Chapter 7: A Debt That Could Not Be Repaid
Chapter 7: A Debt That Could Not Be Repaid
The convoy came to a gentle stop before the grand entrance of the Ashcroft Estate.
One after another, the black luxury SUVs parked neatly along the marble driveway.
Rows of servants had already assembled outside.
The moment Samuel Ashcroft stepped out of the vehicle, every servant bowed respectfully.
“Welcome home, Chairman.”
Samuel acknowledged them with a nod before turning toward Charles.
“Come.”
“Today, you are an honored guest of the Ashcroft family.”
Charles stepped out of the vehicle.
His eyes wandered across the enormous estate.
The gardens were perfectly maintained.
Crystal fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sun.
Luxury vehicles worth fortunes rested beneath covered garages.
Towering trees lined the stone pathways leading toward the mansion.
Charles remained silent.
Even the richest family in Ashbrook Village could never have imagined living in a place like this.
Samantha noticed his expression.
She smiled.
“It’s your first time seeing somewhere like this, isn’t it?”
Charles nodded honestly.
“…Yes.”
She laughed softly.
“I felt the same way when I was little.”
“Come inside.”
As Charles entered the mansion…
He unconsciously slowed his footsteps.
The interior was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
Elegant paintings decorated the walls.
The polished marble floor reflected the warm lights above.
Everything spoke of wealth.
Yet nothing felt excessive.
Instead…
It carried a quiet sense of dignity.
Samuel led everyone into a spacious sitting room.
“Please.”
“Make yourself comfortable.”
Charles sat down carefully.
A few moments later…
Several servants entered carrying trays filled with food.
Freshly prepared dishes.
Seasonal fruits.
Warm soup.
Desserts.
Tea.
The aroma alone made Charles realize how hungry he truly was.
Samuel noticed his expression.
“You haven’t eaten properly since yesterday.”
“Please.”
“Eat first.”
Charles nodded gratefully.
“…Thank you.”
For the next several minutes…
The room remained peaceful.
Charles ate quietly.
Neither Samuel nor Samantha interrupted him.
Only after he had finished did Samuel smile.
“Feeling better?”
Charles nodded.
“Much better.”
“I’m grateful for your hospitality.”
Samuel chuckled.
“It is we who should be grateful.”
The three of them spent some time talking.
Samuel shared stories about how Ashenford City had grown over the years.
Samantha pointed out famous landmarks Charles had noticed during the drive.
Charles listened more than he spoke.
Whenever he answered, it was with honesty.
Neither Samuel nor Samantha found him arrogant.
If anything…
His humility made them admire him even more.
After nearly an hour…
Samuel glanced toward his personal assistant.
The assistant immediately understood.
He walked away before returning with a small black velvet box.
Samuel opened it.
Inside rested a sleek black bank card with silver edges.
He gently placed it on the table before Charles.
“This belongs to you.”
Charles looked at the card.
Without hesitation…
He pushed it back.
“I’m sorry.”
“I can’t accept this.”
Samuel smiled.
“I expected that answer.”
Charles spoke sincerely.
“I didn’t save you because I wanted a reward.”
“If I accepted this…”
“It would feel as though I saved you for money.”
Samuel slowly shook his head.
“No.”
“You saved me because you’re a good man.”
“And that is precisely why you deserve to accept my gratitude.”
Charles remained firm.
“Your thanks are enough.”
“I don’t need anything else.”
Samuel’s smile gradually disappeared.
His expression became unusually serious.
“Charles.”
“When I was young…”
“My father taught me something I have never forgotten.”
“If someone saves your life…”
“You repay that kindness with everything you can.”
“If you refuse…”
“You leave a debt in that person’s heart forever.”
He gently pushed the bank card toward Charles once more.
“I am an old man.”
“I have experienced success, failure, joy, and regret.”
“But I never wish to carry the regret of failing to thank the man who saved my life.”
Charles lowered his gaze.
Samuel continued.
“If you keep refusing…”
“You’ll make me believe my life isn’t even worth accepting a simple token of gratitude.”
Charles immediately shook his head.
“That isn’t what I mean.”
“I know.”
Samuel smiled again.
“Then don’t let this old man feel ashamed.”
Samantha finally spoke.
Her voice was gentle.
“Mr. Charles…”
“My grandfather has always lived by his principles.”
“If you continue refusing…”
“He’ll spend the rest of the day blaming himself.”
Charles looked from Samantha…
To Samuel…
He saw only sincerity.
No pride.
No arrogance.
No attempt to buy him.
Only genuine gratitude.
After a long silence…
Charles slowly picked up the black bank card with both hands.
“Then…”
“I’ll accept it.”
“But only because I respect your kindness.”
Samuel laughed heartily.
“Excellent.”
“Now I can finally sleep peacefully tonight.”
The atmosphere inside the room immediately became lighter.
Even the servants smiled.
Samuel looked pleased.
Samantha looked relieved.
Charles carefully placed the card inside his pocket.
He never asked how much money it contained.
To him…
The amount didn’t matter.
The meaning behind the gift did.
As the afternoon gradually turned into evening…
Charles stood up.
“I’ve already troubled your family enough.”
“I should be leaving.”
Samuel also rose.
“You could stay here tonight if you wish.”
“There are plenty of rooms.”
Charles smiled politely.
“Thank you.”
“But I still have somewhere I need to go.”
Samuel looked at him for a moment.
He could tell Charles wasn’t the type to rely on others.
Instead of insisting…
He nodded.
“Very well.”
“But remember this.”
“The Ashcroft family will always welcome you.”
“If you ever need help…”
“You only need to ask.”
Charles bowed respectfully.
“I’ll remember your kindness.”
Samantha walked him toward the front entrance.
The evening breeze carried the scent of flowers through the estate.
When they reached the waiting vehicle, Samantha smiled.
“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Charles.”
Charles returned the smile.
“It was nice meeting you too, Miss Samantha.”
She opened the car door for him.
“The driver will take you wherever you’d like to go within Ashenford.”
Charles nodded.
“Thank you.”
The luxury sedan slowly pulled away from the estate.
Samuel and Samantha remained standing at the entrance, watching until the vehicle disappeared beyond the gates.
After a long silence…
Samuel quietly smiled.
“That young man…”
“He has a remarkable heart.”
Samantha nodded.
“I have a feeling…”
“This won’t be the last time we meet.”
Far away…
Charles looked out the car window as Ashenford City’s lights gradually illuminated the evening sky.
His old life had ended.
A new one had only just begun.