I glanced at Alex, who was still staring at the screen, seemingly lost in thought. Without hesitation, I decided to ask, "Do you have a friend named Ashton, Mr. Hall?"

"Hmm? What did you say?" Alex turned to look at me, his expression blank.

It wasn't clear if he truly hadn't heard me or was pretending not to understand.

"Do you have a friend named Ashton?" I repeated.

"Ashton?" Alex echoed, shaking his head. "No, who is that?" He smiled, ...