Chapter 972
Aspen could not help but laugh to herself. Men in Blumedale really were something else–being a player here took skill, and this one clearly had it down to an art.
Seth spouted romantic lines like a pro, sounding so sincere it was almost believable. Compared to him, Andrew might have been a brute with zero charm who only knew how to exploit her, draining every ounce of energy she had left.
Nonetheless, at least Andrew was not fake–what you saw was what you got. Meanwhile, this charming heir from the Haywood family was starting to feel downright repulsive.
“Mr. Haywood, I’ve told you more than once–there’s no chance between us,” Aspen said, her voice firm.
“You should know I’m not even free right now. Honestly, my body doesn’t even belong to me. While I appreciate your feelings, you’re just wasting your time.” She let out a sigh as if she was tired of repeating herself.
Seth’s face turned cold as he said with conviction, “Aspen, tell me–who’s the bastard? The one controlling you, hurting you–what’s his name?"
“Just give me a name. I swear, if I don’t get you out of this hell, then I don’t deserve to call myself a man.”
Aspen gave a bitter smile and shook her head. “Honestly? You’re not even close to being his match.”
Seth’s face turned red with frustration as he scoffed, “The Haywood family is one of the Five Apex Families in all of Blumedale. As far as I know, the one keeping you trapped is some lowlife from a backwater place like Jayrodale.
“If you’re telling me that some nobody from a dump like that is beyond my reach, then that’s the biggest joke I’ve ever heard!”
Aspen did not bother arguing. She had learned by now that when it came to Andrew, the less said, the better–any slip could bring him crashing down on her again like a storm.
“It’s getting late, Mr. Haywood. Please head home. I need to rest,” she said, hinting for him to leave.
Seth looked wounded, his voice soft, as he pleaded, “Aspen, don’t you see how much it hurts me to see you pretend to be so strong? Sometimes I think—if I could just find the man behind all this, the one pulling your strings and crushing you… I’d make him regret ever being born.”
Aspen replied flatly, “You’d better not even think like that. Otherwise, the one regretting everything might end up being you.”
Seth still wanted to prove he was someone powerful, not taking the mystery man seriously at all. After all, his target was to pursue Aspen, whom he believed was his golden ticket to wealth.
To him, once the Haywood name entered the game, anyone would be forced to bow down like a lapdog.
Just then, a small group arrived in a rush, cutting off his moment of bravado. “Ms. Aspen Stevens?” a man called out, stepping forward. “We’re with Gabo Bank.”
The one leading the group was a middle-aged man with a bit of a belly, but his presence was anything but soft. He introduced himself with quiet authority, “I’m Tyler Jones, President of Gabo Bank.”
Aspen’s eyes widened in shock. Gabo Bank was not just any bank–it was the financial powerhouse of Gabo Creek, second only to the country’s national banks. In fact, if you looked at local cash flow, Gabo Bank was number one in the entire region.
After all, it was founded in Gabo Creek, built into its very soil. And Tyler Jones? His name carried weight–he was practically a legend, controlling the financial heart of the city.
“Mr. Jones, may I ask what brings you here?” Aspen asked quickly, not daring to be rude.
Off to the side, Seth looked stunned. He had not expected someone like Tyler to show up for Aspen, as even the head of the Haywood family treated Tyler with respect.
“Ah, Mr. Jones! Great to see you again!” Seth said, trying to sound humble. “I’m Seth from the Haywood family. We met at a Blumedale networking event–I even toasted with you!”
He figured this was the perfect moment to show Aspen just how influential he was, riding on the Haywood name.
However, Tyler did not even glance at him. Instead, he frowned slightly and said sharply, “Young man, I’ve got urgent business here. Don’t get in the way.”