Chapter 4 A Parasite

As evening fell, most of the guests invited by the James family had gathered.

The turmoil outside the Sunglow Hotel drew numerous glances, leaving Emalee both irate and mortified.

She lamented her decision-not the divorce itself, but the timing she chose based on Phillip's suggestion.

The risk was significant. A misstep from Ashton could spoil Bobby's birthday banquet and tarnish the James family's esteemed reputation.

Thankfully, Emalee's fears did not materialize.

After the exchange, Ashton bent down quietly to retrieve the fragments of his broken pocket watch without causing any more commotion.

During this subdued moment, Miriam James, Emalee's mother, burst from the banquet hall.

The greedy woman had been thrilled by news of Phillip's return from overseas to get back together with Emalee and his confidence in helping them secure a lucrative deal with the Skyline Group.

Upon being informed of Phillip's arrival, she abandoned her current task and hurried toward him, her face lit with expectation.

"Phillip! It's been ages! Do you remember me?" she greeted warmly as she approached.

Phillip, catching Miriam's enthusiasm, quickly softened his expression, replacing any sarcasm with warmth.

"Absolutely, Miriam. You've always treated me well. How could I forget?"

His gentle words broadened Miriam's smile.

Their exchange buoyed the spirits of the James family members around them, their faces alight with visions of a prosperous future.

Miriam couldn't help but boast, "Look everyone! Phillip, a distinguished lawyer back from overseas, full of talent and promise-exactly what a son-in-law for the James family should embody!"

Inspired by Miriam's words, the other family members converged on Phillip, lavishing him with accolades.

Amid this jubilant scene, Ashton stood to the side, his presence markedly out of sync. He watched quietly, his expression reflecting a tumult of thoughts and emotions.

As Ashton placed his mother's keepsake into his pocket, his lips twisted into a bitter, almost scornful smile.

Miriam caught sight of this change in his demeanor, and her expression immediately shifted from warmth to disapproval.

"You there!" she snapped. "Tristan mentioned you've signed the divorce papers. Why are you still here?"

Her words cut deep, causing Ashton a sharp pang of pain, but he maintained his composure.

He inhaled deeply and explained, "Yes, I signed them. But I wished to celebrate Bobby's birthday just once more. He's treated me well over these past two years, and I owe him my respects."

Miriam scoffed at his words, her tone derisive. "You're just finding excuses to linger around our family! Enough with your pretenses. The James family has no room for a parasite like you!"

Ashton fought to keep his calm, not wishing to disrupt Bobby's celebration. Yet, Miriam's harsh words chilled him further.

He responded with strained patience, "Miriam, don't you think you're being overly harsh?"

Miriam sneered back, saying, "Harsh? I'm merely stating the obvious. What have you ever provided? Can you purchase a house for Tristan or secure major business deals for Emalee like Phillip can? He does these effortlessly. We need a son-in-law who contributes, not a useless nobody like you. It's time for you to leave and spare us any more embarrassment!"

As Miriam's biting comments continued, Ashton was overwhelmed with anger and disbelief at the true nature of the family he had married into.

His frustration was nearing a breaking point when a stern voice echoed from the banquet hall.

"Miriam, what's going on here? Why are you trying to drive Ashton away? Do you want to spoil my birthday?" Bobby's authoritative voice carried across the room.

Everyone's attention shifted as Bobby, supporting himself with a cane, made his way out of the banquet hall.

His expression was severe, and his sharp gaze fixed on Miriam and the others.

Miriam, realizing Bobby was intervening, quickly bowed her head, rendered speechless by fear.

She knew the depth of Bobby's regard for Ashton and understood that upsetting him today could lead to severe repercussions.

With Miriam momentarily silenced, Bobby approached Ashton. His stern look melted into a gentle smile, and his eyes warmed as he reached out, patting Ashton on the shoulder.

"I'm glad you're here, Ashton. If there's anything bothering you, just let me know. I'm here to support you," he reassured him warmly.