In Love, Never Say Never

That single statement silenced Herman entirely. At the same time, it had come at the cost of Ashton’s bargaining power.

Fuller Corporation’s withdrawal from the collaboration with Trivett Corporation meant that Ashton would be unable to interfere no matter what evil ends Pitcoin would be used for.

It seemed as if the discovery that his parents were alive had utterly transformed Ashton. The upright, dignified man that George painstakingly raised had vanished.

Ashton’s words thus dropped like a bomb in the living room, scattering the uneasiness that had hung so heavily in the air before.

Thora, who had been observing the scene unfold from the sidelines, chose this moment to speak. “You’re going to withdraw from all collaborations? Ashton, do you really intend to sever all ties with me?” she seethed.

The Ziegler family was no longer Ashton’s target. In fact, from certain perspectives, Ashton had indeed wronged Thora in some aspects.

A flowering career was all well and good for a woman, but her relationships and emotions would always remain her core occupation.

Thora waited in agony for Ashton’s reply. Ashton, however, was in no frame of mind to deal with anything other than the recent tragedy. He merely gazed at her blankly with disinterest, looking absent altogether as if his soul had flown off to another dimension entirely. Wherever it was, it was neither present nor ready to engage with Thora’s demands.

It wasn’t that Ashton wanted to evade her questioning. He didn’t quite possess the capacity to at the moment.

Every second that ticked by threw Thora into a greater frenzy. The expression on her face was growing increasingly desperate. Unable to endure this long-drawn awkwardness, I hastily chipped in, “Ms. Ziegler, allow me to apologize to you on behalf of Ashton. He only hid our marriage from you due to the circumstances. If there’s anything you’re dissatisfied with, we’ll do whatever we can to make amends.”

Thora was an intelligent woman. I truly believed she would know that negotiating a compromise would enable her to achieve the best possible outcome from this catastrophe despite the hurt she’d suffered.

Besides, Ashton and Thora were both victims of the previous generation’s wrongs. There was no real benefit in furthering this resentment.

Thora, however, did not act like the reasonable woman I expected her to be. “I was played for a fool by the two of you. Do you think I’d let you off the hook that easily?” she asked bitterly.

Upon further reflection, I realized that it must have taken a considerable amount of courage and pride for Thora to have arrived at her current position. For her to have cast off the help of the Ziegler family and establish her own business, she must have had an unimaginable amount of perseverance. I knew I should not expect her to back down without a fight, then.

I heaved a sigh. “What does Mr. Ziegler think of this matter?”

At the mention of his name, Thora instinctively started and glanced away. I followed the line of her gaze and realized that she’d been looking at Ashton.

She had her jaw clenched in contemplation. After a while, she said evenly, “I want Ashton to sign a five-year contract. It must clearly state that within the stipulated period, Fuller Corporation will only collaborate with one of Ziegler Corporation’s construction companies.”

I gaped at her. Thora clearly had no qualms about allowing her personal grievances to interfere with professional matters.

Five years of collaboration with the Fuller Corporation was a surefire way for Thora to propel her own company to the top. It was the best maneuver the woman could make from unrequited love.

Ashton, however, had no discernible reaction upon hearing Thora’s demand. He nodded, saying gravely, “As long as the work is legal and reasonable, I have no problem with it.”

Despite such an enormous ask, Thora remained discontent. She piped up again, “Furthermore, this scandal put me in a bad light. Both of you will have to find a way to fix my reputation.”

“Don’t take advantage of their kindness! How do you expect them to clean up your mess? Are you expecting Ashton to divorce Scarlett to pursue you, then let you dump him this time around?” John retorted heatedly.

Thora, however, remained unflappable. She obstinately stuck out her chin at him before saying haughtily, “That’s just what I’m asking him to do. I’m the only one who should be permitted to dump others, not the other way around.”

Her ridiculous statement made John give a snort of incredulity. “Who do you think you are to make such ridiculous demands? You…”

I hurriedly cut in, “Wait, John.” I glanced at Thora thoughtfully, then said, “I think Ms. Ziegler’s request can be met in another way.”

I was certain that Ashton’s and my divorce was not the only option for Ms. Ziegler to recover her standing.

Thora’s features softened upon hearing my attempt at conciliation. The corners of her mouth twitched before she spoke, “I’ve finally seen for myself today that you’re a practical woman. You’re not the spoilt princess I thought you were, but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You really did put up a good performance all those other times we met.”

In Love, Never Say Never Chapter 1383

There was nothing Ashton and I could say to justify ourselves, so I kept my peace.

The next day, the country’s biggest financial news station reported that the Fuller Corporation’s high-profile investment had incurred a loss of hundreds of millions due to a decisive managerial failure. The Ziegler Corporation, in defense of their own interests, had cut off all collaboration with Fuller Corporation. Stovall Corporation, on the other hand, had decided to merge with Fuller Corporation to bail the latter out.

This piece of earth-shattering news was immediately lit upon by netizens eager to devour the next piece of gossip. They immediately connected this event with Facebook’s top search.

I’ll be damned. Does this mean Mr. Fuller only reconciled with Ms. Stovall for money?

I told you all! Thora dumped that jerk because of Fuller Corporation’s investment failure. His ex-wife had mercy on him and bailed him out despite everything that he did to her! Babes, what a tragedy this is for women everywhere!

Yes, I despise Mr. Fuller now! What a beastly man he is!

All I have to say is, poor Scarlett!

Mr. Fuller, if you already have a woman that loves you so much, please cherish her!

I’ve always known that what Thora and Mr. Fuller had was a marriage of convenience! There were never any true feelings involved. I predicted this!

Back in the Stovall residence, we were sitting in the living room when the news reports flowed in, thick and fast. Ashton and I were scrolling through our phones and scanning the news. The only noise interrupting the otherwise dead silence of the room came from the television.

Ashton sat on the sofa, staring ahead of him, his face devoid of any expression. Ever since he’d returned to K City, Ashton seemed to have lost all purpose.

Even though the latest news reports had thoroughly cast Ashton’s name into disrepute, we had managed to resolve the matter with Thora. As for the Pitcoin projects, we’d managed to tie up all the stray ends during the day. Fuller Corporation had thus ceased all involvements in illegal activity that day.

Danger or trouble had always been of little concern to Ashton. Even though we had successfully concluded all of Fuller Corporation’s pressing matters, Ashton did not look overjoyed at all.

I knew then that the Hall family was another burden weighing on Ashton’s mind.

I was about to sit Ashton down for a talk when the maid suddenly dashed into the room. “Mr. Stovall, a guest is currently waiting outside. He gave his name as Bill Young,” she announced.

Something seemed to reawaken within Ashton. His dark eyes smoldered as he glanced towards the doorway where the maid had just entered from.

The rest of us exchanged looks uneasily. Louis then instructed, “Bring him in.”

The Stovall family had always been known for its openness. It wouldn’t have been appropriate for us to have turned away a world-renowned philanthropist from our home.

Bill, the man waiting outside, soon hobbled in on crutches. He was accompanied by Tiffany, who had angered Ashton the day before. The woman leaned towards Bill as she helped him in. The closeness between the two of them suggested that they were on rather intimate terms.

Ashton was evidently incensed by Tiffany’s arrival. His face darkened by a few shades, and his eyes flashed with fury.

Bill was getting on in years, but he was remarkably frank in his manner. The moment he’d settled down into his seat, he immediately declared, “I came here today to convey a message on behalf of a friend.”

Bill paused and surveyed the room. He nodded, pleased that all eyes were fixed attentively on him. Bill then continued, addressing Ashton directly, “Mr. Hall has given the matter some thought. Your entire family can return to the Hall family and be reunited as one again. As long as you’re willing, you’ll be welcomed back anytime.”

Did Christopher suddenly develop a conscience and decide to accept Ashton back into his fold? I mused.

Before anyone else could respond, however, Ashton had erupted in anger. He stood up vehemently and bellowed, “Keep your hypocritical pity to yourself! I don’t need it!”

I had rarely seen Ashton lose control of his emotions. His abrupt, violent rage threw the room in disarray. We gawked at him, all equally aghast.

The tension in the room was so thick that one could cut it with a knife. Ashton took a deep breath, rearranging his features into their previous stoic expression before roughly shoving his way past Bill and storming upstairs.

“Ash-” Appalled, Tiffany turned on her heels to go after him, as if fearful of being discarded by the man a second time. “Ashton!” she called out, a desperate plea.

Ashton ignored her. He refused to dignify her with even a backward glance in her direction and hastened his footsteps.

I lunged forward to restrain Tiffany. “Ms. Hall!”

My outburst got her to halt in her tracks but refused to turn back. Seeing her reluctance, I continued kindly, “Ashton doesn’t want to meet anyone who has anything to do with Christopher. Please respect that.”

In Love, Never Say Never Chapter 1384

As I spoke, I strode over to the stairs. Shouldering Tiffany brusquely aside, I said as I ascended, “I need to discuss some urgent matters with Ashton. Please go ahead without us.”

Tiffany had been raised in a life of luxury and pampering. She was thus unused to the subtle emotions that undergirded every social interaction. She was unable to recognize the extent of our loathing for her from my simple, placid expression.

It was undeniably rude of Ashton and I to evade our guests in this manner. However, I believed our behavior was not entirely unwarranted. The guests had to be deserving of our respect as well.

The bedroom door was left open, so I entered cautiously, hearing the sound of water running in the bathroom as I walked in.

I closed the door softly behind me as I entered, then tiptoed towards the bathroom. At the door, however, I found my eyes locked with Ashton’s.

His eyes were wild and bloodshot, and his entire face was dripping with water. He looked both embarrassed and intimidating at the same time. Water was still gushing in torrents from the tap. I looked up to see that a huge crack had split the bathroom mirror. A few shards littered the floor.

I looked down and was horrified to see that Ashton’s hand had suffered a few gashes that were bleeding profusely.

Ashton’s forlorn figure tugged at my heartstrings. I whirled around and hurried to fetch the first aid kit to treat his wounds.

Neither of us spoke throughout the entire process. Ashton merely bowed his head. With his unfathomable dark eyes fixed upon me, he seemed oddly contented at last.

After a long while, when I finally lifted my head to dispose of the used cotton swabs, he said hoarsely, “Why do you care so much for a useless castoff like me?”

I froze upon hearing that, my hands arrested in the act of bandaging. I lowered them, then said slowly, “It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re a useless castoff or the epitome of perfection. You’re Ashton. You’re my husband and the father of my children. I chose you because you’re the one I love most. It doesn’t matter what other people think of you.”

tremble in mine. He suddenly seized me

to sit me down on the bed, then walked over to the closet. He pulled out

looked familiar. Ashton had been taking these since Summer fell ill. He’d reassured me that

however, I compared my medical records to the Hall family’s and realized that this is a hereditary chronic illness. There’s

he had long since accepted the fact, but I could detect a hint of

but I felt a bitter wave

As long as he wasn’t doing a drug trial of any sort on my behalf, I

It wasn’t even a complete guarantee that he would lose his sight. Yet, the Halls had thus decided to

a flash. The reason for Tiffany’s arrogance was

perceived as her brother’s inferior genes. The fact that Tiffany hadn’t inherited the illness must have convinced her that she

was ridiculous that one could despise others for their genetic makeup

me bemusedly. “What’s wrong? Are you concerned

is back at the headquarters of the company, and Joseph is a capable, steadfast worker. He’s worthy of the hopes I’m pinning on him. I’ll only be losing my sight, not my mind.

Never Say Never

John and the Moore family. Besides, I think I’m capable of raising three children. All I’m worried about is letting you down. You can’t enjoy the wealth and influence of being a president any longer. You’ll have to make do with our uneventful, quiet happiness. I suppose I’ll be your

Ashton staring

you upset?”

man who took pride in his masculinity usually recoiled at the idea of getting

brow for a moment, then abruptly chuckled.

him to respond so jovially. My tentative smile widened into a

my joke, Ashton burst into peals of genuine laughter. In that instant, the dark

stroking his injured hand, I declared, “You’re mine now! I don’t like people who are constantly putting themselves down. You have to stay positive, or

in his eyes. He pinched my chin, compelling me to meet his eyes. “Then I’ll have to be a good boy

it…” I

towards me, and before I realized what he was doing, he stole a kiss from

Gritting my teeth, I countered cheekily, “It’s a borderline pass. I’m sure you can do much better than that. I’ll be looking

seemed overwhelmed with emotion. He reached out and pulled me over, his arms encircling me in a tight hug. We were so close that I could hear the throb of his heartbeat and feel the rise and fall of his chest

few minutes later, however, when Ashton suddenly

merely smiled and allowed

room together, Bill and Tiffany were

“Ashton, have you changed your mind? I knew it! I knew you wouldn’t be able to walk away from our family

to the sofa. We sat down facing Tiffany, and he took his time to settle down, crossing his legs before replying evenly, “I can rejoin the Hall family but on one condition. My children will remain

the blood of the Hall family running through their veins! You can’t

reconciled, how can you call the Stovalls outsiders? If we’re talking about

speaking. There seemed to be a fleeting acknowledgment of mutual agreement between the two. However, it was only a brief flash that quickly faded back into their original

I’m already part of the Stovall family, and so are my children. Scarlett is the only one who has

direct an intent look

with his theatrical performance. “That’s right! Ashton’s mine. Don’t you

Never Say

be helpful today.

this coming. She darted her agile gaze around, trying to

let down my guard when I saw the expression on her face, but Ashton was far from relaxing his vigilance. He nudged me with his elbow and his brows arched subtly, hinting me to corner

went all out when they were faced with threats. Judging from Ashton’s

so I started speaking again. “Since Mr. Young is Mr. Hall’s representative, please kindly relay our intentions. The deal he offers is tempting, but the Stovall and the Moore family are not in want of anything. We’re not desperate to an extent where we need to sacrifice our children, so

stopped briefly and held Ashton’s hand in mine before continuing, “He might be a nobody to all of you, but to me, he’s everything. I hope the two families can each go their own ways after this. This is how things should have been since the accident happened. If the Hall family stops meddling with us and minds its own business, then the Stovalls will back down. But if your family insists on creating trouble, then you’d better pray that you guys have someone

snobbish, but what I said was no exaggeration. I had to stamp the Hall family to the ground and put them in

be in his best state, but I could still take care of him. If he did go blind, the Stovall and Moore family could still be his support. Even in the worst-case scenario, we would have Sally help us. She was one of us, and she was kind-hearted. I was sure she would do everything

still go on without

yourself. You probably have no idea what our family is capable of. Do you think you will be able to keep the

all. This is how society works… Unless you mean to tell me this

you to take a good look at who you’re

when he was involved with Armond. Now that the man was working with Nicolas, I wonder how it would affect his hard-earned

our family in such an indirect manner. You can start numbering your days if my father finds out what horrid words just came out

lifting her off the

I would teach Tiffany a lesson, but when they heard Ashton’s sharp question, all of their curiosity was piqued. I could see John’s tightly clenched fists quivering as anger burned

myself could not believe Ashton’s very own father was the one

she blundered, she tried deviating from the topic. “What poison? I don’t know

Never Say

late. Rage was already spreading in Ashton’s bloodshot eyes like a wildfire. No one could say for sure what he would do at this rate. “I’m asking you one last time. Did Nicolas

living room, his booming voice bouncing off the walls.

shock for Ashton. The Halls abandoned him when he was a kid, and now they even targeted the people he loved the most. I could not

as she swallowed hard. “Yes… But.. I didn’t do anything! I only overheard dad talking about it when he

“Ah! You jer…”

her before she could

in the air for a good ten seconds before it landed on the couch beside Tiffany. By the time

“Dad is in charge of all decisions at home. I’m just his puppet. I didn’t get much say of my own for the past twenty years either, so

think things through clearly. Since he’s willing to listen to me and accept you, don’t you think going back with your children is the best option now? Try being a good son to him. Who knows, maybe he’ll soften his

of going berserk, Tiffany was still able to talk to him calmly, showcasing just how strong her will was. But as strong as she may seem, her evasive gaze soon landed on Bill, and the two took

living room fell into dead silence. Ashton’s head drooped low in devastation, and he stood motionless for a

his every move. Everything that happened was

the opportunity to save our first child, but he had not done so. Since

back down now. He realized that Ashton and the Stovall family were not people he could mess with anymore. If he wanted the children, he had no other

it plainly, both of us were necessary evil he had to

of you only have one option. That’s to go back to the Hall family and try to get the cure for Letty. As for our next step, we will play by ear.” John’s apathetic voice cut through the silence, but I could

air

because of Ashton. Although it was not his fault

Seeing him seemingly unmoved, the latter’s fists tightened as he got ready

us some time to discuss this,” I intervened before

a living hell for the past twenty-plus years. It would not be easy to

Never Say Never

and me some time alone. The others did not

brows did not relax even after he and I

mood, I dragged

entered. “Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, the

for attending to them. We’ll

course,” the nanny replied and left

he felt I was close.

a few months of diligent care, both children looked healthy and

Ashton again, the frown on his face had disappeared, and he was holding Audrey securely in his arms. There was love

sigh of relief

the purest beings on earth. They could certainly heal any pain and hurt in

called out to him softly. He cast his gaze

a while to

to make your life miserable for my sake. Life has already been hard enough for you. I don’t care about the poison, so you don’t have to worry about it. I’m happy to simply have you

on Ashton’s brows again, but he remained

looked at our children. “You don’t have to take what John said to heart. We can go and live in a place where no one can find us. I’ve already thought

must be a place on earth where

but Gregory and Audrey could still keep Ashton company. They would

the past ten years. We never really had time to slow down and

deep in thoughts, the baby girl in Ashton’s

our gazes turned towards Audrey simultaneously. Ashton met her gaze, and she broke out

closer to his face. “I’m here, Audrey. I’ll stay with you and Mommy forever,” he told her in an endearing tone as if Audrey could understand what he was

your word,” I teased

a determined manner. “When have I ever broken a promise to you? Let’s

Aren’t we going into hiding? Are you sure you want

can’t just go and hide somewhere. I want to keep you by my side for as long as

me and running away this time. I’ve endured the past twenty years, and I don’t want to lose you at the end of this journey. I will make

the kids and the nanny along

Love, Never Say Never

took a private jet and landed on the coastline of international waters. The propellers spun furiously, causing turbulent ripples on the water surface. A foreboding

A pebble-paved path parted the grass, leading all the way up to the top of the

sequestered island made it a good hiding

to notice the accessorial rock on the path. If Ashton had

to fake

in a foreign

my hand tight. “Don’t be nervous. The Halls are only interested in the kids. They don’t care who we are, so relax and treat this as

words indeed rang true, but I could not help but recall Nicolas’ threatening words when he said he would make Ashton disappear from

is on international waters. It does not fall under the jurisdiction of any

face. “Remember, I’m your husband. I’ll

loving parent like Cameron, I could well let Ashton face him up

taking a step back to look at him sternly, right into his eyes. “Since you married into the Stovall family, you’re now one of us. I will do everything I can to make

might have acted too dramatically, but I meant every word

not take Ashton seriously, but they could not treat me the same way. They could not ignore

me, trying to maintain a serious expression. He thought I was trying to be funny, but I was not playing around at that moment. I went over and held him by his arm. “I know you’re always rational, but your loved ones are at stake here. It’s difficult to be sure that you’ll be able to keep your cool, so leave

said, I pulled him toward the huge

“Mr. and Mrs. Fuller.”