Chapter 658

Jason gave a solemn nod, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase and distributing them to the directors.

“Non–disclosure agreements?!”

The room erupted in disbelief, the air thick with indignation; they questioned, “Ms. Ashbourne, what is the meaning of this? We’ve been your father’s trusted associates for years, comrades in arms who helped him build his empire. How could you distrust us? Are you looking down on us or something?!”

Evadne’s gaze was unwavering, her voice cool and composed, “You’re taking this too seriously. This is merely a precaution to safeguard my father, the K Group, and all your interests. It has nothing to do with respect or the lack thereof. A non–disclosure agreement is a protective measure. It’s meant for those with less than honorable intentions. You are not only my father’s business partners but his friends. I trust none of you would do anything to tarnish his reputation. This is just to ensure we are all secure. Otherwise, why bother with contracts in business at all, right?”

Her words were diplomatic, leaving no room for argument. Otherwise, wouldn’t they be admitting to being the untrustworthy ones she hinted at?

Soon enough, every NDA was signed.

Jason’s brow furrowed as he leaned in to whisper to Evadne, “Ms. Ashbourne, Bevis is missing.”

“I know. There’s no rush. We’ll discuss it in a moment,” her bright eyes were shadowed with concern.

After collecting all the signed agreements, the directors, having lost their patience, didn’t even bother with pleasantries. They stood and made for the door.

“Now that you’ve all signed.” Evadne swiveled her chair to face away from them, her voice icy, “I must remind you that the company has a stringent set of bylaws. The most important of which states that no director shall act against its best interests. Any violation of this rule will result in expulsion from the board and a permanent ban from reappointment. Is that understood?” The directors, feeling the weight of her words like a heavy stone upon their chests, had no response. They left in haste, the conference room falling silent once more.

In that moment of solitude, Evadne’s strength seemed to drain from her, her hands covering her face as she bent forward, her body succumbing gradually.

She knew her father was safe with Thaddeus and Dylan by his side. She longed to be with him, but faced with such an unprecedented crisis in the Ashbourne family’s history, she could barely control the panic that gripped her.

“Ms. Ashbourne, don’t be afraid.”

Jason knelt beside her, his eyes red with concern as he comforted her, “We’re all here for you. Chairman Ashbourne will be alright, and so will the K Group!”

Drawing a deep breath, Evadne removed her hands from her face, her complexion pale as snow.

“Jason, thank you for coming so quickly.”

“What are you saying?!” Jason’s eyes widened, his gaze intense, “No matter what happens, my loyalty to you is unwavering!”

“I know, and I’m sorry to you and Nydia.” The bitterness rose in her throat, “But don’t worry, I’ll find a suitable secretary soon. You won’t be inconvenienced for long.”

“No, Ms. Ashbourne. I want to be your secretary.” Unable to accept it, Jason shook his head fervently, “I don’t care for high positions or riches. I just want to ease your burdens and ensure you have peace of mind. If you still trust me, if you don’t mind that I’m not as quick as I used to be, then please let me be your secretary once more.”

Evadne’s throat tightened again; she was too moved to speak.

On their way to the chairman’s office, Jason raised his concerns again.

sign the NDA, aren’t you leaving a loophole? He’s notorious for spilling secrets

Evadne strode forward with purpose, “I left that rat hole open deliberately for that rat to crawl into I’m waiting for him to take the bait.”

gasped in shock, “What?”

icy as she continued, “There are no secrets that time doesn’t reveal.

for a counterattack, and he’ll be itching to exploit

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Chapter 658

let him act. If he doesn’t make a move,

“Wow! Ms. Ashbourne, you’re so cunning, er, I mean, brilliantly clever!”

father’s side, the medical team had just left. Emeric’s condition had

the family?” Evadne asked Thaddeus, her eyes

his head, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close with tenderness, “They’ll have to know sooner or later, but let’s not tell them just yet. Mr. Ashbourne doesn’t look well; he

and knew her father well – they shared the same temperament. How could she not understand the turmoil within

shoulder it all alone,” Thaddeus now was getting bold, but also

all taken care of,” she replied weakly,

kiss her cheek, his heart racing.

punch, because she was his wife, and

Dad’s health?” Evadne asked, anxiety lacing her

now, but further examination at a hospital is

does his pride matter? Is that more important

like Mr. Ashbourne who’s lived his life with such dignity, losing face

insult over

last fiasco with Warner, we can’t call Chasel in for help

had a broken arm or leg, I could handle it, but

it’s my fault.” Thaddeus‘ stomach twisted with remorse and guilt, “It must have been that medication. The effects were too aggressive; it caused side effects! I should never have been so careless with Mr. Ashbourne’s treatment.”

for this; please don’t

Emeric lay still on the

in a blanket.

to her. As a child, he stood before her, sheltering her from the storm.

he seemed to have aged in an instant. There he was, curled up

“Emeric, hey.”

the big deal? In this day and age, who’s going to talk nonstop about this? To brag about their zero moral stand? Besides, we Ashbournes run this whole Group.

knew that Ms. Ashbourne was trying to comfort Chairman Ashbourne, but perhaps a more civilized choice of words would have been better.

his

can’t you just toughen up a bit? You’ve got so many kids, so many wives to look after.

“Evadne.”

spoke, his voice hoarse and nearly inaudible, “I’ve let you down, haven’t I?”

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