Still, my hands aren’t entirely steady when I set the phone down. Almost three o’clock. No point in waiting. I need answers and I need them now.
I take a steadying breath and press the number.
It rings twice before a calm, polished voice answers. “Ashcroft Holdings. How may I direct your call?”
“Hi, I’d like to speak with Ben Ashcroft, please,” I say, trying to keep my tone professional.
The woman pauses, and I hear the faint clatter of a keyboard. “May I ask what this is regarding?”
“It’s regarding the Silverbeck redevelopment project. I’ve spoken with James Harlow multiple times, but I insist on speaking to the head of the development directly.”
There’s a longer pause this time, just enough for me to picture her rolling her eyes and deciding how unimportant I am. “Mr Ashcroft is in meetings all afternoon. I can pass along a message.”
“He’s expecting my call,” I interrupt, injecting as much authority as I can manage.
Another pause. This one feels deliberate. “Hold, please.”
Soft jazz trickles through the line. Smooth and meant to calm people like me down. It does the opposite. My foot taps out a quick rhythm on the floor, each note stretching my patience thinner.
Finally, the line clicks.
“Ms Ng.” His voice is deep and deliberate, his words slow and measured, as if every syllable is carefully chosen. “I believe you’ve been asking for me.”
That voice. Dark, controlled, commanding.
For a split second, I’m sixteen again, throwing pennies into the water fountain. But that boy didn’t have this voice.
I force a steady breath, pushing the memory aside. It’s just a coincidence. A different Ben Ashcroft. One with far too much authority and a voice that could cut glass.
“You did say ‘at my earliest convenience,’ Mr Ashcroft,” I reply. “And this is it.”
“What can I do for you?”
There’s an ease in his tone, like he has all the time in the world to deal with this call. It grates on me.
“I’m sure you’re aware that I’ve been in contact with James Harlow regarding the development,” I begin, my voice steady but sharp. “I’ve made it clear that this project is raising serious concerns for the local businesses affected. The Silverbeck Business Coalition has formally requested a meeting with someone who actually has decision-making power. Someone like you.”
“Ah, the coalition,” he says, his tone thoughtful. “James mentioned it.”
“Then you’ll also know we’re not going away quietly,” I say, pressing my advantage.
He pauses just long enough to make me uncomfortable.
“Persistent,” he says finally. “I admire that.”
I don’t trust the warmth in his voice. It feels like a test, a subtle chess move to see how I’ll react.
“Well, persistence pays off,” I say. “I assume you’re willing to meet with us?”
He hums softly, like he’s considering it far more than necessary. “Of course. I’d be happy to meet… next month.”
“Next month?” My grip on the phone tightens. “We were aiming for something sooner.”
“Unfortunately, my schedule is rather full.” His voice stays calm, but the deliberate weight behind his words is impossible to miss. “But… well.”
Another beat of silence.
“I do have an opening next Wednesday,” he continues, like he’s granting me a favour.
