Chapter 658

Jason gave a solemn nod, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase and distributing them to the directors.

“Non–disclosure agreements?!”

The room erupted in disbelief, the air thick with indignation; they questioned, “Ms. Ashbourne, what is the meaning of this? We’ve been your father’s trusted associates for years, comrades in arms who helped him build his empire. How could you distrust us? Are you looking down on us or something?!”

Evadne’s gaze was unwavering, her voice cool and composed, “You’re taking this too seriously. This is merely a precaution to safeguard my father, the K Group, and all your interests. It has nothing to do with respect or the lack thereof. A non–disclosure agreement is a protective measure. It’s meant for those with less than honorable intentions. You are not only my father’s business partners but his friends. I trust none of you would do anything to tarnish his reputation. This is just to ensure we are all secure. Otherwise, why bother with contracts in business at all, right?”

Her words were diplomatic, leaving no room for argument. Otherwise, wouldn’t they be admitting to being the untrustworthy ones she hinted at?

Soon enough, every NDA was signed.

Jason’s brow furrowed as he leaned in to whisper to Evadne, “Ms. Ashbourne, Bevis is missing.”

“I know. There’s no rush. We’ll discuss it in a moment,” her bright eyes were shadowed with concern.

After collecting all the signed agreements, the directors, having lost their patience, didn’t even bother with pleasantries. They stood and made for the door.

“Now that you’ve all signed.” Evadne swiveled her chair to face away from them, her voice icy, “I must remind you that the company has a stringent set of bylaws. The most important of which states that no director shall act against its best interests. Any violation of this rule will result in expulsion from the board and a permanent ban from reappointment. Is that understood?” The directors, feeling the weight of her words like a heavy stone upon their chests, had no response. They left in haste, the conference room falling silent once more.

In that moment of solitude, Evadne’s strength seemed to drain from her, her hands covering her face as she bent forward, her body succumbing gradually.

and Dylan by his side. She longed to be with him, but faced with such an unprecedented crisis in the Ashbourne family’s history, she

Ashbourne, don’t be

her, “We’re all here

removed her hands from her face, her complexion pale

you for coming

are you saying?!” Jason’s eyes widened, his gaze intense, “No matter what happens, my loyalty to you is unwavering!”

throat, “But don’t worry, I’ll find a suitable secretary soon. You

just want to ease your burdens and ensure you have peace of mind. If you still trust me, if you don’t mind that I’m not as quick as I used to be, then please let me be your

again; she was

the chairman’s office, Jason raised his concerns

Ashbourne, by not having Bevis sign the NDA, aren’t you leaving a loophole? He’s notorious for spilling secrets and now, without an agreement, he’ll surely stir up

rat hole open deliberately for that rat to crawl into I’m waiting for

gasped in

no secrets that time

believes he’s found an opportunity for a counterattack, and he’ll be itching to exploit it. To kill him, we

“Wow! Ms. Ashbourne, you’re so

Evadne arrived at her father’s side, the medical team had just left. Emeric’s condition had stabilized, but his spirits were

you tell the family?” Evadne asked Thaddeus, her eyes brimming with

tenderness, “They’ll have to know sooner or later, but let’s not tell them just yet. Mr. Ashbourne doesn’t look well; he needs some

leaned her forehead against his broad shoulder, her fists trembling with tension. She was Emeric’s daughter and knew her father well – they shared the same temperament. How could she not understand the turmoil within

care of there? If you need your hubby’s help, just ask. Don’t shoulder it all alone,” Thaddeus now was

all taken care of,” she

Thaddeus couldn’t help but kiss her

scolding, even a punch, because she was his wife, and there was no escaping that fact.

going on with Dad’s health?” Evadne asked, anxiety lacing her

what they could with limited resources. They stabilized him for now, but further examination at a hospital is needed. However,

point, what does his pride matter? Is that

a wry smile gracing his lips, “Honestly, for a man like Mr. Ashbourne who’s lived his life with such dignity, losing face can

insult over injury,

the last fiasco with Warner, we can’t

had a broken arm or leg, I could handle it,

it’s my fault.” Thaddeus‘ stomach twisted with remorse and guilt, “It must have been that medication. The effects were too aggressive; it caused

you can’t blame yourself for this; please don’t beat yourself up.”

father. At that moment, Emeric lay still on the couch, his back to

always been an insurmountable mountain to her. As a child, he stood before her, sheltering

have aged in an instant. There he was,

“Emeric, hey.”

going to talk nonstop about this? To brag about their zero moral stand? Besides, we Ashbournes run this whole Group. If I pulled a stunt at the front door, they’d come ‘round to compliment me, not gossip. Who would

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