The Ignore Daughter Have True Honor Chapter 06
The ballroom fell quiet again.
Elliot’s face cycled through several shades of red and white. Ethan had his head down, apparently trying to fold himself into the pattern of the Persian carpet.
A young man’s voice broke the silence.
“Grandfather.”
He wore a well-cut deep navy three-piece suit. His features were similar to Julian’s, but there was something steadier behind his eyes. Sharper.
Serena had posted photos of him on Instagram.
Julian’s cousin. Julian’s biggest rival in the fight for succession at Ashford Industries.
Sebastian Ashford.
“There’s something you should know.”
Sebastian moved to Mr. Ashford’s side, his tone respectful.
“A few minutes ago, in this room, the Whitmores collectively tried to force Dr. Whitmore out. Julian —”
He glanced at Julian, and something like measured regret crossed his face.
“— Julian joined them. He asked Dr. Whitmore to leave.”
“Dr. Whitmore’s work is critical to the future of Ashford Industries. Julian’s behavior has damaged her personally, and it’s damaged the Ashford family’s relationship with her.”
Julian went white.
He tried to open his mouth, but his words had been delivered in front of thirty tables of guests. There was nothing to walk back.
Mr. Ashford was silent.
The silence lasted only a few seconds.
But it was long enough for a thin sheen of sweat to form on Julian’s forehead.
The old man tapped his fingers softly against the tabletop.
“If this wedding doesn’t welcome Dr. Whitmore, then the wedding proceeds without me. Dr. Whitmore and I will be leaving now.”
He turned, and gestured for me to go ahead of him.
Julian’s face drained further.
“Grandfather!”
He rushed forward, blocking Mr. Ashford’s path, his voice shaking. “Grandfather, it’s my wedding. You can’t leave.”
Mr. Ashford looked at him. What was in his eyes was pure disappointment.
“Do you know how many favors I called in to get one meeting with Dr. Whitmore?”
“And instead, you and your bride tried to throw her out the door.”
“And you have the nerve to ask me to stay?”
He didn’t look at Julian again. He turned to me with a small nod.
“Dr. Whitmore. Shall we?”
I picked up my clutch, walked past the crowd, and headed for the door.
Behind me, Serena finally cracked. A choked cry.
“Hazel!”
I didn’t turn around.