In Love, Never Say Never

It was normal for keyboard warriors to speculate as they had no idea about the truth. But anyone in their right mind could see that Ashton treated Thora like an ordinary friend. It was only after the media’s attempt at spicing up the situation that it felt like there was something going on.

If there really was something going on between both of them, it would have to be proven by them registering their marriage at the Civil Affairs Bureau, instead of some blurry photos from an eye-catching angle.

“Hmm, you have gotten smarter I see. This sounds like what an observant person would say.” Ashton leaned back languidly in his chair. Squinting his eyes, his face reddened a little from the wine he had drunk.

“Observant? Perhaps.” I asked, “Just from what happened with Mitchell, it’s obvious that the Ziegler family does not harbor good intentions. You’d better be more careful when dealing with Thora.”

“If I had any other choice, I wouldn’t have chosen to sell my body.” Ashton suddenly widened his eyes as he looked at me with a helpless expression. “In the upcoming period, I will likely interact with her often. Hence, don’t listen to the rumors on the internet. If there is anything out of the ordinary, I will personally explain it to you.”

For some unknown reason, Ashton looked exhausted that day.

Smiling at him, I tried to ease his concerns. “Go ahead and do what you think is necessary. The children and I will be fine. Just one thing, even though I’m not by your side, don’t keep pulling late nights for weeks at one go. You need to take care of your health so that you can fulfill your promise of making it up to me.”

“Alright.” Pursing his lips, Ashton nodded in agreement. As if something suddenly occurred to him, he asked, “With regards to Emery’s case, I heard she wants you to represent her?”

“That’s right. It’s her way of supporting my career, I suppose. Both for her sake and my future, I will definitely do my best. After preparing for such a long time, it’s time to see how good I am.”

“Get someone else to do it,” Ashton commented.

“Why?” I was puzzled. “Are you doubting my capabilities? Or are you worried that I’m not physically up for it?”

I could understand the former but there was no reason to worry about the latter. The toxin in my body was like a time bomb. Before it explodes, I was no different from any ordinary person. If I had to forgo my life and stay in bed, it would be no different than being dead.

“Neither.” Ashton explained patiently, “Isn’t it obvious to you that Delilah is evil? She dared to hire someone to splash acid on Emery. Can you guarantee that she won’t do something similar to threaten you? Given that you have so many staff at your firm, it isn’t difficult to get someone else to replace you. There’s no need for you to be involved.”

After giving it some thought, Ashton’s concerns did make sense. After all, before Emery got hurt, no one had expected a helpless-looking woman to commit such a heinous act the moment she steeled her heart.

“I understand. When the time comes, I’ll get someone else to replace me so that I can minimize the conflict between the both of us. So, you don’t have to worry about this.”

A few days later, when Emery’s case went to trial, the judge accepted all the evidence that we presented. As expected, Delilah was sentenced to prison.

On the same day afternoon, upon my return to the law firm, I received an invitation from Ziegler Investment for their anniversary celebration party.

The invitation wrote: We cordially invite Ms. Scarlett Stovall to attend Ziegler Investment’s 5th-anniversary celebration party.

The invitation made it clear that I would be representing Stovall Law Firm, drawing an obvious distinction between my relationship with Ashton.

Meanwhile, the rumors about Ashton and Thora continued to spread. Putting aside Ashton’s plan, the media were likely encouraged to do so by Thora and the Ziegler family. The law firm had only been operating for less than a month and yet, Thora was already impatient to see me. The invitation was undoubtedly a trap.

As John was the one who exposed Mitchell, he wasn’t invited. Hence, I got Brooklyn to come along with me. On the way there, I had time to do some research on Thora.

In truth, Thora was considered a capable woman. At twenty-two, she returned to the country after graduating with an MBA overseas and joined Ziegler Corporation. In three years’ time, she doubled the Ziegler Corporation’s stock price. In another two years, she had a falling out with the Ziegler family and left to start her own company. Within five years of that, Ziegler Investments had become an industry leader in the building materials segment and was extremely influential.

In love, never say never chapter 1287

The picture online of Thora showed her in a suit. Her features were exquisite while her eyes sparkled with energy. Overall, she looked very ambitious, unlike the usual girls that were previously by Ashton’s side. Thora was about my age and didn’t seem to have anything to nitpick about. Just based on her resume alone, she seemed to be more compatible with Ashton than me. At least they were both similarly ambitious in terms of their career.

“We’re here, Ms. Stovall.”

Only when Brooklyn reminded me did I realize that we had arrived. When I looked out the window, I saw a red carpet flanked by reporters on both sides, with their cameras flashing away.

Just when I steadied myself, I heard a car screeching to a sudden stop. A blue sports car had parked itself behind me. The next moment, the door opened and John stepped out in a tuxedo. The moment he emerged, he attracted the attention of all the cameras. Nevertheless, he remained unperturbed as he straightened his jacket before helping Emma out of the car. In front of the cameras, both of them were the epitome of a loving couple.

“Mr. Stovall really cares a lot about you.” Brooklyn teased with a whisper.

His words were undeniably true. With John’s presence, I saved myself a lot of trouble. While he had the reporters’ attention, I quickened my pace and headed into the venue.

The moment we entered, the emcee was in the midst of introducing Thora, “…and now, let’s invite Ms. Ziegler to say a few words.”

With that, the spotlight moved from the stage and shone onto Thora who was dressed to the nines. Even the tall figure beside her became the center of attention as expected.

As the crowd settled down for a moment, Thora waited for everyone’s attention to fall upon her. After that, she said something to Ashton before sauntering up the stage.

Her speech was graceful while her poise was elegant. The authoritative vibe she emanated would put many men to shame. The only time she softened her gaze was when she looked in a particular direction. It was then that her eyes were filled with longing.

interest, John’s familiar curses rang out

seen a man

my seat wasn’t far from the entrance, it was quite some distance from the stage. John didn’t even attempt to keep his voice down, but luckily it wasn’t loud enough to be

voice? I don’t want to be seen as a troublemaker here,”

arrived at the same time we did on purpose. Leveraging on the animosity between the Stovall and Ziegler family, he managed

for my thoughts, I did have

rumors. With regards to Thora and Ashton, one was a lady with an illustrious background while the other was a young upstart within the business world. Both of them looked attractive and made a good match indeed. Especially when I saw the passion in Thora’s eyes,

stares from the other guests, John chose to make a scene. Glaring back at them with his brows raised, he threatened, “Let me see who

known to be fearsome, causing the onlookers to quickly disperse

them away, John leaned closer to me and whispered. “Don’t

by John’s confidence in Ashton, I teased, “You actually have faith

John changed the topic. “Why?

not.”

happen to me if someone better in every way appeared by Ashton’s side. But

say never

During my video call with Ashton, the exhaustion he felt from dealing with Thora and the enthusiasm in his voice when he spoke with me was enough for me to ascertain his stance. If I was unable

always work. Do you think women are that easily cheated?” Suddenly, Emma

once. Clearing his

happened?” Given how rare it was for John to be cowed, I found it both strange and

chosen one with a clean reputation. Instead, the girl

where her gaze leads, I couldn’t help but smile. John oh John, you may be adept at dealing with someone else’s problems. But

you do

condoms. Then, I told him to use a couple more every single time and to visit the hospital whenever he was free. He shouldn’t put his life at risk just for the sake of having a sex life. I

“Pfft…”

reaction was really harsh.” Furrowing her eyebrows, Emma was both upset

say it out loud, I could still imagine the stunned look on John’s face. This time, he had finally

“Ms. Stovall.”

cordial voice rang out in my ear, causing the smile on my face to

expected, Thora had finally come to meet

exchanged glances, we maintained a cordial smile at each other as if we were old friends. There was no way

host, Thora brought with her everyone’s attention the moment

congratulations.” I raised my

Thora smiled slightly without a hint of animosity. “I heard you have started your own law firm. Coincidentally, my company is involved in some complex legal situations. So, I was wondering if

that there was no escape for me. Despite successfully avoiding the

less successful than her. That after leaving Ashton, I had to rely on his new partner for business. However, if I declined, it would indicate that I was being petty. Trapped between a

to know where to strike. Since she

I pursed my lips and replied with a smile, “Ms. Ziegler, you flatter me indeed. Let’s not go as far as to talk about whether I can help. After all, I have never been capable of much. From the time my grandma took care of me to the time my husband protected me, I hardly knew anything about running a business. Even now, I have to rely on the support the Stovall family provides. But since you have

around

me from within the crowd, Brooklyn approached and stood behind me. “Ms. Stovall, I am

company to help her? We can’t very well let her be bogged down

my voice on purpose to emphasize the word “simply” so that everyone

never say never chapter

she scrutinized me in surprise. Meeting her gaze confidently, I put on an innocent look. Given what everyone had just heard, their impression of me

fool that could elicit

one else that could shamelessly claim to enjoy the protection of one’s

to work in their families’ interest to enjoy the equivalent amount of protection. If one was born without any talent, one had to be extra careful not to bring any trouble to the

a powerful career woman, I was indirectly flaunting the unconditional love that I enjoyed. It was something I already had

all, she was the one that started it and I was just

impeccable timing, Brooklyn rubbed salt in her wounds. “Ms. Ziegler, Ms. Stovall doesn’t understand the situation, so let me explain it to you. Ever since the law firm began its operations, we have received a lot of work from both the Stovall and Moore families. Therefore, most of our top lawyers are bogged down with work. Hence, if you don’t mind, I can get one of my assistants to help

Brooklyn to be so good at insults. It was really brazen of him to suggest assigning an assistant lawyer to deal with the president of a listed company. No wonder John liked him so

the brief exchange, Thora didn’t gain any advantage at all. Instead, she had been badly beaten down. Nevertheless, she managed to remain calm despite the rage burning in

behind her and raised his hand to

Brooklyn stepped forward to shield me

out of nowhere and grabbed

the ground instead. Upon impact, its contents spilled in every direction. Unable to evade in time, Thora’s pure white dress was

the commotion, Ashton’s threatening voice

“How dare you!”