Chapter 3 003 Luxurious family banquet

Leaving the peaceful bedroom, I immediately realized my carelessness.

What a huge house! What a long corridor! Oh my god, could those paintings hanging on the corridor be genuine Picasso works!

Ashley was lost in the wealthy corridors.

Until a butler-like person appeared carrying a tray and saw the young man standing in the corridor seemingly admiring the paintings. He hesitated for a moment and reminded him, "Young Master San, Master and Madam are already seated."

Ashley displayed her lifelong acting skills with an expressionless coldness and said, "Lead me there."

The butler paused for a moment and replied, "Yes."

With him leading the way, Ashley finally walked out of this maze-like luxurious corridor. The butler led her to take an elevator down to the first floor, crossing through an antique courtyard before finally arriving at the banquet hall.

Through intricately carved windows, Ashley saw numerous figures inside. People of all ages were happily chatting and laughing together-a warm and harmonious large family. However, when she stepped into the room, whether it was her illusion or not, she felt that atmosphere suddenly cooled down.

Laughter subsided as she entered; a young girl sitting on a sofa near the door playing with her phone greeted him somewhat awkwardly: "Brother."

Ashley remembered her role as an aloof CEO who rarely spoke much; she nodded indifferently.

That jerk Zoe was also present. When he looked over at Ashley's direction,she clearly felt no goodwill in his gaze.With fake politeness he said: "Little Brother (San), why are you so late? You made our elders wait for you alone."

Enemies meeting each other always leads to jealousy; when Ashley saw him it reminded her of how Hua Guang Media had maliciously suppressed her pitiful acting career over these years-making it even more miserable!

Ashley shot him a cold glance; if looks could kill, Zoe would already have a hole in his head.

Ryan was usually not one to smile or speak much. His methods were ruthless, unlike anything seen from a young person. To be honest, Zoe was somewhat afraid of him. However, no matter what he said in the past,Ryan never responded to him-leading to Zoe gradually becoming more audacious in front of him.

Now being glared at like this by Ashley,Zoe felt a chill down his spine and realized that he had been intimidated by her gaze.A few traces of anger appeared in his eyes but dared not say anything;he could only lower his head with frustration.

There were about ten people inside the room.Ashley scanned the faces according to the information she had just learned and finally walked towards her grandfather Douglas and grandmother Iris who were sitting at high positions: "Grandfather, Grandmother,I apologize for being late."

Douglas held a high position all year round and developed an appearance that did not reveal emotions easily.He glanced at her indifferently:"Everyone is here now; let's start eating."

So everyone in the room started moving and took their seats.

Iris seemed kinder compared to others as she asked with concern: "How was your rest?"

Ashley replied:"Not bad."

Iris said:"You can't do this anymore; staying up all night and flying back from abroad overnight is too much for your body."

Ashley's grandmother passed away many years ago;Iris exuded an air of nobility that her own grandmother couldn't compare to.But as they grew older, both elderly people emitted similar kindness and gentleness.Ashley obediently said:"I understand Grandma."

Her grandfather Douglas turned his head slightly towards her with sharp eyes like an eagle-a tremor ran through Ashley's heart thinking that she might have been exposed. Butthe old man spoke with a strange tone: "You're quite talkative today."

Ashley: "..."

Iris reproached him dissatisfiedly :"The child is so busy and still flew back overnight to have dinner with you.You should say less unnecessary things!"

Her grandfather Douglas sneered,sipped his tea,and didn't speak again.

Ashley thought the old man had a strong personality.

While talking to the elderly couple, everyone else took their seats one by one, leaving only one seat for Ashley. She calmly walked over and sat down. Second Uncle Wu from the Cavendish Family smiled and asked cheerfully, "How did Ryan's trip to Berlin go? Did he negotiate well?"

"It went fine," Ashley replied.

Wu sighed, "Those Germans are really something; they unnecessarily delayed our project for half a year. In my opinion, we shouldn't have wasted time on it in the first place. If we had invested in that chip project I suggested earlier, we would have already reaped rewards."

Ashley remained silent; silence is golden.

The Cavendish family was used to Ryan's quiet nature and didn't think anything was wrong. The conversation quickly shifted elsewhere, and Ashley breathed a sigh of relief as she quietly ate her meal.

This wealthy family banquet has such delicious food!

Since it's not my own body, I don't need to worry about maintaining my figure. Screw it, I'll eat!

The Cavendish family doesn't follow the rule of "eating without speaking or sleeping without talking." The monthly family banquet is meant for lively conversations, so everyone at the table laughed and joked around while entertaining Grandfather Douglas along with Ryan and other young people of his generation.

After discussing business matters during dinner, no one spoke to Ashley anymore.

Although she appeared relaxed, she couldn't help but feel like an outsider while eating in silence. Even a stranger would have this feeling; what about Ryan?

Her phone vibrated slightly, and Ashley lowered her head to check. It was a message from her own number: "I have arrived at the seaside villa."

She wiped her mouth and stood up to bid farewell: "Grandfather, grandmother, there is an urgent matter at work that I need to attend immediately. I'm sorry."

Grandfather Douglas waved his hand indifferently while Iris frowned, "What kind of matter is so urgent? Can't you finish your meal first?"

Ashley smiled, "It can't wait any longer. Grandma, once I'm done with my work, I will make time to come back and have a meal with you."

Uncle Wu poured a cup of tea for Grandfather Douglas who sat beside him and sighed, "Ryan has gotten even thinner since we last met. He has many responsibilities in the company; he worries about everything everywhere now that he can't even enjoy a proper meal anymore. In my opinion Dad (referring to Grandfather), you shouldn't have burdened Ryan so heavily. He's still young; how can he handle so much? Don't let him exhaust himself in the end."

Although these words sounded like concern, Ashley pondered for a moment and felt that something was off.

It seems that this Cavendish family, from top to bottom, is not good!

Grandfather Douglas held his tea cup and glanced at her lightly: "Your uncle said you can't handle it. What do you think?"

Ashley felt she couldn't remain silent any longer; otherwise, Ryan's position as CEO might be jeopardized: "I can handle it. Thank you for your concern Uncle."

Uncle Wu forced a smile that seemed unnatural.

Ashley said: "Then I'll leave now."

Just as she turned around, Grandfather Douglas called out to her again: "What do you think about the blind date with the Bai family's daughter?"

Why is there even a blind date plot? It wasn't mentioned in the script! Ashley answered with determination despite feeling pressured: "...I will consider it further."

Suddenly, Grandfather Douglas exploded: "Consider further?! If you keep considering further then stay single forever!" After shouting this out loud he slumped back into his chair and took deep breaths while clutching his chest.

"Dad (referring to Grandfather), calm down. Ryan is still young; there's no rush," Iris tried to pacify him.

"Dad (referring to Grandfather), have some tea. Your temper always raises your blood pressure. Don't joke about your own health," another person chimed in.

"You see what trouble you've caused again!"

Everyone gathered around to comfort their grandfather while Ashley stood awkwardly in place. Iris gestured for her to leave quickly.

Standing behind the crowd of people, Ashley whispered softly before leaving: "Grandfather, please don't be angry. I'm leaving."

Grandfather Douglas replied: "Just go!"

Ashley turned around and left, hearing Zoe's voice trying to flatter Grandfather Douglas: "Grandfather, if Uncle doesn't want to go, I can go in his place. Let your grandson share your worries."

Grandfather Douglas retorted: "Get lost! The Bai family wouldn't even look at you!"

Ashley thought to herself: This is satisfying.