?Chapter 316:


    Bruce’s sharp eyes cut through him.


    With trembling hands, the assistant handed him a document.


    Bruce inquired coldly, “What is this?”


    The assistant nervously exined, “The senior authorities just issued this announcement.”


    Bruce headed toward his office, reading the document with a critical eye. His expression darkened progressively, his visage seeming to harden like ice.


    In his effort to protect Rita, he had reluctantly forfeited the southern districtnd. So, he redirected his energy toward other ventures.


    The document in his grasp, however, seemed to seize his ns. Impossible! It seemed fate itself was aligned against him.


    The authorities were scrutinizing Ashton Group’s environmental practices, specifically halting the hot spring hotel initiative. Each day’s dy in this crucial early phase spelled increased financial setbacks. If this continued, the ongoing projects would eventually pull Ashton Group down with them.


    This project had been Bruce’s first solo endeavor since Corrine’s departure from Ashton Group, and he was determined to prevent any errors. Should the board members discover the issues, his leadership was at risk. He felt as though he had escaped one dilemma only to encounter another, even more dire.


    With a swift motion, Bruce shut the document, masking his growing anxiety.


    “Get Mr. Hayes on the line immediately!”


    At The Summer Bistro, the setting featured small bridges over trickling streams, with vintage furniture that radiated an old-world allure. Under the evening sky, the flowing water shimmered like threads of liquid silver.


    The Summer Bistro, a haven of exclusivity, catered only to Lyhaton’s elite, never opening its doors to the general public. Its renowned discretion made it a preferred retreat for the city’s power yers.


    After several toasts, Bruce asked, “Mr. Hayes, any word on when the authorities will wrap up their investigation?”


    Clive Hayes had quickly learned the importance of cultivating rtionships after rising to his current position. The Ashton family, being the rising stars of Lyhaton, naturally piqued his interest.


    Thus, when Bruce reached out, Clive was inclined to oblige him with a meeting.


    ???????????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????????﹒?????


    The nature of Bruce’s inquiry didn’te as a shock to Clive. As he ced his wine ss on the table, aplex look clouded his expression as he studied Bruce.


    “Mr. Ashton, having risen to prominence among Lyhaton’s elite, did it ever ur to you that you might have inadvertently crossed someone formidable?”


    An evident tension gripped Bruce, his grip on his ss tightening. He averted his eyes, concealing his sudden anxiety.


    Clive’s statement bore an unsettling resemnce to a past warning. Memories of the Burgess family’s troubles surfaced for Bruce, along with Kason’s cautionary words to Leah, saying, “I’m here to deliver a warning from those in charge. Don’t provoke those you shouldn’t.”


    Now, reflecting on Clive’s statement sent shivers through him. Was it possible the Ashton family was treading a simr path to the Burgess family so soon?


    Images of Corrine, her expression cold yet captivating, shed before him. Could the instigator be Corrine?


    .


    .


    .