Chapter: 355

Ousted from Gilbert Jewelry, Mara felt unjustly treated. She hadn't expected Kaitlin to have such a strong bond with Denton.

She was fired over a single mistake.

The reason she hadn't exposed the truth to Denton was straightforward: revealing it wouldn't have saved her job anyway. She might as well use what she knew to leverage against Ashley.

Mara left the studio with her belongings and dialed the number of Ashley.

Ashley had been expecting positive updates, but her mood darkened instantly upon hearing of Mara's dismissal.

"What did you say? You couldn't handle even this simple task?"

"Miss Willis, you never warned me. Kaitlin is tough to fool. She spotted the issue almost immediately!" Mara snapped back rudely. "I lost my job protecting you. Mr. Gilbert even threatened me, but I kept your secret. Don't I deserve something more for that?"

Ashley inhaled sharply and retorted, “How dare you ask for a reward? You screwed it up! Idiot!"

Mara let out a derisive snort over the phone. "Miss Willis, you've got it all wrong. I was fired because of the dirty work I did for you. You need to compensate me for my lost job and help me find a new one. Of course, if you pay me well enough, I'll vanish from Osewood and you won't hear from me again."

Mara paused and threatened, "Miss Willis, surely you don't want Kaitlin to discover your involvement, right? I've heard about her tight bond with Mr. Hewitt. You'd be in deep trouble if he finds out."

Mara had never met Ashley, but she had put the pieces together.

After Mara finished these words, there was indeed silence on the other end of the phone.

“How much do you want?" Ashley asked.

“That depends on how much you value discretion, Miss Willis. I'IL send you my bank details. If the amount I expect isn't there in two days, don't blame me for what happens next."

With that, Mara hung up sharply.

Clutching the phone, Ashley was so furious she nearly threw it.

What sort of person had Shawn's assistant roped in?

Meanwhile, the bidding for the Royal Garden Road project was imminent.

Hewitt Group's submission had received favorable response.

Entrance to the bidding was exclusive to those who were invited.

Having a perfect plan was like getting a foot in the door.

As expected, Hewitt Group received an invitation, and the bidding conference was scheduled for that evening.

Alan instructed Dylan to get everything ready.

The bidding took place at the Troposphere Hotel. Alan arrived early, eager to scope out the competition for this round.