Save Myself from Desperation

Ashley slightly raised her eyebrows when she saw Cara approaching. This was their first encounter since the last incident where Cara’s reputation was ruined due to a scandal involving the restoration of artifacts.

Cara froze in her steps upon seeing Ashley. A sinister look in her eyes replaced her usual gentleness.

Standing beside Cara was a middle-aged man named Stanley Knowles with a large belly. He eagerly said, “Ms. Ward, this project is going well. We're in talks with the Pliskin Group for a partnership, and we’re just one step away from sealing the deal! I've been trying to contact Lester from the Pliskin family these past few days, but unfortunately, he’s too busy...”

Stanley paused when he saw Cara stop abruptly and noticed Ashley not far away.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

His eyes lit up upon seeing Ashley. He knew of her but had only seen her on TV. Seeing her in person was much more impressive than on television.

However, remembering Ashley's hostile relationship with Cara, Stanley hid his admiration and put on a stern face.

Ashley overheard Stanley’s comments about discussing a partnership with the Pliskin Group and wanting to meet Lester in person.

Noticing Cara’s irritated expression, Stanley stepped forward with a mocking tone. “Isn’t this the famous Ashley Ramos? Quite popular these days, huh?”

A few restaurant patrons stopped to watch the unfolding dispute. One girl, recognizing Ashley, excitedly started recording with her phone. She was apparently a fan of Ashley.

Stanley scoffed disdainfully, “Popular indeed, but what a shame. She even got her parents put in jail. Not surprising fora Ramos family member. They're all bad!”

Before Ashley could respond, the girl recording with her phone interjected, “What are you talking about? Evan and Jessica were trying to kidnap Miranda, and Ashley just called the police to stop them!”

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Stanley mocked, “So you're saying Evan is heartless and no good. Then Ashley must be the same, right? Have you heard the saying ‘like father, like son’?”

The girl was speechless, her face turning red with anger, unable to out-argue Stanley.

Ever since the news of Evan and Jessica going to jail broke, rumors online suggested that Ashley, having the Ramos family genes, might be just as bad as them.

Ashley’s fans were furious at these comments, believing that Ashley, who didn’t grow up in the Ramos family, hadn’t been corrupted by them.

Cara, observing this, couldn’t hide a hint of smug satisfaction in her eyes.

Her downfall and exit from the entertainment industry didn’t matter to her as much now. After all, Ashley wasn’t faring much better.

As long as Ashley had any connection to the Ramos family, she could never be innocent! At that moment, Ashley looked at the fan who had defended her and felt warm in her heart.

She gave the girl a reassuring glance, then turned to face Stanley, who looked smug and raised her eyebrows slightly. “Mr. Knowles, it seems your parents weren’t’much better. Otherwise, how could they have raised a joke like you?”

Stanley frowned instantly, “Ashley! What nonsense are you talking about!”

Ashley smiled slightly, and her eyes filled with mockery. “Like father, like son, right? Didn’t you just say that yourself? Have you forgotten already?”

“You!” Stanley was taken aback by Ashley’s sharp tongue and was left speechless. The girl beside them was so excited she almost jumped up. “That's our Ashley! Make sure to embarrass this big-bellied old man!”

Humiliated in front of everyone, Stanley angrily retorted, “Ashley, everyone knows about the mess the Ramos family has made! Don’t think you're innocent. You and Evan are family, so you’re no different from the Ramos family!”

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At those words, Ashley suddenly frowned, “Say that again!”

For some reason, Stanley felt intimidated by Ashley’s gaze and shivered without knowing why.

Then, he thought he was a grown man in his fifties or sixties. So, why should he be afraid of a young girl?

Stanley puffed out his chest, ready to continue his rant, when he suddenly saw a tall, handsome man walking around the corner of the hallway.

Lester? Stanley’s face lit up with excitement.

He had been negotiating a deal with the Pliskin family and was close to finalizing it. He had always wanted to talk to Lester in person but couldn't get an appointment because Lester was too busy. He hadn’t expected to run into him here!

Excited, Stanley ran over with his big belly, shouting at Ashley as he passed, “Get out of the way! Don’t block the path!”

Reaching Lester, Stanley smiled apologetically and took out a business card from his pocket. “Mr. Pliskin, what a coincidence to meet you here! I’m Stanley Knowles, currently finalizing a deal with the Pliskin Group. I’ve been wanting to meet you, but you’ve been too busy. Today...”

Not interested in Stanley’s rambling, Lester focused his eyes on Ashley not far away. As he approached, he seemed to have heard Stanley telling Ashley to get out of the way.

Lester narrowed his eyes dangerously with a half-smile that looked eerily unsettling. “Stanley, who were you just insulting?” Hearing Lester speak to him directly, Stanley was pleasantly surprised. It was the first time! It seemed his attempt to strike up a conversation had worked!

Eager to build a relationship with Lester, Stanley quickly pointed at Ashley. “I was talking about her! Mr. Pliskin, | don’t know if you've heard about the Ramos family, but with relatives and parents like that, Ashley must be no good either! Just now, she

was... Stanley was speaking when he suddenly stopped, feeling a chilling cold

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creep up his back as if it could freeze his blood.

Something seemed off about Lester’s gaze.

“Stanley,” Lester said with a smile, but his gaze was sharp, “do you have a death wish?”

A death wish?

Stanley’s eyes widened in fear. “Mr. Pliskin, what do you mean by that...”

Before he could finish, Lester had already started walking towards Ashley.

Approaching Ashley, the hostility in Lester’s eyes softened a bit, and he asked gently, “Ashley, did he bully you just now?” Ashley looked over at Stanley.

Stanley stood there with his mouth wide open, looking completely stunned.

Ashley?

Why was Lester addressing Ashley so affectionately?

And he seemed so concerned about her, as if worried she might be bullied