Chapter 505: Chapter 505: Biological Father
Elder Prescott wasn’t intent on embarrassing Lars Prescott.
Since he had already acknowledged his mistakes and expressed that he wouldn’t interfere in Warren Prescott and Ashley Shaw’s affairs moving forward, past grievances could be forgiven.
However, Ashley Shaw still deserved an apology.
"Find a moment later and clarify your stance to Ashley, offer an apology. It’ll save you both the awkwardness during future encounters."
Elder Prescott spoke, and Lars Prescott dared not refuse.
He responded with "Yes," and upon turning his head, saw Warren Prescott arriving late.
Behind Warren Prescott was a dignified middle-aged woman, and Lars squinted to recognize her as Curtis Bowen’s former wife.
It was unclear why she would appear in such a setting.
Ashley Shaw was led offstage by Claire Xavier to speak backstage as she was still in a daze.
Claire Xavier had been informed beforehand, and it was Warren Prescott who requested her to take care of Ashley Shaw’s emotions, prompting her immediate arrival.
Backstage, Ashley Shaw was no longer as bewildered as on stage, yet her heart was a mix of emotions.
Earlier, as she stepped off the stage, Owen Sinclair gently apologized to her, admitting his past wrongs towards her and her mother, and regretted keeping the truth from her.
Ashley Shaw remained silent and simply followed Claire Xavier to the backstage.
Seeing Ashley’s complex expression, Claire Xavier held her hand and asked, "What are you thinking now? You can talk to me, maybe it will help clarify your thoughts."
Ashley Shaw smiled bitterly, saying, "Ms. Grant, would you believe if I said that above all else, what I feel now is embarrassment?"
Claire Xavier was puzzled, "Why embarrassment?"
Having learned from Warren Prescott about Owen Sinclair and Mrs. Shaw’s history, Claire was worried Ashley Shaw might not accept Owen Sinclair.
Yet now, instead of expressing joy or anger, Ashley claims embarrassment?
Ashley Shaw pursed her lips and smiled bitterly again, "I truly resent my father for never being there when I needed him. He was absent when my mom needed him too..."
She paused and said, "But I really liked Uncle Owen; he’s such a nice person, kind to me, with good character... I never imagined the person I liked could be the one I hated most. So I’m really embarrassed... I don’t know how to face him."
If she views Owen Sinclair as her father, forgiveness won’t come easily.
But if she sees Owen Sinclair merely as an uncle, she is grateful to him.
"I don’t even know how to speak with him."
Claire Xavier patted her shoulder, saying, "I may not completely empathize, but I understand your feelings. If you truly can’t accept that he’s your dad, then continue seeing him as Uncle..."
Ashley Shaw replied, "With the paternity test results out, I can’t just regard him as the old Uncle Owen."
Claire Xavier resorted to highlighting Owen Sinclair’s good qualities.
"Warren told me that Owen Sinclair had to part with your mom out of necessity. Moreover, he was unaware of your existence."
Ashley Shaw lowered her head, recalling the stories Owen Sinclair shared with her.
How did she respond to Owen Sinclair back then?
She said from a woman’s perspective, Owen Sinclair was wrong, yet from Owen’s stance, she would have done the same.
More than staying together, the wish was for mutual safety.
Similarly, Warren Prescott once chose safety over happiness.
Her rationale told her she should forgive Owen Sinclair.
But emotionally, she still harbored feelings towards him.
The fact remained that Owen Sinclair was unaware of her existence.
Ashley Shaw said, "After the press conference, I have a question for him. If his answer matches my expectations, I’ll try to gradually accept him."
So there’s potential for a resolution.
Claire Xavier smiled, "Now focus on the positives. Consider how you are no longer someone anyone can bully, you have family, and this family is powerful and influential. Doesn’t that make your mind more at ease?"
Ashley Shaw smiled slightly, "Seeing it that way, it appears I’m the one benefitting the most from recognizing him, I should be happy."
Claire Xavier waved her finger.
"Wrong, he’s the one benefitting. Out of nowhere, a beautiful, intelligent, and charming daughter falls into his lap, that’s a tremendous joy."
The two continued chatting backstage, while up front, Warren Prescott had taken Mrs. Bowen onto the stage.
Mrs. Bowen, after taking the microphone, didn’t mention Ashley Shaw, instead, she spoke of her troubled marriage and how a woman named Rosalind Lynch took her husband.
She noted her recent divorce success.
Reporters looked at each other, baffled as to why the lady would talk about something unrelated to the press conference.
Then, Mrs. Bowen suddenly revealed an entertainment company.
She added, "That company belongs to my ex-husband, now gifted to that seductress. This scandal is orchestrated by my ex’s company."
Reporters were stunned, unable to fathom why this affair targeted Ashley Shaw.
Mrs. Bowen proceeded to explain.
It turned out the "third sister" once fancied Warren Prescott.
But Warren Prescott was now pursuing Ashley Shaw.
Upon hearing this, everyone finally understood.
It was the "third sister’s" deliberate revenge.
Suddenly, all fingers pointed at Rosalind Lynch.
The press conference was live-streamed, causing an uproar among viewers.
Inquisitive individuals soon dug out that Rosalind Lynch was indeed the heiress of the Lynch Group, responsible months ago for phone explosions caused by quality issues.
[Truly, the upper beam is not straight, hence the lower beam is crooked! With such a father, how could there be a well-raised daughter?]
[I initially thought that the victims were Owen Sinclair and Ashley Shaw, yet surprisingly, the biggest casualty was this divorced lady.]
[Isn’t that right? Rosalind Lynch turned into a homewrecker for revenge while this lady was utterly innocent. So tragic!]
[I think such people don’t deserve to live, frankly speaking.]
...
Behind the screen, Rosalind Lynch was also watching the press conference.
At this moment, her face was ashen as she angrily smashed the keyboard to the ground, seeing the barrage of comments.
"Bitch! Bitch!"
Following that, she picked up whatever she could throw, causing chaos everywhere.
Why?
Why did Ashley Shaw have such good fortune?
Why was Owen Sinclair suddenly Ashley Shaw’s biological father?
If it weren’t for this revelation, she could’ve easily sabotaged their press conference.
But fatefully, Owen Sinclair produced undeniable evidence proving his and Ashley Shaw’s innocence.
Between father and daughter, how could there be discord?
And Mrs. Bowen, exactly when did she connect with Warren Prescott?
