Chapter: 257

“I'm out of money, Owen. You've taken everything," she replied, her voice trembling.

“That sounds like a you problem. With your looks, you should have no trouble earning some," he retorted mercilessly.

Anger flared within her as she remembered his recent narrow escapes and found them too coincidental.

"If it's money you want, fine. But tell me, who's been helping you break free all these times?" Ashley said.

Qwen's laugh was scornful. "Ashley, the less you know, the better. Trust me, it's for your own good."

Her resolve hardened. If Owen aimed to ruin her life, she might as well go all out. She couldn't let Owen keep this up forever.

“Listen, Owen, if you think you can keep blackmailing me, you're mistaken. I'm done sending money your way. If you think you can take me out, go ahead and try. Alan has people watching over me. The moment you try anything, you'll be caught. If you don't believe me, go ahead and try!" she warned.

Qwen's breath quickened on the other end, his frustration palpable.

"You fucking bitch! Don't push me! Do you want me to spill all your dirty secrets?"

Ashley just scoffed, no longer intimidated. “Didn't you already attempt that when you were busted? Alan didn't buy it, did he?"

In anger, Owen punched the wall, realizing Ashley had outwitted him once more. “You really think you have nothing to lose, huh? Aren't you scared I might come after you one night?"

"I've warned you, the moment you show up, Alan's guys will nab you. They're lying in wait for just that."

"You!"

As Owen fumed, Ashley's eyes twinkled with triumph. She eased into a more casual tone.

“Think it over, Owen, Do you want to work with me or not? You're desperate for cash, probably buried in gambling debts, right? If the collectors get to you, it'll be ugly. How about you sell me some information instead?"

The line went dead. Ashley waited, in no rush.

A few minutes later, Owen gave in. "Fine, I'll tell you. But this can't be traced back to me. And I need three million today!"

Ashley's eyes gleamed as she calmly countered. “One million. I won't go a cent higher."

Qwen was seething, yet he found himself cornered. He desperately needed the money; otherwise, the debt collectors were sure to brutalize him. “Alright, transfer it now!"

“No way. I want to hear something worth my while first. I'm not about to throw my money away."

Owen, irked by Ashley's stance, grumbled some curses under his breath.

Ashley acted as if she hadn't heard.

He had no option but to yield since she had pinpointed his vulnerability.

After blowing off steam, Owen reluctantly disclosed a name. “It's Shawn Murphy."