Meanwhile, Asher was unaware of the commotion his new purchase had caused in the outside world. He currently sat in the back of his blacked out Rolls Royce, on his way to meet another of New York City's influential families. The Eastwood family was also another first rate family in New York City. They ran in the same circles as the Garrison family, and they were very well known. The dominated the luxury good business in the city, with only a few competitors. They also had very distant ties to the Kane clan, just not as deep and strong as the ties the Garrison family held. The Rolls Royce pulled up in front of the Eastwood manor. The security guards, unlike previous guards that Asher had come in contact with let him through without any hassle. The news about the purchase of the house earlier had everyone on tenterhooks, as nobody wanted to unwittingly offend anybody for now. As the car went round the circular driveway surrounding the manor, it rolled to a stop in front of the main

Asher had directed the driver to head towards his new residence because he was in need of a shower and a change of clothes. They were close to the estate when a call came into his phone. He looked down at the caller ID, it was an unsaved number. He picked up the call with a small frown, "Hello? Who is this?" A panicked voice came from the other end, "Hello, Mr. Griffin! Its Mr. Cheng, the manager of the hotel you purchased not too long ago."Recognition dawned on Asher. "Is anything the matter, Mr. Cheng?" "As a matter of fact, yes sir. There's a situation at the hotel, and they won't listen to me. You have to hurry here sir.""They? Who are they?" Asher asked. "They from the mob, sir. They work for-" The line suddenly went dead. Asher stated at the phone, wondering exactly what was going on. He had only bought that hotel as a show of power, but if anyone thought they could mess with him, they were in for a surprise. "Change of plans, take me to the Lotus Resort immediately." He

Not too long after his conversation with Roxanne, Asher was on his way to a jewellery store. He knew that Roxanne wasn't moved by material things, but he hadn't gifted her a lot while they were together, and he decided to break that chain. He swung his sedan into the parking lot of the mall complex, where it was surrounded by many flashy cars. Aston Martins, Bentleys amd Rolls Royces were littered about, making his sedan stick out like a sore thumb. But he wasn't bothered, not even in the slightest. He could afford any and all of the cars here, not to forget, he was being chauffeured about in a ridiculously expensive Rolls Royce a few days ago. He made sure his car was locked and he had his wallet, then he left the parking lot and went into the mall complex. The entire area screamed luxury. Many big brands had outlets here. Jewellery, clothes, skincare, food, you name it, a luxury version of everything could be found here. And surrounded by people wearing high end clothing and walki

As Asher and Roxanne walked into the lavish party, the room fell silent. Guests' eyes widened in shock of what Asher was actually putting on, their faces frozen in a mixture of surprise and disdain. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Asher could feel the weight of their judgment.Roland's expression transformed from shock to anger, his face reddening with rage. Odette, Roxanne's mother, stormed over to the couple, her eyes blazing with fury. She grasped their hands, pulling them apart with a force and that made Roxanne feel a sharp pain on her bones."So, you still allow this...this wretched thing to sully your reputation?" Odette spat, her voice venomous. "Have you no shame, Roxanne? Why are you bent on destroying our family's image?"Roxanne's face remained calm, but Asher could sense the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Roland, still seething with anger, looked at Asher from the distance. "You, why are you here?" he growled, his voice dripping with disdain.Asher stood

Celebration was over, the atmosphere was filled with the sound of goodbyes and thank-yous. Mr Roland and his wife Odette were getting set and ready to leave when Mrs. Odette realized Roxanne was nowhere to be found."Roxanne seems not to be here, have you any idea where she could be?" Mrs. Odette asked her husband, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.Mr Roland thought for a moment before responding, "I saw her going out a few minutes after our little confrontation. I thought she returned after that, or she not?"Mrs. Odette's expression changed immediately. Why was her husband asking her questions when she was the one who needed answers? She thought to herself. Meanwhile, Roxanne had earlier left the party. She completely lost her mood over her parents usual antics, so she decided to head home. After a refreshing bath, she fell into a deep sleep, trying to shut out the thoughts of the past experience.Back from the party venue, Mr. and Mrs. Roland returned home, assuming Roxanne