Chapter 156 I Refused to Go Back
Holding on? Me? Ashley’s skill at turning things around was impressive.
I felt calm as I watched Rowan protect Ashley. I had anticipated it.
However, I had lost interest in playing along with them.
I took out my phone and checked tonight’s news. “Did you do this?” I asked Rowan.
Rowan’s expression darkened as he read the content. His gaze sharply fell on Ashley. Just from that look, I knew who was responsible.
Ashley looked at Rowan innocently. “Mr. Payne, what’s wrong? What happened?”
“Nothing,” Rowan replied flatly.
“It was Ashley who sent it, right?” I felt a deep sadness. Ten years and a resurrection later, I still hadn’t fully understood Rowan.
Rowan said, “She must have accidentally taken my phone and sent it. I’ll handle it properly. It won’t disturb your life.”
Before, I couldn’t even touch his phone. Now Ashley could freely access it, browse his albums, find those photos, and create a new account to smear me.
My mind reeled. I once thought Rowan had feelings for me.
“Are you sure it was an accident?” I stared into Rowan’s eyes.
“Yes, I’m sure,” Rowan answered after a pause.
Ashley spoke up defensively while looking hurt. “Ivory, you’ve misunderstood me. I never meant to hurt you. I don’t understand why you…”
I couldn’t bear it any longer. I raised my hand to slap her again.
What a drama queen.
Rowan stopped my hand before it could strike. His grip was firm, and resistance was futile. He looked at me coldly. “Ivory, you’re the one who can’t let go of the past. You’re the one disturbing Ashley and me. Enough!”
Seeing this, Ashley’s eyes showed a hint of delight.
She still tried to console me hypocritically by saying, “Ivory, I know I’m just a substitute. He’s told me everything about Sophie. I’m self–aware, so I wouldn’t do those things. I’m not qualified.”
“Get lost!” I shouted angrily. In my past life, I had lost miserably to Ashley. Now she was here again, performing in front of me. After breaking free from Rowan’s grasp, I pushed Ashley away.
Ashley almost fell, but Rowan swiftly caught her. She ended up crying in his arms.
Jonah couldn’t bear to see his daughter bullied. He rushed over and pushed me aside. His strength overwhelmed mine, so he nearly pushed me out of the room and into the hallway.
“Ivory!” Rowan’s expression changed. He released Ashley and quickly came over to help me up.
Physically, I wasn’t hurt much, but emotionally, my heart was in agony. I struggled to breathe.
I forcefully shook off Rowan’s hand as tears streamed down my face.
Once I stood up, I noticed everyone surrounding me. Their eyes were filled with various emotions. Downstairs in the living room, several maids were looking up and trying to understand what had just happened.
I took out the property division agreement from my bag and asked Rowan, “Do you think this is enough compensation for me?”
“If it’s not enough, I can add more,” Rowan replied. His demeanor was now tinged with nervousness and concern.
Upon hearing his words, Ashley’s expression subtly changed.
Even splitting half with me made her angry, as if it were her money. Taking more would be heart–wrenching for her.
I smirked and forcefully tore the agreement into shreds. Then I scattered the pieces on the floor.
At that moment, Ashley’s lips curved upward. A fleeting but unmistakable joy appeared on her face.
She must have thought I didn’t want these possessions anymore and that all the benefits would eventually be hers.
“Ivy!” Jean’s anxious voice suddenly rang out from downstairs. Natalie, Olivia, and Chester, who was supporting Jean, were all rushing upstairs.
When Jean and the others arrived, I suddenly had support. They glared angrily at Rowan and Ashley and seemed ready to confront them.
Jasper looked puzzled upon seeing Chester on my side. “Chester, are you choosing love over friendship? You believe Ivory and don’t see how she bullies Ashley?”
Chester glanced at me and firmly replied, “Rowan, Jasper, this time I trust Ivory. Ashley was pretending to be innocent. I see through her now.”
“What?” Jasper struggled to understand.
Ashley tried to explain by saying, “Chester, what I said in the hospital room was just a slip of the tongue. I didn’t mean it that way. I was feeling unwell and upset at the time, so..”
“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Ashley. The truth always comes to light,” Chester interrupted, having seen through Ashley’s facade of deceit.
Ashley bit her lip, and tears welled up in her eyes. Seeing this, Jasper felt even more heartbroken than Rowan. He quickly intervened by telling Chester, “Stop, she’s still a patient. There’s no need for this. There must be some misunderstanding.”
Jonah and Ella rushed to support their daughter. They were worried she couldn’t handle more stress.
Ella solemnly said to me, “Ms. Sadler, please stop provoking my daughter like this. It was our mistake to come here today. We had no other place to stay and followed Mr. Ford’s arrangement. We didn’t intend to take over your house. If you’re not happy, just ask us to leave. There’s no need to be so aggressive.”
Ella’s protective instinct for her daughter prompted her to speak urgently. After that, she signaled to Jonah. Together, they took Ashley and prepared to leave,
Chapter 130 I KETUSED to Go Back
2/2
I intended to resolve everything tonight without waiting for Ashley to leave for Alton University. I took out the recording and was prepared to expose Ashley’s true colors to
everyone.
Ashley seemed to sense trouble and abruptly came over to kneel in front of me. “Ivory, I’m sorry. I was mistaken. I shouldn’t have fantasized about Mr. Payne, shouldn’t have shown up here. It’s all my fault. Please don’t blame my parents. I’ll disappear from your life. Just forgive me!”
She looked so pitiful and helpless that it evoked my sympathy.
Jean, who was unable to bear it due to pregnancy hormones, pointed at Ashley and said, “Enough. Stop pretending. I’m really gonna hit someone!”
Chester swiftly intervened to prevent Jean from losing her temper. He joined the others in comforting her. Despite my own anger, I knew I had to calm down and prioritize stabilizing Jean. It was important not to let this bitch provoke her any further.
However, Jean was like a lit fuse at that moment. She refused to budge no matter how Chester tried to stop her. He didn’t dare to pull her forcefully. Meanwhile, Jonah and Ella stood anxiously in front of Ashley.
“Dad, Dad!” Jonah suddenly staggered and clutched his chest in pain. Ashley was shocked and rushed to support him.
Both the father and daughter had heart surgery before. Now, under stress, Jonah couldn’t cope anymore.
Ella was also extremely nervous. “Jonah, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me! Mr. Payne, please take my husband to the hospital quickly!”
Ashley cried and hurried to Rowan. “Mr. Payne, please forget everything else for now, whether you believe me or not. This is urgent. Could you take my dad to the hospital first?” “Let’s go!” Rowan was moved. He glanced at me but didn’t ask further. Instead, he went to help Jonah downstairs. The recording I had prepared suddenly lost its most important listener and became meaningless.
Jasper glared at me,
then turned to Chester with disappointment and anger. His feelings about his close friend were clear.
Chester stayed quiet. He carefully held Jean around the waist.
Silence filled the villa for a while. Even the downstairs maids, who seemed to be hiding, were afraid to make any noise.
I had to endure the pent–up anger in my chest. There was nowhere to release it.
“I’m fine, Jean. You all should go back first,” I said weakly as I glanced around at the mess. I was exhausted.
“Ivy…” Jean was not one to hold back her emotions. She wanted to say more, but Olivia stepped forward and shook her head. Eventually, everyone left because what I needed most was to be alone for a while.
dun the mace
throw everything in the trash and then lav still on the bed feeling utterly drained.