Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Ashley surveyed the room, finding it elegantly and comfortably furnished, with a huge floor–to–ceiling window offering a panoramic view of the scenic beauty of the resort.

Distant mountains appeared in shades of indigo, enveloped in a haze, resembling a painting. Meandering waterways, lush trees, expanses of flower beds, and a crescent–shaped artificial lake with vast, misty waters could be seen within the resort.

Just standing at the huge window and taking in the view was enough to make one feel refreshed and

at ease.

Ashley looked around and concluded that this room must be one of the best in the resort, flawlessly perfect in every way.

The only downside was that there was only one bed in the room…

She couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Am I really going to share a bed with Valentin?”

Seeing that it was still early, Joseph handed Ashley the room key and suggested, “Valentini will take a while to come over. How about we go explore the resort first?”

Ashley nodded in agreement. “Sure.”

Not only was the scenery in the resort pleasant, but the air was also fresh.

While walking under an arch of climbing roses, Joseph’s phone rang. He apologetically took it out and said, “Ashley, I need to take this call.”

“No problem, go ahead,” Ashley said, thinking, ‘I’m not a child. I won’t get lost on my own.

Joseph then hurried off to take the call.

Ashley looked around, thinking, “This trellis of climbing roses is gorgeous, and there are even some vibrantly colored birds around, probably kept by the resort.

While she was observing the birds, someone suddenly tapped her shoulder from behind.

Assuming it was Joseph who had returned, Ashley turned around and, to her surprise, found Jeremy standing there.

Ashley’s good mood was instantly ruined, her expression turning to one of annoyance.

Jeremy, of course, noticed the change in Ashley’s demeanor and felt somewhat uncomfortable.

He pondered, ‘Ashley was enjoying the scenery in a cheerful mood before she saw me. But the moment she turned and saw me, her mood visibly soured. Do I irritate her that much?”

What was even more vexing for Jeremy was that seeing Ashley, the sister he once detested, now stirred a hint of excitement in him.

He thought, “I finally had a chance to talk to Ashley. I didn’t expect to run into her at this vacation

resort.

“Ashley, you need to unblock me right now! And where have you been staying since you left the Ramos Villa?” Jeremy asked.

“What does it have to do with you?” Ashley responded, her face expressionless and her voice indifferent.

“…” Jeremy was taken aback and choked on his words. His face flushed red, and he awkwardly yelled, “I’m your brother. Isn’t it normal for me to ask where you are staying?”

Ashley looked at him with a gaze that seemed to pity the intellectually challenged.

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Chapter 41

“Jeremy, how many times do I have to say it? I’ve cut ties with the Ramos family. You’re no longer my brother.”

Jeremy’s hands, hanging by his sides, clenched into fists as he glared at Ashley. “Even if you had cut ties with us, you are still a part of the Ramos family, and you still have the blood of the Ramos family in your veins!”

Upon hearing this, Ashley’s clear eyes were immediately filled with a trace of coldness.

She thought angrily, ‘Having the blood of the Ramos family flowing through my veins is an unchangeable fact that only makes me feel utterly disgusted!‘

Jeremy immediately affirmed his belief, insisting, “So, stop talking about cutting ties with the Ramos family. Be sensible and come back home. I’ve already spoken to our parents and Frankie. They won’t oppose your return to the Ramos Villa.”

Ashley then sneered mockingly, “Jeremy, you’re really being too presumptuous.”

“What did you say, Ashley?!” He exclaimed in shock.

Ashley’s expression remained unchanged as she spoke each word clearly and forcefully.

“Jeremy, let me tell you, the Ramos Villa and all of you, my so–called family, are like d*rty, foul–smelling stones in a cesspool. I feel disgusted even glancing at you!

“Go back? I will never step foot in the Ramos Villa again in my life!” Ashley declared firmly.

“You!” Jeremy’s chest heaved violently, trembling with rage. He pondered, ‘I never imagined that we, the Ramos family, would be seen as so repulsive in Ashley’s eyes. Like d*rty, foul–smelling stones in a cesspool… There could be no harsher words than these!”

Jeremy would have slapped Ashley for saying such things if this had been in the past.

But now, facing Ashley’s icy, indifferent eyes devoid of any emotion, he found himself unable to raise his hand.

Jeremy mused, ‘How did the little sister who used to chase after me, hoping for just one glance from me, become this indifferent and unfeeling person she is today…

Jeremy clenched his fists tightly, struggling to articulate his thoughts. He then asked, “Fine, tell me, what did you mean when you said last time that it wasn’t Jessica who saved me back then?”

Ashley’s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression laced with biting sarcasm. “What? You don’t think I’m trying to steal Jessica’s credit, do you?”

“I can clearly distinguish whether you’re stealing credit or not! Jessica, she’s so…”

Jeremy had just started to speak when suddenly someone grabbed his shoulder from behind and yanked him back with force.

A loud thud their resounded.

Jeremy lost his balance and fell heavily to the ground.

The pathway was covered in stones, and the unexpected fall left Jeremy feeling like every bone in his b*dy ached.

“Damn it, who the hell grabbed me!”

Jeremy, known for his volatile temper, cursed loudly. As he cursed, he looked to see who it was. He found Joseph standing over him, looking down with a stern expression.

“Joseph…”

Jeremy’s eyes widened in shock, and he immediately swallowed his words of anger.

Joseph first looked at Ashley beside them, full of concern, asking. “Are you alright, Ashley? Did this

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Chapter 41

piece of trash bother you?”

Seeing him full of worry, Ashley couldn’t help but smile, “No, I’m fine.”

Only then did Joseph relax, thinking to himself, ‘Valentin had asked me to look after Ashley. If she got bullied by someone from the Ramos family, how could I face him? He definitely won’t let me off the hook.

Joseph looked down at Jeremy on the ground, sneering mockingly, a cold arrogance etched in his expression. Jeremy, I’m warning you, if you dare to bully Ashley again, you’ll see what happens.”

Jeremy was astonished, wondering, ‘Why did Joseph suddenly come forward to stand up for Ashley, looking like he’d go to any lengths to protect her? Could it be that Joseph and Ashley have a close relationship? No, that’s not it. I remember now. Ashley had signed with Royal Entertainment, which is Joseph’s company. Though appearing as a carefree playboy, Joseph is extremely protective of his company’s artists. That must be why he’s defending Ashley this fiercely!

Jeremy, sore from the fall, grimaced as he stood up. “Mr. Fox, what do you mean by this?”

Joseph raised an eyebrow, his smile devilishly playful. “I hit you. Simple.”

Upon hearing this, Jeremy’s anger flared up instantly.

However, he was painfully aware that the Fox family wasn’t just an ordinary wealthy family. They were a force that the Ramos family couldn’t afford to mess with.

Therefore, Jeremy couldn’t afford to retaliate or speak harshly even after being hit. He had to endure. the humiliation and, begrudgingly, turned his gaze toward Ashley.

But Ashley seemed to find even glancing at him distasteful.

Jeremy then felt a pang of frustration, like a needle prickling his heart. He couldn’t help but think, ‘In the past, Ashley would have defended me. She would have been concerned if I got hurt. But now… Why doesn’t she stand up for me anymore? Doesn’t she ca

about me at all? How can she side with an outsider over her own brother?”

Disheartened, Jeremy glanced at Ashley one last time before limping away.

Once Jeremy was out of sight, Joseph again thoroughly checked on Ashley to make sure she was unharmed. After Joseph had confirmed she was fine, he finally felt relieved.

Ashley found Joseph’s overreaction amusing. “Is all this really necessary?”

“Of course it is! And, by the way,” Joseph said with a mischievous wink. He then acted all mysterious, asking, “Ashley, do you know why Jeremy is here at the resort?”

“I don’t know.” Ashley shook her head.

Joseph chuckled mischievously, “Just relax. Valentin said he has arranged a special show for you. today!”

“What kind of show?” Ashley asked, curious.

Josephi played coy. “Valentin found a video related to Jessica, and it’s quite intriguing! Just wait and

see.”

The time had come for the truth of that year to be revealed to all.