Chapter 433
Chapter 433:
“A minute ago. Right before you burst in p>
His eyes narrowed, scanning my face like he was trying to work out if I was holding something back.
Then his gaze flicked to Daniel, who hadn’t moved.
“He’s not here to work,” Ashton said flatly. “He’s here to dig. He’s got an angle, and he’s not staying p>
“That’s not true!” Daniel said. “I already explained everything to Mira. I’m not here because of Rhys. I want to work. That’s all. You think just because I’ve got the Granger name, I’m trying to screw someone over? You should know better. I’m the illegitimate one. Clive won’t even speak to me. They treat me like a stain. I’ve got nothing to gain from them. I’m not on their side. I never was.” He looked at me like I was supposed to back him up.
When I said nothing, he went on. “I’m just trying to earn a wage. I don’t have a trust fund or a penthouse. If I don’t work, I don’t eat. What’s so suspicious about wanting a damn job?” He sniffled.
Ashton let out a short, amused breath.
He watched Daniel for a few seconds, then said, deadpan, “You’re lying p>
“I’m not. Why would I lie? I’ve been here more than a month. If I wanted something from Mira, I would’ve taken it already. I’ve done nothing wrong. You’re making me out to be some kind of manipulative creep just because I’m broke p>
He turned it back on Ashton, his voice rising,
“Accusing me of some twisted agenda without proof? That’s just low p>
“Then explain the staged photos,” Ashton said.
Daniel’s eyes widened. “What photos? I have no idea what you’re talking about p>
I leaned in and asked Ashton quietly, “You think he set those up p>
“Yeah,” Ashton muttered, jaw tight. “I can’t prove it. Yet p>
He looked back at Daniel. “Forget the photos for now. Tell me why you pretended to be broke p>
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com is where your journey begins
“I didn’t pretend. I am broke. If I had money, why the hell would I be scrounging for hourly shifts p>
Ashton looked Daniel up and down, slow and deliberate.
“The jacket alone costs more than most people’s rent. Those trainers are limited edition and sold out in two minutes. You want me to believe you’re living off instant noodles p>
“They’re all replicas. Mass-produced knockoffs. Not worth anything p>
Ashton let out a quiet snort. His tone flattened. “And I’m supposed to take your word for it? You think I can’t tell the difference p>
Daniel turned to me. “Mirabelle, seriously? He’s insulting me for owning fake clothes. I admit it, yeah, I bought a few lookalikes because I didn’t want to show up looking like a total nobody. Now he wants receipts? What next, my tax returns p>
Ashton looked at me too, silent for a moment.
Then he pulled out his phone, his thumb scrolling quickly.
“Two properties in Wessexia. Both bought by Clive Granger. Three supercars, each priced in the eight figures, also paid for by Granger. You claim he treats you like shit, but he’s out here buying you half the city. You get a monthly transfer from him. Two hundred grand. Minimum. And you expect me to believe you’re struggling p>
He tilted the phone just enough for me to see, then turned the screen to Daniel. The image showed a marble townhouse with manicured hedges and a five-car driveway.
Daniel’s face shifted—not all at once—but gradually, losing all the smugness he’d been holding on to.