t make things difficult for the Second Miss.”

Make things difficult for Emily?

Ashley glanced at her own injuries and sneered. “Huh, hush money.”

Lily said nothing, glaring at Ashley after a while. “Hey, watch your mouth!”

Ashley smirked. “What? She’s coward, that she dares to do it but doesn’t want anyone to talk about it?”

Lily rolled her eyes, clearly displeased with Ashley.

Watching Lily’s smug demeanor, Ashley felt speechless. How could a servant feel so superior?

She looked back at the contract. Settling things quietly was fine, but one hundred thousand yuan...

Ashley thought she could raise the price. She placed the contract on the edge of the bed, about to speak, but Melissa grabbed her hand. “Ashley...”

Melissa’s palm was clammy, and she was trembling slightly from nervousness.

Ashley looked at Melissa in confusion. “Mom?”

Melissa, thinking Ashley intended to reject the compensation, looked anxious, ashamed, and upset. She murmured, “Sign it.”

Ashley felt a sinking feeling in her heart.

Seeing the rift between the mother and daughter, Lily grinned. “Yeah, sign it quickly. That’s quite enough. Since Mr. Quinn is covering your medical expenses, and you’re staying here for free for a week, isn’t that like paid leave? I wish I could lie in the hospital and rest too.”

Ashley glared coldly at Lily. “Huh, what about this...I use a hundred thousand yuan to hire some thugs to ’serve’ Lily as well. I’ll even give up this bed for you!”

Lily’s face changed, glaring at Ashley. “You little bitch!”

“If you don’t want me to make a scene, get out of here!” Ashley was so angry her forehead throbbed. She grabbed the contract, signed it, and threw it at Lily.

Lily wanted to argue but froze at Ashley’s cold gaze. Her eyes were as intimidating as Brian’s.

Feeling unsettled, she hurriedly gathered the contract and left.

Once she was gone, the room fell silent. Melissa reached for the check, but Ashley held on tightly, looking at her. “Did he come to see you?”

No wonder the man causing trouble last night sounded so familiar.

Melissa’s eyes reddened. “Ashley.”

Ashley stubbornly stared at her. “Did he?”

Melissa rarely looked so troubled unless Jack had come asking for money. After hesitating for a moment, Melissa nodded. “Ashley, don’t blame him. Your father had no choice. He did it for us. Don’t hate him.”

Ashley’s lips trembled with anger. “For us? He’s a useless scumbag! Mom, stop being fooled by him. Can’t we just live our lives peacefully? Why do you...”

Ashley’s voice cracked. “You’re with Senior Quinn now. Why can’t you forget about that jerk!”

As she spoke, her voice grew louder, resonating in the room despite her hoarse throat.