Chapter 338
6:00 PM, West Sea.
Ashton’s car pulled into the marina parking lot right on time.
65 vouchers
The setting sun bathed the sea in a golden–orange glow, the vast surface of the water ablaze with light. From a distance, it looked both beautiful and awe–inspiring.
The beach was crowded with people today. Most of them were there to enjoy the sunset view.
But of course, this cheerful scene was just a facade. Many unknown figures were lurking in the crowd.
After all, real tourists didn’t keep glancing around nervously or try to blend their silhouettes behind others.
“Wow! So many people out here today!” Frank hopped out of the car, wide–eyed at the bustle, and started toward the crowd.
Connor grabbed him by the collar before he could run off. “Don’t wander. Mr. Wade hasn’t arrived yet.”
Frank had no choice but to wait obediently. “Oh, got it.”
“What’s going on here?” Briar asked with a laugh as she and Ashton walked over, amused at Frank standing next to Connor like a scolded child.
Whenever Connor was around, Frank immediately turned into the picture of obedience.
Connor’s voice softened. “He wanted to run into the crowd. Not a good idea with this many people.”
Following Connor’s pointing finger, Briar scanned the gathering. With just a glance, she spotted several people whose posture and gaze were markedly different from ordinary tourists.
There was no need to guess whose men they were.
She nodded slightly. “Better stay put in this crowd.”
Ashton glanced at them once, then looked away. Those few people hidden among the tourists weren’t even worth his attention.
They wouldn’t dare open fire in front of so many witnesses.
Most likely, they were just here to observe, to see how many of them showed up and who boarded the yacht. Anyone who stayed behind could be stalked and dealt with later.
Who had given them the confidence to think that this handful of men could take on them?
Ashton stood at the front of the four, gazing toward the marina. “Frank, call Ted.”
Frank nodded. “Okay.”
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Chapter 338
He pulled out his phone and dialed, only to find the number switched off.
“What’s going on?” He checked the screen to confirm he had dialed correctly. It was definitely Ted’s number.
Looking sheepish, he put his phone away. “Ashton, his phone’s off”
Ashton and Briar both had an “I knew it” expression on their faces. They looked at Frank with a mix of pity
and amusement.
Frank was utterly baffled. Wait, Ted’s phone is off. Why are you all looking at me like that? What does that have to do with me?‘
Perhaps finding Frank’s bewildered expression amusing, Connor shook his head and pulled him aside.
It was unclear what Connor whispered in Frank’s ear, but soon Frank’s face contorted with a mix of emotions.
He was practically seething with disbelief and indignant frustration.
Connor ruffled Frank’s hair and said, “It’s not too late for you to know. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this again, be more alert.”
This time was embarrassing enough.
“Ashton, Briar, there won’t be a next time. I promise I’ll give you a proper explanation,” Frank vowed resentfully.
Ashton nodded. “Sure.”
In truth, he and Briar didn’t expect Frank to do much about it.
Frank was too soft–hearted and overprotected. He had never truly experienced much bloodshed or the darker side of human nature.
The group began walking toward the marina where the yacht was docked. In the short distance of less than one mile, at least ten different people subtly shifted to approach them.
“Honey, what do you say we just skip the yacht and take these guys out right here?” Briar suggested with a bright smile, locking eyes with one of the approaching men.
Ashton pretended to think for a moment, then nodded. “Not a bad idea. But so few of them? That wouldn’t even be enough for the four of us to split evenly.”
Among the four of them–him, Briar, Connor, and Frank–Frank was the weakest fighter. The other three were so skilled that even another ten people wouldn’t last ten seconds against them.
The man who had been trying to close in froze mid–step. That remark was meant for him, no doubt about it.
Although it was a threat, he didn’t dare ignore it. Because they were right.
Even if the ten people gathered nearby attacked together, they wouldn’t be able to take down those four.
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Chapter 338
At best, ten of them together might only be able to capture Frank.
Frank was speechless.
If Frank could hear their thoughts, he would be furious.
Briar’s eyes lingered on the man who had backed away like he was spring–loaded. Her gaze flicked briefly to the bulge at his waist.
She thought, ‘Does he bring a gun? Would he really open fire in public? It looks like the Wilson family is aiming for something big.
Just then…
“Mr. Wade! Mr. Wade, sorry. My brother and I got held up and couldn’t come meet you on time!” Ted came running toward them, dragged along by Ryan, both of them looking apologetic.
Ted’s expression seemed sincere enough, but Ryan’s eyes showed little respect for Ashton.
“That’s it? And he’s supposed to be the next head of the Wilson family?” Briar sneered.
Not a hint of subtlety, and he thought he could surpass the Wade family. What a joke.
Ashton didn’t even glance at Ryan as he said lazily, “Maybe he’s just pretending to be simple–minded. Makes people think he’s easy to manipulate.”
“Well, he’s doing a convincing job of it.” Briar laughed.
Though they hadn’t named anyone, every word landed squarely on Ryan, leaving him seething.
“Mr. Wade, thank you for waiting. It’s about time, please follow us aboard,” Ryan said, swallowing his irritation.
Ashton took Briar’s hand and walked past them onto the yacht, utterly unbothered.
Frank, trailing behind Connor, glared daggers at Ted as he passed, hissing under his breath. “You’d better pray your family behaves tonight, or else…”
Or else he’d beat Ted to death himself.
Ted’s eyes were filled with guilt and helplessness.
He knew that after tonight, his years–long friendship with Frank would be completely over.
Even if the Wilson family did nothing wrong tonight, Frank would never forgive him.
“Ted, don’t forget what you promised Grandpa before leaving today,” Ryan said coldly once Frank had gone. “Don’t let him down again.”
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Chapter 339
Chapter 339
