Chapter: 414

Ashley, masking her guilt, feigned distress.

“Alan, Miguel forced me to review project files for that suburban development. I asked you about it once, then let it drop," she explained.

She hesitated before adding, “With everything that's been happening, I sensed something off, so I secretly followed Miguel. To my surprise, he met with Shawn!"

Ashley did her best to make herself sound plausible. Now that Miguel and Shawn had fallen out, she decided to turn against them, since she had nothing to gain from them.

Ashley reasoned that if she could get close to Alan and extract information from him, that was exactly what Shawn and Miguel were after.

With this in mind, her smile widened.

However, Alan was skeptical of her words, responding only with a sneer.

"Then why did you revisit the suburban project from ten years ago?" he asked in a challenging tone.

Ashley's smile faltered momentarily before she hastily came up with a feeble excuse.

"I wanted to deepen my understanding and enhance my skills to better support the company," she responded.

Alan's gaze sharpened, his impatience manifesting with a firm rap on the table.

“Are you going to tell me the truth?" he demanded sharply.

Ashley recognized the look in Alan's eyes. She knew his temper was close to breaking if he didn't hear what he wanted.

Her heart sank as she pondered her response.

“Get out! If you try to mess things up, you will be kicked out of Osewood," Alan huffed.

Startled, Ashley found herself speechless and, ultimately, compelled to leave.

Dylan wasn't surprised by Ashley's despondent expression when she exited Alan's office.

"Miss Willis, Mr. Hewitt believes you're unsuited for your role. The HR department has processed your termination. You're to leave by this afternoon," Dylan said.

Ashley's face contorted in shock.

“What... what are you saying? Did Alan tell you this?" she stammered, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Dylan nodded affirmatively.

Alan had previously instructed him that if Ashley was dismissed swiftly, her termination should follow.

He had discovered Ashley's secret dealings with his disabled uncle.

This meeting was her final opportunity.