Chapter 167
ASHTON
I couldn’t sleep a wink last night, no one in the mansion could. Everyone has been feeling sad over Ashal’s predicament and angry too. Though planning a party was always mother’s favorite pastime, she looks withered as she makes arrangement for our birthday party. It’s almost like she’s not sure if she’s planning her sons’ birthday party or Ashal’s funeral. Many times, she dabs off a tear from her eyes or excuses herself to go use the bathroom.
Ashley’s been staying close to her, inviting guests via phone call. Like we suspected, many of them keep turning down our invitation without bothering to give a good excuse. Even father’s promise of a ’special gift’ has been unsuccessful in swaying them. No one of high caliber wants to be associated with the family who is currently being rumored to be responsible for a tranche of heinous crimes.
"What are we going to do? I’m almost halfway done with the guest list and no one has RSVP’d." Ashley asks Asher worriedly.
Asher scratches his head. "At this rate, they still won’t budge even if father offers them bonus shares in the company. No one wants to be a part of a sinking ship."
Mother sighs heavily. "She knew this would be impossible to accomplish from the start. She wanted to kill my son all along and merely threw us this bait so she can blame us for not doing everything within our power to save Ashal."
I grit my teeth. "We don’t have time for this. Give me the phone."
My family looks surprised. Hesitantly, Ashley passes the phone in his hand as well as the guest list when I gesture for it too. I scan through the list and find just the right contact.
"People might not want to party with us but they won’t ignore one of the biggest news scoop there’s ever been in the country." I dial the number and after a few rings, someone picks up.
"Danvarr Morning News, how may we help you."
"Ashton, don’t."