Chapter 688  Aspen did not say a word .


    Her lips trembled as she crouched down , reaching toward the skeleton .


    Her fingers found the metal ring resting on the bony remains of a hand .


    She pulled it free , her breath catching in her throat .


    It was a si ring made of reinforced alloy , untouched by the decay around it .


    Etched into the surface was a single word : Woods .


    Aspens mind went nk for a moment before a wave of dread crashed over her .


    She mumbled , Mr.


    Woods … is dead .


    Her heart pounded erratically as the truth she had tried so hard to deny solidified into cold , undeniable reality .


    That ring was Gordons a personal item he never went anywhere without .


    Yet , here it was , buried with this broken , rotting corpse .


    The implications were crystal clear .


    Jackie stumbled back , his face deathly pale .


    W Who the hell did this ? Who the hell in Jayrodale is capable of taking him down ? Bruce sucked in a sharp breath .


    Miss , t this has to be Mr.


    Woods .


    Theres no mistake .


    We need to inform the family immediately .


    Mr.


    Woods was Bridgefields Stevens familys strongest asset .


    Mr.


    Stevens needs to know about this .


    Aspens head snapped up .


    Her bloodshot eyes burned into Bruces .


    No ! We cant report this to Bridgefields .


    Bruces mouth fell open .


    What ? Miss , this is Mr.


    Woods were talking about .


    He was the familys pir of strength .


    We have to tell Mr.


    Stevens ! Aspens jaw tightened .


    She snarled through gritted teeth , Listen here we cant let Dad or our family in Bridgefields know about this ! Absolutely not ! She bit her lip so hard that it was even bleeding .


    Jackie panicked .


    Miss , a are you seriously nning to hide this matter ? Aspen red at him as she spat , You idiots , think it through ! If word gets back to Dad , what do you think will happen to us ? Ill survive Im his daughter , his golden girl .


    Hell punish me , sure , but he wont kill me .


    But you two ? Youre nobodies .


    Youre disposable .


    Hell me you for Mr.


    Woods death and have you executed to make an example .


    Bruce and Jackie exchanged a horrified nce .


    Aspens words hit like a p to the face .


    They immediately stiffened , realization dawning on them .


    Youre right , Miss , Bruce said , voice trembling .


    If word gets out about Mr.


    Woods death , well all be in deep trouble .


    Aspen fiddled with Gordons cold , metal ring in her hand .


    Her eyes glinted with venomous hatred as she growled , Andrew .


    This has to be Andrews doing .


    Bruce and Jackies eyes widened in disbelief .


    Thats impossible , Miss .


    Andrew ? Against Mr.


    Woods ? No way .


    Mr.


    Woods said it himself if his body hadnt been acting up that day at the Moonlit Apothecary , he couldve killed Andrew with ease .


    Aspens brow furrowed , her mind tangled with confusion .


    She could not figure out how Andrew had managed to kill Gordon , but she did not need evidence her instincts screamed that Andrew was behind this .


    Miss , Bruce said , lowering his voice , we wont be able to hide Mr.


    Woods death forever Sooner orter , 1/2  Chapter 688 people will start asking questions .


    Aspen gave a sharp nod .


    Youre right .


    We need a n fast .


    First , we have to secure our footing here in Jayrodale .


    We need to recover the billions we lost and build up our position .


    Her jaw tightened as she clenched the ring in her palm .


    Once weve regained our standing and made enough money to send back to the main family , Dad will be satisfied .


    If hes happy , even when he finds out Mr.


    Woods is dead … hell likely turn a blind eye .