Save Myself from Desperation by Cara Agnes

Chapter 287

Furious and indignant, Jessica burst into tears as she rushed over to complain to Evan, “Dad, look at

Ashley…”

But before she could finish her words, Ashley swung the ruler again.

Another hit on Jessica.

“Ah!” Jessica cried out in pain, covering the area that was just struck, her eyes filled with horror as she

looked at Ashley.

She recalled Ashley’s earlier words. “One more word, and I’ll hit you up as well.”

This wasn’t an empty threat. Ashley was genuinely willing to hit her!

“Ashley, you…” Jessica had barely uttered two words when she saw Ashley raise the ruler again. She

was instantly terrified, screamed in fear, and raised her hands to cover her head, no longer daring to

make a sound.

Bertha got up from the floor and ran over to protect Jessica, glaring at Ashley. She was about to

reprimand her, but when she met Ashley’s icy and stern gaze, she was scared into silence.

Bertha thought, ‘This troublemaker, this ingrate. She has crossed the line!

‘It’s like she is bent on turning this family upside down.”

The commotion in the living room attracted the servants of Ramos Villa. However, the Ramos family

had fallen on hard times, and many servants had been dismissed. Only a few elderly ones remained.

Seeing the situation, Clark casually blocked the way to the living room

entrance.

A burly man close to seven feet tall stood there, exuding a strong sense of oppression. The frightened

servants dared not approach and only peeked their heads in, assuming some family matter was going

on.

Inside the living room, Bertha sheltered Jessica and cowered timidly on the side, glaring at Ashley but

not daring to voice her anger.

Seeing them like this, Evan felt deeply distressed. However, with his own face throbbing in pain, blood

seeping from his battered mouth, and a missing front tooth, he glared at Ashley with eyes almost

popping out. “You… All of this just for the sake of Miranda…”

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He stopped, then thought to himself. This scoundrel actually struck us all for the sake of Miranda.

Who does she think she is, laying hands on us? She’s the one who should be taking the hits!”

Evan clenched his teeth. If Ashley valued her friend Miranda so much. he could use that against her

more effectively.

“Where’s Miranda? Tell me now.” Ashley stared at Evan with an icy gaze, suddenly noticing him

discreetly concealing his phone in his pocket.

Her eyes narrowed, and she approached, reaching for Evan’s phone.

Evan tried to avoid her.

Ashley swung the ruler again, and Evan screamed in pain, covering his swollen face with both hands.

Taking advantage of the moment, Ashley took his phone.

Two unread messages were displayed.

Ashley clicked on it. The first one was a video. She clicked play immediately.

The next moment, as she saw the content, Ashley was shocked.

::

The video showed a scene in what seemed to be a dilapidated old warehouse. Miranda was tied up,

cowering in a corner with fear. Her hair was disheveled, and her eyes were filled with terror and panic.

At this moment, a man with a fierce look, covered in tattoos on his arms. and chest, walked over. He

held a steel pipe and was about to strike Miranda.

Miranda was so frightened that she closed her eyes and screamed.

Ultimately, the steel pipe stopped a few inches above her head.

Seeing Miranda scared and shaking, the tattooed man burst into laughter as if he enjoyed scaring her

for his own entertainment.

The video ended at this point.

Ashley’s heart tightened instantly, and she almost crushed the phone.

The second message was a text. [Mr. Ramos, we’ve taken her to the agreed-upon location. When will

you be here?]

Chapter 287

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Seeing this message. Ashley raised her head sharply to look at Evan, thinking. And he claimed

Miranda’s situation had nothing to do with him?’ The cold, death-like silence in her eyes carried a

sense of anger.

Evan was frightened by Ashley’s terrifying gaze, shivering. In an attempt. to save face, he straightened

his neck and bellowed. “If you want Miranda to stay safe, just agree to a few conditions of mine.”

Ashley sneered at his words. Using Evan’s phone, she imitated his tone. and replied to the kidnappers:

[Miranda is still valuable. Don’t harm her. I’ll be there shortly.]

At least this would ensure Miranda’s safety for the time being.

The kidnappers replied: [Mr. Ramos, our commission…]

Ashley continued to respond: [Not a penny less. I’ll give it all to you.]

After sending the message, Ashley scrolled up, finding no valuable chat records.

The previous text message from the kidnappers mentioned bringing Miranda to the agreed-upon place.

It was clear that Evan had already negotiated with these kidnappers privately.

Ashley was anxious, her gaze piercing towards Evan.

Thinking he had the upper hand, Evan laughed triumphantly. “Told you. If you agree to my conditions,

I’ll release Miranda unharmed.”

Evan retrieved a contract from the nearby drawer. “Ashley, if you don’t want Miranda to get hurt, you

better sign this agreement today.”

Ashley quickly scanned the document and found it detailed a lot of astonishing things, such as publicly

declaring reconciliation with the Ramos family, moving back in with them, working at the Ramos Group,

portraying to the world that they were a harmonious family, and aiding the family’s reputation recovery.

In addition, all her future earnings would be handed over to Evan. Furthermore, the matter concerning

Miranda today was to be kept confidential, with no disclosure or reporting to the authorities.

As Ashley read through the agreement, Jessica and Bertha on the side had visible excitement on their

faces.

Even if Ashley was reluctant, she would undoubtedly have signed this agreement under the threat to

Miranda’s safety.

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By then, the Ramos family could have made a comeback with Ashley’s assistance.

After reading the agreement, Ashley expressionlessly tossed it back into Evan’s arms.

Evan immediately frowned. “What’s this attitude of yours? Ashley, don’t think you’re at a loss. I am your

father, and the Ramos family has provided you for two years. Repaying us is only right and proper.”

After Evan finished speaking, he slammed the agreement onto the table, scolding coldly, “Sign it now.

And about earlier, you used a ruler to hit me and even struck Jessica. This is outrageous! You dared to

lay hands on your own father! You must apologize to us.”

“Apologize?” Ashley suddenly chuckled, slightly lifting her lashes, revealing a momentary glint in her

eyes. She set down the ruler.

Seeing her put down the ruler, Evan, with smugness on his face, pointed at the agreement on the table.

“You’re finally being sensible. Once you sign it, I’ll have them release Miranda.”

However, Ashley abruptly approached Evan the next instant, seized his hair, and forcefully pressed his

head down. She then smashed his head onto the glass coffee table.

A loud crash!

The glass shattered, and blood spilled out.

Evan’s forehead was hit, now red and swollen, with blood gushing out.

In an instant, the living room echoed with Evan’s agonizing screams. He fell to his knees in pain.

“Evan!” Bertha rushed over in anguish, witnessing Evan’s face contorted in pain, gasping for breath,

foaming at the mouth, and unable to utter a word.

Witnessing this scene, the servants outside the living room were left dumbfounded. Ashley, who had

been mistreated in this household, had seemingly reversed the roles? Should they intervene?

However, with Clark blocking the way, the elderly servants dared not approach without permission.

At this moment, the security guard at the door stumbled over, witnessing

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the chaotic scene in the living room. It took him a few seconds to

remembe,

his duty. “Mr. Ramos, Mr. Kingsley…Mr. Kingsley has arrived!”

Evan was in extreme agony but disregarded the pain at the mention of “Mr. Kingsley.” He asked,

“Which Mr. Kingsley?”

The security guard swallowed nervously, reporting, “It’s Mr. Valentin Kingsley! Mr. Kingsley has arrived!”

ible speed.

Clark clung tightly to the car handrail, trying to turn his head back to glance at Valentin. To his surprise,

Valentin was admiring Ashley’s driving skills with a look that practically screamed, “My wife is amazing!”

Valentin didn’t say much because he knew Ashley was worried about Miranda. Since she wanted to

reach Ramos Villa quickly, he naturally supported her.

The initially more than 40-minute journey was compressed to less than half, reaching Ramos Villa at

the fastest speed possible.

Clark was genuinely amazed, thinking. She is indeed a racing genius. Sitting in the car of a racing

legend in my lifetime, how awesome is that!

‘Compared to Ms. Ramos, my driving speed is like child’s play!”

As soon as the car stopped, Ashley got out of the driver’s seat without stopping. At this moment,

Valentin’s phone rang, a report call from his subordinates.

They were the ones who went to investigate for clues near Miranda’s

apartment.

Valentin answered the call on speaker, and Ashley anxiously listened.

The subordinate reported, “Mr. Kingsley, we haven’t reached Miranda’s residence yet, but a few of our

guys were already in the area for another task. I’ve instructed them to investigate immediately. The

preliminary findings show that the surveillance was maliciously damaged. Miranda’s phone was

shattered on the ground, making it impossible to trace her. In addition, we found a small electronic

device on the ground. We’re not sure if it’s a clue.”

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Valentin said in a low voice. “Bring it over immediately. The address is Winston Street, No. 34.”

“Okay, Mr. Kingsley.” After the subordinate finished speaking, he was stunned for a moment. Winston

Street, No. 34… Isn’t that the locati Ramos Villa? How did Mr. Kingsley manage to get there so swiftly?

After hanging up the phone, Ashley thought for a moment and said, “Valentin, you wait here for the item

to be delivered. See if it can reveal any clues. I’ll go inside to find Evan. If you discover any leads,

come in immediately.”

This way, both sides could investigate simultaneously, making the process more efficient. Moreover,

Evan didn’t know yet that she was aware of Miranda’s kidnapping. If she went in now, she might catch

him. off guard.

Although Valentin was worried about Ashley going in alone, seeing her determined expression, he let

Clark accompany her inside.

As the head of the security team, Clark had excellent skills and could protect her.

Ashley had no objection.

At the entrance of Ramos Villa, the security guards took a few seconds to collect their thoughts when

they saw Ashley coming over. Of course, they recognized that this was Ashley Ramos. But hadn’t she

cut ties with the family already? Why was she suddenly back in the middle of the night?

Moreover, Ashley flourished after she left, while the Ramos family faced continuous setbacks. The

current Ashley was no longer someone the Ramos family could aspire to match.

The security guard dared not take matters into his own hands, nor did he dare to chase her away. He

immediately ran to inform Evan.

Worried about Miranda, Ashley had long lost her patience. She was not concerned about formalities

and went straight in.

Ashley hadn’t anticipated that stepping into Ramos Villa again would be under these circumstances.

At such a late hour, Evan and Jessica were still awake. Bertha, who had. returned from the hospital,

joined them in the living room.

Evan had been staring at his phone, having just received the news about

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the escaped criminals successfully kidnapping Miranda as planned.

As he was about to proceed with the next step, the security guard suddenly ran in, saying Ashley had

arrived.

Evan was surprised. “Why did she suddenly here?”

Bertha pondered momentarily and smiled, “Could it be that the stubborn girl has had a change of

heart? After we went to Royal Entertainment to find her that day, she thought it through and decided to

help us, so she came back?”

Upon hearing this, Evan, somewhat pleased, said, “At least this troublemaker has some conscience.”

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Jessica was quiet and didn’t speak. She thought, ‘Ashley, that wicked woman, has she truly had a

change of heart and was willing to help the Ramos family?’

Evan looked at the security guard beside him, adopting a condescending tone. “Let her in…”

Before he finished the words, Ashley had already entered the room, accompanied by a nearly 7-foot-

tall, strong man.

Evan was dissatisfied that Ashley didn’t regard him highly, but now the family needed her, so he had to

suppress his discontent. “You’ve got some conscience to come back. Who’s the one following you?”

Clark, a muscular man, stood silently next to Ashley. He only followed her orders and did not intend to

bother Evan.

Ashley had already run out of patience and got straight to the point. “Where is Miranda?”

Evan was surprised by her inquiry about Miranda.

Bertha’s eyes flashed with panic. They had just had Miranda kidnapped, and Ashley already knew

about it? So quickly?

Jessica was equally surprised and wondered how Ashley found out.

Evan concealed his inner confusion, feigning ignorance. “What Miranda? What are you talking about?”

Ashley suddenly stepped closer, staring sharply at him, her voice like icy daggers. “Tell me! Where is

Miranda right now?”

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Evan instinctively stepped back, unexpectedly overwhelmed by Ashley’s momentum. Despite feeling a

chill down his spine, he sensed that retreating would damage his dignity. Frustrated and desperate, he

blustered. “What are you talking about? Miranda? I don’t know her at

Ashley repeated his words in her mind and sneered.

She really hated that others were getting into trouble because of her.

She walked to a nearby table and picked up a long, thick ruler. This was the thing the Ramos family

used to discipline her in the past.

Seeing Ashley pick up the ruler, Evan recalled the days of disciplining her and revelled again in his role

as the head of the family. He sneered, “What’s this, now you know it wasn’t smart to talk back to me

and try to punish yourself with that ruler? You rebellious, ungrateful daughter! You’ve got some nerve

challenging your own father! Well, let’s stick to the good old tradition. Give yourself a good whack with

that ruler! Ten times!”

Hearing this, Clark was shocked. ‘Good old tradition? What kind of life did Ms. Ramos have in this

house?’

Bertha was unfazed, believing that a good child could only be raised under strict discipline. No beating,

no success.

After Evan’s arrogant scolding, he waited for Ashley to hit herself.

However, the next instant, Ashley walked up to Evan with the ruler. She suddenly raised the ruler high

and struck ruthlessly at him.

A sharp crack echoed as the ruler hit Evan, creating a horrifying sound.

“Ah!” The living room was filled with Evan’s horrendous screams.

Bertha and Jessica were stunned and immediately rushed over.

“You beast! You ungrateful child! How dare you hit your own father!” Bertha yelled in a sharp voice,

rushing forward to strike Ashley.

Ashley promptly threw her out. “Get lost!”

Bertha staggered and fell to the ground.

In pain with bloodshot eyes, Evan seethed with anger, breathing heavily as he clenched his teeth.

“Ashley! You, you…”

Before he could finish speaking, there was another loud snap!

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Ashley used the ruler to hit his mouth this time.

Evan’s face instantly swelled up, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth. One of his front teeth had

been knocked out, and he spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva.

“Ashley!” Jessica rushed forward in fear and grabbed Ashley. Pretending to be respectful and gentle,

she softly advised, “Ashley, even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t lay hands on Dad. There must be a

misunderstanding… Ah!”

Once again, there was a loud snap!

Ashley swung the ruler backhandedly, striking Jessica across her body.

She remained indifferent as she said, “One more word, and I’ll hit you up as well.”

Jessica screamed in pain, tears instantly welling up. In e past, she used to be the one wielding the ruler

against that despicable woman, Ashley. Now, the tables had turned.