Chapter 222
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Chapter 223 Liar
“That’s not true!” Daniel said. “I already explained everything to Mira. I’m not here because of Rhys. I want to work. That’s all. You think just because I’ve got the Ganger name, I’m trying to screw someone over? You should know better. I’m the illegitimate one. Clive won’t even speak to me. They treat me like a stain. I’ve got nothing to gain from them. I’m not on their side I never was p>
He looked at me like I was supposed to back him up.
When I said nothing, he went on. “I’m just trying to earn a wage. I don’t have a trust fund or a penthouse. If I don’t work, I don’t eat. What’s so suspicious about wanting a damn job p>
He sniffled.
Ashton let out a short, amused breath.
He watched Daniel for a few seconds, then said, deadpan “You’re lying p>
“I’m not. Why would I lie? I’ve been here more than a month. If I wanted something from Mira, I would’ve taken it already. I’ve done nothing wrong. You’re making me out to be some kind of manipulative creep just because I’m broke p>
He turned it back on Ashton, his voice rising.
“Accusing me of some twisted agenda without proof? That’s just low p>
“Then explain the staged photos,” Ashton said.
Daniel’s eyes widened. “What photos? I have no idea what you’re talking about p>
I leaned in and asked Ashton quietly, “You think he set those up p>
“Yeah,” Ashton muttered, jaw tight. “I can’t prove it. Yet p>
He looked back at Daniel. “Forget the photos for now. Tell me why you pretended to be broke p>
“I didn’t pretend. I am broke. If I had money, why the hell would I be scrounging for hourly shifts p>
Ashton looked Daniel up and down, slow and deliberate,
“The jacket alone costs more than most people’s rent. Those trainers are limited edition and sold out in two minutes. You want me to believe you’re living off instant noodles p>
“They’re all replicas. Mass–produced knockoffs. Not worth anything p>
Ashton let out a quiet snort. His tone flattened. “And I supposed to take your word for it? You think I Can’t tell the difference p>
Daniel turned to me. “Mirabelle, seriously? He’s insulting me for owning fake clothes. I admit it, yeah, I bought a few lookalikes because I didn’t want to show up looking like a total nobody. Now he wants receipts? What next, my tax returns p>
Ashton looked at me too, silent for a moment.
Then he pulled out his phone, his thumb scrolling quickly
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“Two properties in Wessexia. Both bought by Clive Granger. Three supercars, each priced in the eight figures, also paid for by Granger. You claim he treats you like shit, but he’s out here buying you half the city. You get a monthly transfer from him. Two hundred grad. Minimum. And you expect me to believe you’re struggling p>
He tilted the phone just enough for me to see, then turn the screen to Daniel.
The image showed a marble townhouse with manicured hedges and a five–car driveway,
Daniel’s face shifted–not all at once! but gradually los all the smugness he’d been holding on to.
Ashton continued, “You never bought property after you came back. Fine, But don’t act like you’re couch- surfing. You’re renting a place for fifty grand a month. ill claiming, you’re broke p>
He swiped his screen again.
Then flicked it towards me.
Another photo.
A high–rise flat with glass walls, a long, ferrace, pale stone floors, and floor–to–ceiling, curtains.
“A pampered little heir waking up in two hundred square meters of air–conditioned silence, then dragging himself here on a bike for a minimum–wage gig. For what? Pocket change p>
He handed me the phone.
I took it.
The report was lengthy.
Photos. Transaction logs. Lease documents.
I scrolled through all of it, one by one, my grip on the phone tightening.
He’d worked with me for weeks, got the job done without complaints, even covered for me more than once.
I’d actually thought he was decent p>
When he told me Clive froze him out, I believed him.
I knew what the Grangers were like, Louisa was the only one in that family with a conscience.
It wasn’t hard to imagine Clive abandoning a kid overses and pretending he didn’t exist.
But now I was staring at proof that Clive funded his whole lifestyle.
I lowered my arm and stared straight at hima
“So everything you said just now was a lie. Back in Suns City, you said you didn’t have a grand to buy a phone. That was a lie too? What are you actually after? Why pretend p>
“I’m not
!” Daniel struggled to stand, “The flats in Wessexia, yeah, I live there with my inum, but they’re not in my name, Clive’s name’s on the deeds. He never give us anything extra. No allowances, nothing. It just looks fancy from the outside. We couldn’t even afford prescriptions when my mum got sick. And the cars? I was allowed to drive them, but they weren’t ming Not a single one p>
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His eyes pled with me.
I looked away.
“I’m renting a place now. Well, technically crashing at a friend’s. He knew I had nowhere to go, offered me the keys. That’s all. And that whole ‘two hundred grand a month‘ thing? That’s bullshit. You’ve got no proof. You’re accusing me of things that never happened”
He turned to Ashton, chin lifted. “You found some wires to Wessexia. That’s it. No receipts with my name, no direct transfers. Just a theory. You’ve got nothing p>
Ashton shrugged. “You’re right. I’ve got no proof. But you’ve got an agenda, and I know it p>
Daniel’s face flushed.
He looked at me.
“Mirabelle, come on! You know me. You’ve seen me here every day, I’ve never crossed a line with you. I wouldn’t. I’ve got no reason to p>
“I trust him,” I said.