Chapter 3 Utter Disappointment

Rosalie was stunned by how swiftly Ashton had dismissed her offer, without a hint of negotiation before he hung up. She was at a loss as to what to do.

As the eldest Campbell daughter, cherished by all, she had never encountered such blunt rejection.

Yet, motivated by thoughts of her ailing sister, Rosalie was determined not to give up.

She bit her lip and swiftly dialed another number.

"I need Ashton Baldwin's exact location within ten minutes. What? He's at the Sunglow Hotel for Bobby James' birthday? Quickly, prepare a thoughtful gift for Ashton, no matter the cost. We need to demonstrate our sincerity to him. Ensure he doesn't leave. I'll personally go and invite him here," she instructed, and then ended the call.

As Ashton set his phone down, his face clouded with concern.

It was clear that someone had disclosed his private details, and the caller was surprisingly familiar with one of his concealed identities.

Nearby, Phillip and Tristan misread his troubled look.

Tristan jeered, "What's with the long face, Ashton? Are you hunting for jobs? Did you just reject an offer?"

"My personal matters are none of your concern," Ashton responded, his tone icy.

Phillip, smirking arrogantly, chimed in, "Did they offer you too little? You should have just asked me for a job. Since you've looked after Emalee for two years, I can get you a job. You could be our security guard or driver. That way, you'd see how well we get along every day. Given that you and Emalee were hardly close during your marriage, it might at least make you feel included."

Phillip's words dripped with condescension as he reveled in his own sense of superiority.

Ashton scoffed, "I don't need a job from you, and you certainly can't afford what I'd require."

Phillip and Tristan burst into prolonged laughter.

Phillip, with a smirk, challenged Ashton. "Oh, you think we can't pay you? How about five thousand a month? Have you ever earned that much? Or perhaps you're holding out for a million-dollar annual salary? Do you think you deserve it?"

Despite their biting ridicule, Ashton dismissed them, choosing not to mention the recent million-dollar offer he had received to treat a patient.

Emalee, who had remained quiet, now showed a hint of concern.

"Ashton, why create more problems? I thought you were humble and grounded. Clearly, I was mistaken. You've shown nothing but failure and arrogance. Phillip extended a job offer, and this is how you respond? You disappoint me," she criticized.

Ashton, his resolve hardening, responded, "Emalee, that's quite an assessment. You think Phillip is doing me a favor? That I should be grateful? You're disappointed in me? Frankly, my disappointment in you is even greater."

Emalee's anger flared, but she found herself speechless. In a burst of fury, she exclaimed, "Ashton! We're divorced. You shouldn't be here. Leave now!"

Ashton shook his head, his voice steady. "My faith in the James family has completely vanished. I'm only here to extend my birthday wishes to Bobby. Nothing more."