Chapter 26: Chapter 26: A Pleasant Surprise Falls Into My Lap
Under the camera, the two little girls still looked innocent, but the changes in Rosalind Lynch were more pronounced.
Since her return to Westcroft, she began to dress in a way that leaned towards a mature woman.
But back then, Rosalind Lynch’s style was still that of a good student girl.
Warren Prescott’s gaze swept over Rosalind Lynch and settled on Ashley Shaw.
He noticed a hint of annoyance on Ashley Shaw’s face, as if she had been provoked.
The video had no sound, but from the way Ashley Shaw clenched her fists, she seemed truly upset.
Was it really her doing?
However, in the next moment, Rosalind Lynch, who was originally conversing with Ashley Shaw with a smile, suddenly glanced towards the living room, then took a step back and fell backward without hesitation.
Behind her was the pool, and Rosalind Lynch fell in, causing a huge splash.
Ashley Shaw was full of surprise, and seeing Rosalind Lynch desperately struggling, her surprise turned to panic.
Later, Butler Ford rushed over, jumped into the pool, and dragged Rosalind Lynch out.
Then his mom appeared on the camera.
After that, it was him and Cillian Xavier.
In the end, Aunt Shaw kept bowing apologetically to his mom and Rosalind Lynch with her usual warm smile.
Warren Prescott’s breathing suddenly became a bit heavy in front of the computer.
So, this was the truth.
The root of all the years of resentment towards one person was actually another girl’s meticulous design.
Strangely, he didn’t feel surprised at all.
He couldn’t figure out exactly what he was feeling at this moment, only that he was suddenly enveloped by an inexplicable agitation.
But as if to overcome this agitation, he masochistically dragged the progress bar back again.
Watching that segment of the video over and over again.
Actually, there were many clues about this incident.
For example, the pool’s water wasn’t deep enough to submerge Rosalind Lynch’s head, as it was only 80 centimeters deep.
For example, Rosalind Lynch had taken swimming classes with him before, and her swimming skills were even slightly better than his.
For example, when his mom was about to drive people away, Aunt Shaw apologized and bowed repeatedly, but Ashley Shaw stubbornly refused to admit that she had pushed Rosalind Lynch down.
But at that time, he didn’t think about these at all.
He didn’t know how much time had passed when the sound of a car entering came from outside the window.
"Aunt Prescott!"
A voice crisp like an apple rang downstairs.
Rosalind Lynch had arrived.
With a blank expression, Warren Prescott closed the notebook, then took out his phone and dialed a number.
...
At Ariana Grant’s house.
Ashley Shaw, having pulled an all-nighter, was sleeping drowsily, when her phone suddenly rang urgently.
She turned over, groped for the phone under her pillow with her eyes closed, and instinctively pressed the answer button.
"Hello?"
Her voice was heavy with sleepiness.
But on the other end came the voice of the store manager.
"Shaw, not awake yet?"
Ashley Shaw’s drowsiness instantly vanished, she quickly opened her eyes and sat up with the phone.
"No, store manager, I’m already awake. You were looking for me... is there something?"
Her voice carried a trace of unease.
Yesterday, Warren Prescott said no one would come to the store to cause trouble again, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t cause her trouble.
It was only yesterday, after Warren Prescott left, that she learned from the employee who went to the neighboring BBQ shop to buy cigarettes that the entire street’s premises were owned by the Prescott Family.
She had really courted disaster, how did she not hold back then and had a confrontation with Warren Prescott.
Even the store manager detected her nervousness.
"Don’t be nervous, it’s not because you didn’t do your job well."
"Then it is...?"
"It’s like this, would you like to switch to day shifts?"
"Ah?"
"The colleague who does shift handovers with you said she plans to resign this afternoon. Considering it’s not very safe for a young girl like you to work night shifts, I thought about moving your shifts to the daytime. The schedule would change from one day off after three days of work to working two days and then one off. Also, the hourly rate remains the same for day shifts. I know college-bound students like you have it tough."
The store manager’s tone was more pleasant than before, making Ashley Shaw feel odd.
It’s basic common sense that night shift pays more than day shift, yet the manager deliberately emphasized the unchanged hourly rate.
As if intentionally steering her to agree.
She vaguely had a suspicion but quickly suppressed it.
It couldn’t be, it wouldn’t be Warren Prescott.
"Shaw, are you listening?" The manager asked quizzically when she didn’t respond for a while.
"Yes... I’m good with it, store manager."
No matter what, the night shift did indeed drain too much energy.
"Alright, then you get some more sleep, eat your meal, and come over slowly, no rush at all."
"Okay, thank you, store manager."
"You’re welcome; my daughter is about your age. Looking after you is something I ought to do."
The store manager said and then hung up the phone.
Still, Ashley Shaw couldn’t fall back asleep.
She pondered over this matter repeatedly and finally guessed it was Elder Prescott’s doing.
Maybe Warren Prescott inadvertently told Grandpa Prescott about her part-time job at the convenience store, prompting Grandpa Prescott to arrange with the store manager to move her to day shifts.
Apart from this possibility, there was no other reason.
With this thought, Ashley Shaw planned to find some free time in the coming days to pay a visit to Grandpa Prescott.
Initially, she intended to visit Grandpa Prescott the day before she went to college.
Now that he had silently helped her once more, she ought to bring a gift and express her gratitude, regardless of past feelings.
Having made up her mind, Ashley Shaw got up directly to wash and freshen up.
Meanwhile, on the other end, after hanging up on Ashley Shaw, the store manager dialed a newly saved number.
"Young Master Prescott... I’ve done everything according to your arrangements. Shaw... Miss Shaw agreed to work during the day."
"Alright, thanks."
"No, no, I should be thanking you for halving the rent for my store."
"If anything happens to her, just call this number."
"Of course, of course."
"Goodbye."
The call ended here, and the store manager stretched luxuriously.
He didn’t just hire a part-time worker; he hired a princess coming to experience life!
The Serenity Temple is indeed effective. He just visited a few days ago, and today, surprises fell into his lap.
He’s truly blessed.
...
Ariana Grant’s call came in as Ashley Shaw finished her lunch and was getting ready to head to the convenience store.
"Ashley, I followed your instructions. Both sides listened to me and are planning to go to court."
Ashley Shaw felt relieved.
The only variable in her plan was if the parties involved refused to go to court.
Now that this variable became a certainty, the plan’s implementation would likely proceed as she envisioned.
"Great, just let me know the specifics once the court notice comes in."
"No problem! But I can’t come back home for some time. Will you be lonely at home by yourself? I’m telling you, do whatever you want, just no bringing men home. Everything else is up to you."
Ashley Shaw chuckled softly.
"What nonsense? Did you forget I’ve started my part-time job already?"
"Oh, right... How was your shift last night?"
"It went well, the work is simple, just handling money and sorting goods."
"Okay! That’s good! Then I won’t hold you up any longer."
"Mm, remember to take your medicine. Bye-bye."
Ashley Shaw ended the call, her mood already much lighter than before.
At the same time...