Save Myself From Desperation by Cara Agnes novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24
Ashley looked at Valentin in surprise. She was sure he had never met this man in pink before.
Joseph Fox, in the pink shirt, enthusiastically introduced himself, “Hello! I’m Joseph Fox. Valenin’s grandfather is my grandfather, too!”
“Oh, so he’s Valentin’s cousin!’ Ashley thought.
Joseph smiled warmly, looking lively and handsome.
Ashley had heard about the Fox family, another top-tier family in high- society. It turned out that they were connected with the Kingsley family by marriage.
“Please have a seat!” Joseph was very easy-going and humorous,
following his own rhythm. “Ah, no wonder Valentin often mentioned you. You are truly beautiful, even more gorgeous than most of the female celebrities in the entertainment industry! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you!”
“Hello,” Ashley found it a bit difficult to adapt to his enthusiasm and loquacity. However, the fact that Valentin had often mentioned her before made her curious.
She glanced at Valentin suspiciously.
Valentin gave Joseph a warning look, his gaze carrying a subtle threat.
Joseph touched his nose in confusion, thinking, What was wrong with saying that? Valentin did mention Ashley’s name frequently before!
Upon Ashley’s entrance, Joseph’s eyes lit up at the first glance.
She was wearing a yellow beaded embroidered dress, looking delicate and bright.
Moreover, her wheat-colored skin seemed to glow under the light, flawless and exquisite.
However, what surprised Joseph the most were Ashley’s eyes..
Those clear and lively eyes seemed to have a pool of spring within them, shimmering with a moist and alluring charm.
Ashley walked over and sat on the sofa next to Valentin.
12:30
Joseph followed suit, and his gaze lingered on Valentin and Ashley. repeatedly, Perfect, he thought, “They’re a match made by heaven!”
“Mrs. Kirigsicy, Valentin is really fortunate to have you as his wife!” Joseph exclaimed.
Ashley’s lips twitched slightly as she looked at Valentin beside her.
Valentin was also looking at her.
His gaze collided with Ashley’s.
Valentin raised his eyebrows slightly and poured a cup of coffee for Ashley, his voice clear and languid. “Joseph is right.”
Ashley felt speechless, thinking, “Why did he become a sweet talker all of a sudden?’
She blinked in confusion and picked up the coffee cup to take a sip.
Joseph was restless. He rolled his eyes and looked at them slyly, asking,
“Hey, you two should try harder. When can I become an uncle?”
Ashley was shocked and almost spat out the coffee in her mouth.
It seemed that Joseph’s thoughts were too wild.
Joseph raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile, exuding a debonair and charming vibe. “Besides, not only me but also my grandfather… Oh, our grandfather is also looking forward to having a great-grandchild!”
Ashley suddenly realized something. She wondered, ‘Could it be that Joseph came here under Zain’s instructions to check on how Valentin and I are getting along?”
However, she and Valentin would sign a divorce agreement in a year, so having a kid was not in their plans.
Valentin, sensing Ashley’s thoughts about divorce from her expression, immediately turned to distract Joseph with a gloomy look. “It’s getting late.”
He was implying that it was time for Joseph to leave.
Joseph, however, was reluctant. “Valentin, just let me stay for a meal! I’ve never had dinner with you and your wife together. Oh, by the way, Mrs. Kingsley, let’s exchange phone numbers for future convenience.”
12:30
Sure, Ashley smiled, exchanging contact information with Joseph.
However, she found the term “Mrs. Kingsley a bit awkward.
Joseph stayed for dinner and reluctantly left late in the evening, making plans to visit often in the future.
At the Ramos Villa, in the living room Jessica sadly looked at Frankie. “Frankie, can’t you come to see my finals?”
Frankie, feeling apologetic, explained, “Jessica, there’s a problem with a company project, and I must go abroad. I won’t be able to attend your finals.
Jessica nodded understandingly. “It’s okay. Your work is important, but you should care most about your health. Don’t immerse in your job all the time. Remember to take a rest.”
Frankie felt very touched, feeling grateful to have such a sensible sister.
Jessica was very different from Ashley, who only caused trouble to the family.
Rumors were circulating that the Ramos family had been treating Ashley poorly. How was that even possible?
Jeremy stood up from the sofa. “Frankie, go ahead and focus on your work. I’ll be with Jessica during the finals. I’m sure Jessica will win first. place this time!”
After all, except for Megan, the other four judges had all been bribed.
Jessica’s victory was almost guaranteed, with high scores from four out of five judges.
As for Megan, she was too upright and principled to accept bribes.
Nevertheless, it didn’t matter. With the other four judges on their side, Jessica was sure to secure first place.
Soon, their parents, Evan and Bertha Ramos, came downstairs.
Bertha, wearing a long dress that outlined her plump figure, looked elegant and luxurious.
Hearing the children discussing the finals, Bertha touched Jessica’s hair
affectionately Jessica, your finals are in a few days. Only bankie and Jeremy are supporting you. What about your other broers? Are they too busy to spare any time for you?”
Jessica sweetly replied, “Mom, that’s not true. My other brothers have been sending encouraging messages. They’re just too busy right now.”
Bertha shook her head helplessly. “They’re busy every day and seldom come home.”
Despite her complaint, her tone was full of pride for her successful sons.
And her only dissatisfaction was…
“Ashley is so evil. She not only severed ties with us but also wants to steal Jessica’s first place!” Bertha frowned, expressing her disdain and dislike for her own daughter.
“Why did I give birth to such a daughter? She can’t compare to Jessica in any aspect. If I had known, I would have drowned her in the river when she was born!’ Bertha thought.
“Mom, maybe Ashley…” Jessica lowered her head, playing with her
fingers. “Maybe Ashley just wants you to pay more attention to her, so she’s acting this way. Dad, Mom, Frankie, Jeremy, you should care more about her in the future. I’m fine with it.”
Bertha’s brows furrowed even tighter upon hearing this. “Jessica, stop saying such things. When have we ever mistreated that da mn girl? We brought her back to our family and provided her with everything she needed. Perhaps we were a bit strict, but we did it for her own good. She wouldn’t be successful without discipline!”
“But Mom, Ashley is your biological daughter…” Jessica whispered.
“Jessica, my sweet daughter, how many times have I told you? You are my only daughter, even closer than a biological one! Do you understand?”
“Yeah, I understand. I know you love me the most. Jessica replied with a sweet smile, thinking smugly,
‘Ashley, oh, Ashley. Everything that should be yours will become mine! The affection of your brothers and parents is already mine, and I’ll soon taste the victory of Show Your Dance!