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.

faced with such an unprecedented crisis in the Ashbourne family’s history, she could barely control the panic that gripped her.

don’t be

her, his eyes red with concern as he comforted her, “We’re all here for you. Chairman Ashbourne will be alright, and so will the

breath, Evadne removed her hands from her face, her complexion pale

you for coming

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

The bitterness rose in her throat, “But don’t worry, I’ll find a suitable secretary soon. You won’t

or riches. I 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

she was too moved

the chairman’s office, Jason

leaving a loophole? He’s notorious for spilling secrets and now, without an

Evadne strode forward with purpose, “I left that rat hole open deliberately for that rat to crawl into I’m

in

the NDA had any real power, did you?” Evadne’s eyes were icy as she continued, “There are no secrets that

counterattack, and he’ll be itching to exploit it.

a thumbs–up, “Wow! Ms. Ashbourne, you’re so cunning, er, I mean, brilliantly clever!”

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

Evadne asked Thaddeus, her eyes brimming with tears.

an arm around her waist and pulling her close 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

leaned her forehead against his broad shoulder, her fists trembling with tension. She was Emeric’s daughter and knew her

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

all taken care of,” she replied

but kiss

because she was his wife, and there was no escaping that fact.

on with Dad’s health?” Evadne

stabilized him for now, but further examination at a hospital

does his pride matter? Is that

Ashbourne who’s lived his life with such

insult over injury,

last fiasco with Warner, we can’t call Chasel in for

“If Emeric had a broken arm or leg, I could handle it, but

fault.” Thaddeus‘ stomach twisted with remorse and guilt, “It must have been that medication. The effects were too

for this; please don’t

that moment, Emeric lay still on the

sharp sting of unshed tears. Her father’s silhouette had always been an insurmountable mountain to her. As a child, he stood before her, sheltering her from the storm. As she grew, he stood behind her, her rock–solid

have aged in an instant. There he was, curled up silently, a pitiful figure, withered

“Emeric, hey.”

to sound upbeat and comforting, “What’s the matter, feeling a bit embarrassed? Heck, what’s the big deal? In this day and age, who’s going to talk nonstop about this? To brag about their zero moral stand? Besides, we Ashbournes run this whole Group. If I pulled

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