Chapter 400: Chapter 400: So They’re the Ones Being Interviewed
"Alright, but... are you sure your health is suitable for flying?" Ashley Shaw dared not seem too eager to welcome Elder Prescott, lest he overthink her intentions.
They just heard Elder Prescott say, "Don’t worry, I’ll bring the doctor along with me. Will that be okay?"
"That works, we’ve been feeling a bit bored in Aethelgard these past couple of days, so it’d be great for you to come over and guide us around!"
"No problem, I’m familiar with that place, I guarantee I can show you a great time!"
The two of them discussed the timing, and Elder Prescott planned to take a flight over the next morning.
After the call ended, Ashley Shaw thought for a moment and then dialed Lars Prescott’s number.
She got straight to the point and added, "I know you don’t want Grandpa Prescott to worry, so you’re hiding the matter about Warren from him. So I figured if he comes over to find me and have fun, he won’t notice anything amiss."
On the other end, Lars Prescott was worried about Elder Prescott noticing something, feeling troubled, when Ashley Shaw made this call.
It was like offering a pillow to someone who was dozing off, perfectly aligning with his needs.
He couldn’t help but regret for a second time, if only Ashley Shaw’s family background were a little better... it didn’t have to be too good, just owning a small company would do, he could accept Ashley Shaw as his daughter-in-law.
But then...
He suppressed his thoughts and said, "Then I’ll trouble you to entertain him for a couple of days. Ideally, don’t let him think of coming back before we find Warren. I think you can manage that."
Ashley Shaw’s dissatisfaction with Lars Prescott stemmed from the fact that even when she was helping, he still spoke in a commanding tone.
But since Grandpa Prescott was also her grandpa, as long as their goals aligned, attitude didn’t matter for the moment.
What she wanted wasn’t Lars Prescott’s good attitude but his agreement.
As long as he agreed, that was fine.
Once the matter was settled, Ashley Shaw hung up the phone without another word of unnecessary chatter.
The moment the call ended, Mr. Rowan returned to Lars Prescott’s office.
He brought news that was unsure if it was good or bad.
"We’ve searched the entire dock but haven’t found the young master’s people. We’ve also checked all the domestic ships entering and leaving since the young master went missing."
Which means the most likely scenario is that Warren Prescott went on that overseas cruise.
As mentioned earlier, whether this news counts as good or bad, Lars Prescott didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. However, he did breathe a slight sigh of relief.
Since there’s a large chance the person is on the cruise, and Mr. Rowan’s side had also checked, the three people on the ship who could use satellite communication tools were not Veridians, so Lars Prescott didn’t waste any time and directly contacted the cruise company’s headquarters.
Upon learning that the caller was Lars Prescott, and after several exchanges, they provided him with their CEO’s contact information.
But who would have thought that the CEO was so proud, not even caring about Lars Prescott, and said the matter had nothing to do with them, directly hanging up the phone.
Imagine the fit of anger Lars Prescott threw after the call ended.
However, after venting his anger, he quickly calmed down.
"Back when Warren suggested that our company should quickly expand overseas, I thought he was aiming too far. I selfishly thought that the domestic market was enough to keep us busy, so why go for the overseas market. Now it seems, laying some commercial groundwork abroad isn’t a bad idea. He’s more suited for this position than I am."
Mr. Rowan didn’t dare respond to this, only said, "I’ll check what that CEO likes, maybe catering to his tastes will work..."
Finally, he added, "Overseas is different from here in Veridia, so before things are dire, it’s better to value harmony on our side."
Lars Prescott knew what Mr. Rowan meant.
He thought Lars was used to being praised and couldn’t handle someone treating him this way, making rash decisions in anger.
But after all, he was trained by Elder Prescott himself, so although he was furious, he couldn’t really act impulsively and do something foolish.
He’s not a child anymore.
The Prescott Family couldn’t produce a fool.
Except... in matters of romantic relationships.
Lars Prescott also recognized Mr. Rowan’s well-intentioned reminder, so he didn’t show any displeasure, simply saying, "Then quickly go check."
"Yes."
...
Aethelgard.
Ashley Shaw had just finished calling Lars Prescott when another call came in.
It was from Owen Sinclair.
Now, whenever Ashley heard the ringtone, she felt inexplicably tense. She knew she couldn’t stay in this state, or Grandpa Prescott would definitely notice when he arrived.
So, she forced herself to suppress her complex emotions, trying to calmly speak, "Uncle Owen."
Owen Sinclair paused for a moment, then asked, "Did something happen?"
Ashley Shaw was visibly taken aback.
"Nothing happened... why the sudden question?"
"Because it sounds like your voice is a bit hoarse."
Ashley secretly admired Owen Sinclair’s keen observation skills for catching even that.
She laughed softly and calmly replied, "My throat just feels a bit dry, I was just thinking of going to buy water with Ariana."
"As long as everything’s alright. Where are you now?"
"We’re just in the lobby downstairs."
Owen Sinclair was silent for another second, but instead of pushing for answers, he simply said, "We’re finished over here. I’m coming down now. Wait for me, I’ll bring you guys some water."
"Thank you, Uncle Owen."
After hanging up, Ashley Shaw looked towards Ariana Grant on the sofa, beckoning her over, first telling her about Elder Prescott coming tomorrow, then urging her to keep Warren Prescott’s disappearance a secret.
Ariana Grant might seem unreliable on the surface, but when it comes to important matters, she never drops the ball.
She immediately nodded and said, "Don’t worry, I promise to keep Grandpa Prescott entertained."
Ariana Grant was a natural joy-bringer, and Ashley Shaw didn’t doubt her abilities in making people laugh.
Sure enough, by the time Owen came downstairs, Ariana had already told Ashley Shaw three jokes.
They were all funny anecdotes from Ariana’s childhood.
Only a true friend can joke about their own embarrassing moments to cheer someone up.
Ashley Shaw felt touched, and her mood lightened a little.
No matter how anxious or worried she was, what had to happen would happen. Her task was to keep Grandpa Prescott steady.
To steady someone else, she must be steady first.
Perhaps the psychological suggestion worked, for when Owen emerged from the elevator, Ashley Shaw was already smiling naturally.
However, her smile lasted less than a second before she saw Noelle York and her two companions coming out of the elevator with Owen.
When they saw Ashley Shaw, their expressions darkened.
They wanted to speak, but out of consideration for Owen, they held their tongues.
Owen was the one to break the silence.
"I’m done here, have you been waiting long? If I had known you were sitting downstairs, I would’ve asked my assistant to get a room for you to rest in."
As Owen spoke, he naturally unscrewed the cap of a bottle of mineral water, handing it to Ashley Shaw.
This action left Noelle York and her companions stunned.
They all stared with wide eyes, as if doubting their senses.
Standing behind Owen, he couldn’t see their expressions, but Ashley Shaw and Ariana Grant saw everything clearly.
Seeing their reaction, understanding dawned in their hearts.
So, Owen’s "interviewees" were them.