Chapter: 261

"Mr. Murphy, I've been looking for a partner. Teaming up with you would significantly boost my chances of success. This is Osewood; going it alone could be time-consuming. Aren't you concerned about your business abroad?"

For the first time, Shawn really considered Ashley. Although she had misunderstood his initial intentions, her arguments were compelling.

Osewood was unfamiliar territory, and he needed to resolve matters swiftly.

“A partnership might work, but first, show me what you can do," he said.

Ashley smiled confidently. "No problem, but you must ensure Owen stops causing trouble."

Shawn laughed lightly, “Consider it done."

Ashley raised her cup in a toast. "To fruitful cooperation then."

Shawn nodded and took a sip of his water, symbolically sealing their agreement.

Stepping out of the restaurant, Ashley let out a relieved sigh.

Collaborating with Shawn felt like bargaining with the devil, yet if Owen continued to be a nuisance, she risked losing it all.

She was clear on the preferable choice.

“Mr. Murphy, can we truly trust Ashley?" The assistant voiced his concerns.

Shawn scoffed, “Though Ashley is not exactly trustworthy, having her annoy Alan is somewhat beneficial. Keep an eye on her, and tell Owen to leave her alone. And remind him that I didn't save his skin just so he could squander his days away. If he can't straighten out, he's free to leave Osewood and quit interfering with my plans."

The assistant nodded in understanding. "Understood. I'll handle it."

Shawn lingered in the restaurant, waiting until Alan's associates were out of sight before he departed.

Shawn and Ashley's encounter was exceptionally discreet. He hadn't even utilized the company car.

Over the ensuing days, Ashley consistently sought reasons to meet with Alan, ostensibly for work-related matters.

Eventually, Alan reached his limit and confronted her. “Enough with these games. Whatever happened between us is history. If you cause Kaitlin to misconstrue our relationship again, I won't hold back."

Despite feeling disheartened, Ashley kept her composure. "Alan, I genuinely just wanted to see how you were. I wasn't trying to stir trouble. And don't worry, I'll steer clear when Kaitlin's around."

Alan dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Just leave."

After exiting Alan's office, Ashley devised a new strategy.

Since Alan remained resolute, she would find alternative ways to provoke Kaitlin's jealousy and irritation.

In any relationship, losing trust was the most devastating occurrence.

If their bond was truly solid, why hadn't they remarried yet?