Alex ordered, "Make sure to handle Mrs. Ashford Senior as well."


    "Rest assured, Mr. Hastings. I''ve already assigned someone to keep an eye on her. Every move she makes is under our control," Louis quickly assured him.


    Alex nodded in satisfaction and downed the rest of his wine. "By the way, keep an eye on Celine Hayes too."


    "Celine Hayes?" Louis hesitated for a moment. "She''s just a neighbor of the Ashfords. She''s well-informed but timid. She shouldn''t be a problem..."


    "Better to be cautious. Have someone watch her. I don''t want her messing things up for me," Alex interrupted.


    "Understood, Mr. Hastings." Louis nodded slightly in deference.


    After Louis left, Alex sat alone in the office.


    Serena''s predicament unsettled him. He needed to resolve this quickly-not just for her but for himself as well.


    "Mr. Hastings, here''s the information you requested."


    A sharp-looking man wearing sses walked in and ced a file on the desk.


    This was Randall Young, the top investigative reporter at YS Media, famous for his ruthless pursuit of scandalous scoops.


    Alex picked up the file and flipped through it carefully. It contained detailed records of Felicia and Shirley, including their personal backgrounds and recent activities.


    "Randall, I need you to go to the Ashford residence in person. I want to know everything about them," Alex said, his gaze turning sharp andmanding. "Understood, Mr. Hastings." Randall adjusted his sses, and a sly smirk formed on his lips.


    ...


    ver


    When Felicia heard that a reporter wasing for an interview, she immediately put on her best royal-blue embroidered dress. She even had Shirley apply heavy makeup, and her bright red blush was so exaggerated that Randall had to stifle augh.


    She enthusiastically served him refreshments whileunching into a dramatic rant


    about Serena''s "ungrateful" behavior, spitting as she spoke.


    "Ah, kids these days! They have no respect at all I raised my granddaughter with so much love always saving the best food for her. And now? The moment she got some sess, she turned her back on me!"


    Tears and snot streamed down her face as she wailed, painting herself as a tragic victim.


    Randall feigned interest, jotting notes white subtly steering the conversation. "Mrs. Ashford Senior, what does your granddaughter do for a living? She must be doing quite well to afford such a big house."


    At this, Felicia straightened her back with pride. "Oh, she''s a big-time boss who


    runs her ownpany! She''s very impressive!"


    Then, lowering her voice conspiratorially, she leaned in closer to Randall and whispered, "Let me tell you something-herpany rakes in billions every year!" Randall widened his eyes in feigned astonishment. "Wow! Billions? Mrs. Ashford Senior, you must be living in luxury!"


    He continued to guide the conversation smoothly. "By the way, I heard you know quite a bit about Madam Burke''s situation."


    At the mention of Nicole, Felicia''s expression turned smug, and she eagerlyunched into a tale, twisting the story to paint Nicole as a shameless and promiscuous woman.


    Randall nodded along, all the while secretly recording her every word.


    Just then, there was a knock at the door.


    Celine stood outside, panting slightly as she carried two bags of renovation materials.


    Her home was undergoing renovations, and she needed to temporarily store some supplies in the shared hallway. She hade to ask Felicia for permission.


    "Mrs. Ashford Senior, my house is under renovation. Would you mind if I leave some things in the hallway for a few days?" Celine smiled politely as she asked in a courteous tone.