Chapter 1186

Ashton had never stopped expanding the corporation ever since he was appointed the person in charge of Starlight Group. He had acquired OrbitTech and merged it with Quinn Corporation after receiving funds from globally renowned angel capitalists. If he has been aware of the truth all this while, why did he get married to me? If it weren’t because of his grandfather’s offer to have him inherit the company, would he have chosen to marry me?

After a long while, John showed up at the entrance. He stood there for some time in silence before making his way over. He took a seat by my side and asked gently, “Are you feeling okay?”

I couldn’t bring myself to form a complete sentence, too shocked by the new piece of news I had just received.

Nonetheless, John was conscious of the things I had in mind. He caressed my hand and assured me gently, “Please don’t take the words I said just now seriously. I didn’t mean it. As long as I’m around, the Stovall family will always be your strongest backings. Just stay with us and allow us to keep you safe. No one will try to pick on us.”

I took a deep breath, calming myself down before I looked at John and gasped out my reply, “I wish to talk to Ashton in person.”

“That will not be possible.” John made himself clear he would not give in to my request. “You’re not supposed to return to him because he’s not the only one I’m wary of! He has offended the mafia, and I will never allow you and Summer to be exposed to such uncertainties!”

John’s right. They had the audacity to come after us in M Country when Ashton’s plan to acquire his revenge had yet to be revealed, let alone when the plan blows up.

But… the thing I care about the most is Ashton’s feelings. Since John said Ashton held a grudge against those who had brought upon his parents’ demise, I wonder if he hates me as well… My heart skipped a beat as all my concerns came flooding out at once. I felt lightheaded and thought I could hear the ambient noise in the living room. Clenching my fists with all my might, I suddenly felt a strong urge to get to the bottom of the incident.

John noticed something was wrong and immediately tried to console me. He took my hands into his own and said, “You need to calm down. Try and refrain from getting overly worked up for the children’s sake.”

As I caressed my baby bump, I couldn’t help but furrow my brows in confusion.

In the end, I decided to stay with the Stovall family for the time being. When John realized I was serious, he finally returned my phone to me. To my disappointment, I hadn’t received a single missed call from Ashton even after I checked my call log a few times.

Perhaps Ashton was of the same idea with John and thought it would be better to have me stay with the Stovall family, or perhaps not.

Ashton’s decision to dominate the market after acquiring the capital he needed had slowly spiraled out of control. I began seeing pictures and videos of him on the headlines of different media pages. Judging by the man’s pale and haggard look, I was sure he had been having it tough over the past few days.

After I settled down at the Stovall residence, we entrusted a doctor from a private hospital to deal with my prenatal check-up. Therefore, when Lydia showed up at the doorstep, I was shocked.

When the woman paid a visit, I was in the middle of a short break in the garden with Emma. Thus, I asked the maid to show her the way to us.

“It’s never an easy task to reach you, huh?” Lydia had put on a white tulle dress that made her seemed like a young lady from the neighborhood.

Emma suggested, “Please have a seat.”

“I’m fine. Thanks,” Lydia replied with a courteous smile before looking at me. “Scarlett, I’m sure you know the reason I’m here, don’t you?”

“I’m guessing it’s because of?” The only mutual connection we had was Jackson. Perhaps she was there to persuade me to give up the custody over Summer.

Lydia responded with a self-deprecating smirk and asked, “Since you’re aware, I’ll be frank then. Ms. Stovall, what will it take to get you to stay away from Jackson?”

“What do you mean?” Confusion washed over my features; I couldn’t figure out why Lydia had become worked up out of the blue.

Meanwhile, Lydia, who had come prepared, reached for her phone and unlocked it before handing it over to me. The news Emery once showed me could be seen on the phone. It was the news that could turn Jackson into an outcast of society through his relationship with Nick.

What’s going on? I asked Emery to stop! Why has the news made it to the public?

I wasn’t even given a chance to defend myself as Lydia added snarkily, “Honestly, I’m surprised you have resorted to such petty tricks to get the better of Jackson after being acquainted with him for years.” After pausing for a few seconds, she continued, “Since things have turned out as such, we have no choice but to deal with it. I’m here on Jackson’s behalf because his life and career have been adversely impacted. Why don’t you name your price to set him free? As long as it’s not giving up the child custody, he’s willing to give you everything else you want.”