Chapter 528
When things seem hopeless, even a glimmer of hope is a lifeline. Simon coughed violently, blood filling his mouth. He pleaded, "Please save me! I'll pay any price, any reward!"
Tiffany smiled, feigning contemplation before replying, "Deal."
Simon felt immense relief. "As expected," he thought, "money solves everything. Once Tiffany saves me, I'll become head of the Ashton family."
His confidence was short-lived. Tiffany said, "Your poison is tricky. I can provide an antidote, but the poison has accumulated for six months. You must find its source."
Simon's expression darkened. He remembered their slow-acting poison, made from rare ingredients to avoid detection, and entrusted to Kurt for safekeeping. The realization hit him: he'd been poisoned for six months, and only Kurt had the opportunity.
Tiffany casually added, "Consider what you touch most daily. That might be the source."
"My bracelet" Simon gasped, removing it. Kurt had given it to him six months prior, calling it a significant, long-sought blessing. Simon, close to Kurt, had worn it constantly. He never suspected Kurt's true intentions.
The sickening truth revealed itself as he heard the bracelet beads crush. Each bead contained the slow-acting poison.
Simon sneered, bowing to Tiffany. "I entrust my life to you, Miss Wood."
11:03 Sun, Nov 24 GO
Tiffany's alias, Jacqueline Wood, was a random choice. She never anticipated this connection to the Ashton family. Fate is ironic.
Tiffany's goal achieved, she nodded and left the hotel. As she departed, a knock came. She paused. Kurt appeared, surprised. "Simon? Why are you"
Before he finished, Simon unleashed a furious attack. Kurt, already injured from the Kelley family incident, was severely beaten.
"You dare call me?" Simon sneered. "Did I ever fail you? You plotted to kill me!"
"Simon, what are you talking about? Who would kill you?"
"Don't lie. You want more of the inheritance! Forget it!"
"Burning bridges? Did I offend you?"
Kurt, hot-tempered and feeling wronged, retaliated. The brothers engaged in a brutal fight.
Tiffany left the hotel, finding June's car waiting. She chuckled, recalling the fight.
June asked, "Miss Kelley, was Simon really poisoned?"
"Not originally, but he is now," Tiffany laughed lazily. Her plan to sow discord began when the Ashtons caused trouble and harmed Thalia. The blood Simon vomited was a result of her poison, mimicking his earlier symptoms at the Kelley family. The bracelet powder was easily planted.
The brothers' affection was purely transactional, masking their underlying conflict. Fraternal bonds mean nothing when inheritance is at stake – just as they killed their father.
June was astounded. "You played them perfectly! They're fighting, leaving the Kelley family alone."
"Not enough," Tiffany smiled. This was too light a punishment for patricide. She hoped Kurt would resort to his gun, as he did at the Kelley family.
A gunshot echoed through the hotel. Hotel staff fled, calling the police. An ambulance arrived, carrying Simon and Kurt.
June gasped. "Retribution! They killed their father for his assets, fought over his inheritance, and ended up hospitalized. Justice served!" She felt no sympathy, only satisfaction.