Save Myself From Desperation by Cara Agnes novel Chapter 154

However, just as Lester was about to reach out to Ashley...

Ashley quickly sensed his movement and stepped back, her eyes full of inquiry. "What are you doing?"

Lester was speechless, finding the situation extremely awkward.

Worried that Ashley might misunderstand him as a womanizer, Lester quickly made an excuse. "There's a bit of dirt on your shoulder. Maybe you rubbed against something. I was just trying to help you wipe it off."

"No need, I'll do it myself." Ashley raised her hand and patted her shoulder.

Lester, heartbroken, withdrew his hand, catching a glimpse of the emerald necklace in Ashley's hand.

The emerald necklace seemed to have Ashley's birthday engraved on it.

Lester paused, his tone deep and meaningful when he asked, "Ashley, have you ever thought that maybe you're not really a Ramos?"

Ashley was taken aback and looked down, her lashes trembling. "I've thought about it."

Lester suddenly felt a glimmer of hope.

Ashley smiled wryly, her voice never so downhearted, "Unfortunately, Evan and I did a DNA test, which indicated a positive result for the parent-child relationship."

She did it three times, each time confirming they were biologically related.

Even though she loathed the Ramos family, according to the test results, the Ramos family were her blood relatives.

The Ramos family, which she despised the most, was where she belonged.

Lester couldn't help but furrow his brow as he observed Ashley. At this moment, she appeared so desolate and shattered.

This stirred Lester's compassion and a desire to protect her.

Just then, someone called Ashley's name from behind. "Ashley. What are you doing here?"

Ashley turned around to see Joseph and Jaden.

Ashley raised an eyebrow with interest. "How did you two end up together?"

Joseph immediately showed disgust, distancing himself from Jaden and running to Ashley. "I just happened to meet Jaden outside. I didn't know he was also attending the charity dinner."

Jaden walked over with a teasing look, his features striking and eyes captivating. He chuckled while looking at Joseph, "Well? I didn't expect to meet you either!"

Joseph didn't want to speak with him any longer, glancing over at Lester somewhat indifferently.

Lester didn't say anything. He just stood there with a hint of amusement in his demeanor.

He knew Joseph was the brother of Ashley's fiancé.

Ashley turned to ask Jaden, "What's going on? Why are you at the charity dinner?"

Jaden shrugged. "I represented Glory Youveile and made a large donation, so I got invited."

Ashley was speechless.

Jaden glanced at Lester, sizing him up discreetly. "Long time no see."

Lester smiled faintly, "Long time? We just saw each other last year, though you were quite beaten up then."

Jaden was speechless.

Jaden knew they had met last year, but he didn't expect Lester to bring up the fact that he was beaten up.

Jaden found Lester incredibly cunning.

Ashley, seeing this, suddenly understood why Jaden had said no one wanted to mess with Lester.

But she thought Lester seemed quite easygoing.

Joseph slightly raised his eyebrows, finding Lester quite interesting.

He thought anyone who could tease Jaden was an interesting person.

The crowd buzzed with curiosity at the mention of a special mystery guest.

Everyone's curiosity was instantly piqued. They wondered who it could be.

Beaming with excitement, the auctioneer said, "We didn't expect our invitation to be accepted, given his status and position. It's seldom he attends such events. But, to our surprise, he accepted. We're truly honored."

The crowd exchanged looks of surprise.

According to the host, this mystery guest held a high status.

Given the status of the people present – celebrities, business moguls, and socialites – how much more prestigious could this mystery guest be?

They wondered if the auctioneer was exaggerating.

Initially uninterested, Ashley now curiously looked towards the stage. She wondered who could excite the auctioneer so much.

Joseph sat in his chair, smirking nonchalantly, his demeanor carefree and relaxed.

Finally, the auctioneer dramatically announced. "Please welcome our distinguished mystery guest, Valentin, the president of the Kingsley Group."

The announcement was like a bolt from the blue.

Some were so shocked that they stood up abruptly, while some choked on their drinks in surprise.

The crowd was astonished that it was Valentin.

They realized the auctioneer wasn't exaggerating. The mystery guest's status was indeed significant.

But as the auctioneer had said, someone like Valentin usually wouldn't attend such events. What made him decide to come to this charity dinner? Was there a specific reason?

When Ashley heard Valentin's name at that moment, her eyes widened in surprise, filled with disbelief.

She wondered if she had heard correctly. Valentin was attending the charity dinner as a mystery guest.

But she couldn't help wondering why he hadn't mentioned his attendance to her.