Silence Walks Beside Us by Eli Dane Cade 260

Chapter 260 

Ash blinked innocently, softened her voice, clu ed his arm, and whined, “Yeah… I’m really hurting… This place is so scary…” 

“Are you actually in pain?” Calvert asked as he slowly snapped out of his thoughts. Seeing her put on such an over–the–top performance, he looked at her with a trace of helplessness in his eyes as he asked. 

Without hesitation, she nodded and raised her arm, still wrapped in gauze, and said, “Of course I am. My arm’s killing me! Those three guys… they almost laid hands on a delicat man like me.” 

Calvert pulled out his phone and ordered someone to deal with the three men. Then he brought Ash into the car. Seeing how lively and full of energy she was, he figured his earlier concern had been unnecessary. 

“When did you get here? Did Dwayne text you?” Ash sat in the passenger seat, pulled down the vanity mirror, and inspected her face from side to side while asking. 

He let out a quiet “Mm” as a response and then asked, “Have you learned any self–defense before?” 

Ash raised her brow ever so slightly and looked calm and collected as she replied, “Huh? Nope. Back when I was with Dexter, there was no way he’d let me learn stuff like that. 

“Just now, it’s only because they were too clumsy. I dodged once, and the three of them ended up hitting each other. Luckily, I’m quick–witted, or who knows what could’ve happened.” 

Calvert steered the wheel with one hand and glanced sideways at the woman who was clearly enjoying her little solo act. In a low voice, he said, “You should consider learning some proper self–defense. It could come in handy in situations like this.” 

Ash, ever the dedicated actress, nodded in agreement and replied, “Sure, I’ll definitely learn. Not long ago, Samantha came to me–she said she had evidence that could take down Samuel and asked me to team up with her.” 

“Her credibility is next to zero.” Sure enough, Calvert’s first thought matched Ash’s exactly. He added, “Even if she does have something, there’s no reason for you to work with her.” 

Ash softly chuckled, “Mm, that’s exactly what I told her. I doubt she really has anything on him. If she did, she’d have acted already. She’s probably found herself a new ally. 

“I had someone look into it–the day Vania was hurt, Samuel wasn’t even in Riverstone. He was out of town for several days and only came back three days later. 

“There haven’t been any large financial transfers under his name, and there’s no direct evidence poining to him at all.” Just mentioning this made Ash feel a tinge of frustration. 

“That scumbag Samuel is still out there living freely like nothing ever happened… Meanwhile, Vania–she was completely innocent. She did nothing wrong, yet suffered for no reason,‘ she thought. 

Calvert’s brows tightened, and his expression became more serious as he responded, “Shane and his men already found the ones who hurt her, but they haven’t been able to get anything out of them. It’s likely Samuel’s got something major on them. 

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Chapter 260 

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“The whole thing that happened to Vania that night has a lot of suspicious details. She saw a psychologist yesterday. The doctor said a large part of her trauma might be fabricated–she could be exaggerating what happened.” 

Ash looked surprised and asked, “What do you mean? The doctor thinks Vanía made it up? That doesn’t make sense–her injuries were real.” 

Calvert sighed lightly, “Maybe it’s not as simple as we thought. If Vania really wasn’t hurt, that would be the best–case scenario. But she’s refusing a physical exam, so there’s no way to confirm what the doctor said. 

“There’s even a possibility that she wasn’t injured at all that night, and all those memories were planted afterward through hypnosis.” 

“Hmm… That could be possible,” Ash agreed. 

Maybe it was the evening breeze, or maybe something else, but Ash suddenly got goosebumps all over as she thought, ‘If that’s true… the mastermind behind this is far too meticulous and calculating! 

Her instincts told her this had something to do with Jade. She wondered, ‘If they really wanted revenge, they could’ve chosen a more direct method. Hypnosis is way too risky. 

“The person behind this must really care about Vania… That’s why they chose a softer approach. 

Of course, this was all just speculation for now–Ash couldn’t say for sure. She said, “Whatever the case is, we need to be understanding of Vania’s condition and give her some time to recover.” 

“Vania went to the film set with Jade. They left this morning,” Calvert replied. In the end, he chose to respect Vania’s decision, even though deep down, he was far from comfortable with it. 

Ash didn’t think much of it. After all, Vania had always been close to Jade. The two had known each other for a long time. 

Ash figured it wasn’t a bad thing as long as Jade could guarantee Vania’s safety. At least it might help Vania’s emotional state improve. 

Calvert turned his head to glance at her and asked, “You really don’t care at all?” 

“Me? Why would I care?” Ash asked honestly. “That’s her personal choice. What part of it do you think I should be concerned about?” 

Calvert opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, just shook his head and said, “I’ll take you home.” 

Ash pressed further, “Why do you always stop yourself from finishing your sentences? You always speak in riddles. Why would I care? Do you think I’m supposed to be bothered about Jade?” 

Ash had long wondered about that question. She had always wanted to know where Calvert’s awkward, complicated tension came from. 

Calvert answered frankly, “Yes. Jade took Vania away. Vania’s my only sister. If Jade’s trying to get close to her, then she’s clearly trying to get close to me. And you’re not bothered by that at all?” 

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His explanation was blunt and to the point. Then added, “But I forgot–we’re just working togeer. So, of 

se, that wouldn’t matter to you.” 

Ash turned slightly, looked at the man’s emotionless face, and said with interest, “If I were jealous, would that make you happy?” She continued, “I shouldn’t care about her, no matter our relationship. What she does shouldn’t affect us. 

“So why should I be bothered?” Her logic was crystal clear, and her analysi flawless. If it had been someone else, she might’ve cared a little 

‘Why would I be jealous of a woman I already beat? That’s just a pathetic act–hardly worth my attention,’ Ash thought to herself. 

She had better things to do than waste her time or energy on someone like Jade. 

Calvert was left speechless. He had to admit that the more time he spent with Ash, the deeper his feelings for her grew. 

He had started to care about everything she said or did, even the smallest gestures. 

But Calvert hated the way he was now. He had always been in control of every aspect of his life–except when it came to Ash. With her, he felt like he had no footing. Sometimes, he even lost his composure entirely, unsure of what to do next. 

ADI