Chapter 128
Chapter 128 Why Should I?
23
Susta
“Jeff Enterprises” had been relatively unknown in Ravenridge just a few days ago. However, in just the past couple of days, it had stirred up quite the commotion. Not only had the entire city
of Ravenridge been buzzing, but the ripple effect had spread across all of Mornwick. Wealthy elites, influential figures, and powerful tycoons from all over the province had flocked to Ravenridge, all for the grand opening of Jeff Enterprises the next day.
Everyone knew that the owner of Jeff Enterprises was none other than the enigmatic and dominant Mr. Ashcroft, who held sway over all of Mornwick. And now, the question on everyone’s mind was whether this legendary yet elusive figure would make an appearance at
the event.
Yvette, Ginny, and Madeline were no exception—they were eagerly anticipating it as well. The legend of Mr. Ashcroft had long captivated their imaginations. As his reputation continued to grow, so did their curiosity about him. Unfortunately, none of them had ever had the chance to meet him in person.
Even Bastian, with all his status, grew silent at the mention of Mr. Ashcroft’s name.
Linden, treading carefully, asked, “Mr. Dunphy, with your esteemed connections, you must have access to some insider information. Could you share anything with us p>
Although Linden was the chairman of a company, he was still small–time compared to people like Frankie and Gumus, let alone someone as high up as Mr. Ashcroft. He hoped to gather some useful information–if Mr. Ashcroft would attend the event, he wanted to prepare thoroughly, perhaps even find an opportunity to introduce himself and make an impression.
Everyone turned to Bastian except for Leander, who continued eating calmly, completely unfazed by the conversation.
After a few seconds of silence, Bastian finally spoke. “From what I’ve heard, Mr. Ashcroft likely won’t be attending tomorrow. The grand opening will be hosted by Mr. Wainwright, and my father, along with Mr. Mardin from Ascendia, will handle logistics p>
Disappointment flickered across the faces of the group.
“Sigh, I was really hoping to see Mr. Ashcroft in person this time. Who would’ve thought he wouldn’t show up?” Ginny complained, her face full of regret. She was an unabashed fan of Mr. Ashcroft. In Ravenridge’s high society, there were many stories circulating about him, and she had committed every one of them to memory. Her admiration for the man bordered on obsession, and she had become something of a devoted fangirl.
Yvette and Madeline both sighed as well. Though not as over–the–top as Ginny, they, too, had been eager to see Mr. Ashcroft, whom they had long admired. But it seemed fate had other plans.
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“It is indeed a shame we won’t be able to meet him,” Linden added, frustrated that his plans to bring a gift and seek an introduction would have to be scrapped.
“Mr. Ashcroft is no ordinary man,” Colin chimed in, seeing the group’s dejection. “His thoughts and perspectives are beyond what we can fathom. A figure like him, appearing only when
necessary,
is to be expected. It’s no surprise he won’t attend p>
Autumn remained silent, but inside, she was quietly amused. Watching everyone lament over Mr. Ashcroft’s absence made her laugh inwardly. A bunch of fools, she thought to herself. If only you knew that Mr. Ashcroft is sitting right here, eating dinner with you.
She couldn’t help but glance at Leander, this seemingly ordinary seventeen–year–old. Yet when he chose to reveal his true self, he was like a divine dragon, commanding respect and awe, with no one able to match him.
“Oh, Mr. Dunphy,” Madeline suddenly asked, breaking her silence. “Have you ever met Mr. Ashcroft p>
Bastian smiled slightly and shook his head. “Mr. Ashcroft’s status is far too high for us to meet him on a whim. I just returned from abroad last month and haven’t had the chance to meet him yet. But I’ve heard my father describe him. He said Mr. Ashcroft is quite young, probably not much older than any of us p>
Upon hearing Bastian’s words, Yvette, Madeline, and the others were utterly astonished. Colin had mentioned before that Mr. Ashcroft was young, but they had assumed that “young” meant at least in his thirties. To dominate Mornwick at the age of thirty would already be impressive. But now, hearing Bastian’s description, they weren’t just surprised–they were downright shocked.
“About our age? That’s impossible!” Ginny blurted out in disbelief. Newest update provided by
At their age, most people were still thinking about which college to attend, where to grab a coffee, or what to buy while shopping. Even someone like Colin, who managed a multimillion- dollar company, was considered a young talent and a rising star. But to think Mr. Ashcroft, someone around their age, could not only control Mornwick’s underworld but command respect from every powerful figure–it sounded like something out of a fantasy.
“Of course, I know this might be hard to believe, but it’s absolutely true. Almost every powerful figure I’ve met has described him this way,” Bastian said with a shrug. He, too, had been in disbelief when he first learned the news. But now, all he felt toward Mr. Ashcroft was reverence. His father had even mentioned that once the time was right, he’d introduce Bastian to Mr. Ashcroft. The thought of meeting such a legendary figure and receiving his guidance was exhilarating for Bastian–he knew it would elevate him far beyond just being the heir of Southridge’s Dunphy family.
“To be so young and already ruling over Mornwick’s underground–Mr. Ashcroft truly is a
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remarkable man,” Linden finally recovered from his shock and couldn’t help but express his admiration.
Ginny’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She had assumed that Mr. Ashcroft was in his thirties, and even then, she had admired him immensely. Now that she knew he was around her age, her admiration blossomed into something more. She began daydreaming of a beautiful encounter with Mr. Ashcroft that would lead to a grand wedding, imagining herself as the “queen” of Mornwick.
Yvette and Madeline were equally awestruck, while Colin could only rub his nose with a wry smile. “I really don’t know how long we’d have to work to even come close to reaching Mr. Ashcroft’s level,” he said.
The room fell silent. Everyone knew that Mr. Ashcroft’s level of success was not something that could be achieved by simple hard work.
For the rest of the evening, the conversation revolved around Mr. Ashcroft. Bastian shared everything he had heard from his father about the legendary figure’s deeds and abilities, leaving everyone in awe. Meanwhile, Leander quietly continued eating, unnoticed by anyone.
After dinner, they all chatted with Linden for a bit longer before Bastian suggested they head to a bar. Everyone agreed and left the Sitwell Residence.
Leander followed the group, planning to slip away on his own once they left the neighborhood. But as soon as they stepped out of the Sitwell Residence, Bastian suddenly stopped in his tracks, blocking Leander’s path.
Yvette, Madeline, and the others immediately sensed something was wrong, their expressions shifting. Colin, on the other hand, laughed inwardly–he knew Bastian’s revenge was coming. Leander had embarrassed Bastian earlier, and now it was payback time.
“Leander, right?” Bastian called out, his tone dripping with arrogance as he looked down on him. “I don’t care what kind of relationship you have with Madeline, but I can tell that your presence makes her unhappy p>
He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “From now on, I want you to stay far away from her. If she’s anywhere near, you’d better keep at least ten feet away. Got it p>
Madeline’s eyes widened with surprise, and she was about to speak up for Leander when Ginny quickly grabbed her arm, holding her back.
“And why should I?” Leander replied flatly, glancing at Bastian.
Bastian’s confidence was evident in his smirk. “Because I am Bastian Dunphy. Because I’m the son of Tommy Dunphy p>
The first heir of the Dunphy family finally revealed his sharpest fangs. This had always been his
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style–bold and ruthless, never one to waste time with unnecessary politeness. His method was simple: pure dominance.
All eyes turned to Leander. Yvette wanted to say something to defend him, but in the face of Bastian’s authority, even Colin wasn’t on the same level. What could she possibly do?
“Tommy Dunphy?” Leander chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “I’m curious–if your father knew how arrogantly you’re speaking to me right now…
“Would he break your legs p>
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