In the bustling cafeteria, Olivia's laughter filled the air as she mocked Asher cynically. "Hey, do you think you could be an heir? Maybe you should hire more actors to dramatize, Asher!" She taunted, accompanied by waves of mockery from those around her.
The cafeteria patrons echoed Olivia's sentiments, their looks filled with disdain towards Asher. Various whispers could be heard. "Look, after being rejected, this country bumpkin is putting on a show!" "Poor Asher! So desperate for Olivia's approval that he's hiring others." "I think Asher's foolish. Wanting to date Olivia so badly!" However, Olivia's echoing laughter suddenly subsided when Mr. Leonester, the butler, spoke calmly yet firmly, "You should be careful with your words, Mrs. Halbert. The Dixon family's power should not be underestimated." The cafeteria fell into a hush. Those who were whispering seemed to avert their eyes, avoiding the sharp and intimidating gaze of the white-haired, yet dignified, man. Meanwhile, Darren, unable to stand Olivia's mockery, stood up immediately, portraying himself as a hero defending his beloved. "Don't speak to Olivia like that! You have no right to insult someone like that," he hissed, his sharp gaze directed at Mr. Leonester, attempting to belittle the butler's position. However, Asher remained silent, observing the scene before him with mixed emotions. He felt hurt seeing Darren, who he once trusted, defending Olivia so fiercely. Yet, he also felt relieved seeing Mr. Leonester sternly rebuke Olivia for her demeaning behavior. In silence, Asher chose to take a wise step forward, restraining the turmoil within him. Darren persisted with his harsh stance, his biting remarks flowing despite the increasing tension around him. "You're just a mere butler, Mr! You have no right to speak to us like that. Asher is no heir to anything. We all know that," he declared challengingly. Mr. Leonester remained composed, but his gaze was powerful as he responded, "Mr. Alexander, what you believe and what is factual are two different things. Asher Dixon is the rightful heir of the Dixon family, and that fact cannot be altered by anyone's opinion or desires." The argument escalated, turning the once lively cafeteria into a tense atmosphere. The students, initially bystanders, now engaged in discussions, dissecting what unfolded before them. "Exactly! Asher isn't an heir, an orphan can't be an heir!" "But hey, Asher carries the Dixon name. A respected family and company in this country!" Meanwhile, Asher remained silent, but his eyes conveyed determination. He wouldn't allow anyone, including Darren, to undermine the rights or insult the Dixon family legacy. Although betrayed, he opted to keep a cool head, waiting for the right moment to act. Amidst the escalating tension, Mr. Leonester finally concluded the conversation with a resounding statement, "It's time to end this debate. Facts cannot be altered by mere words. Asher Dixon is the rightful heir of the Dixon family, and that is a fact everyone here must accept." Mr. Leonester's final words echoed in the cafeteria, leaving Darren puzzled and frustrated. Asher felt relieved seeing Mr. Leonester defend and affirm his position, yet he also sensed that significant challenges awaited in the future, both from Darren and others who might disagree with this acknowledgment. Olivia stood with folded arms, her disdainful gaze still evident. She exhaled arrogantly as if challenging Asher. "We have no relationship anymore, Asher. Go play your role as an heir somewhere else!" she jeered. Darren, who had been observing quietly, approached Olivia confidently. He embraced her waist affectionately, making Asher glare with a mix of hatred and hurt. His heart felt wounded by this betrayal. How could Darren, once considered his friend, become part of this betrayal? "Asher, this is the real world. Don't think that with your fake titles and wealth, you can act like a wealthy person," Darren added coldly, attempting to assert dominance and bring Asher face-to-face with harsh realities. Yet, Asher didn't give in easily. He stared at Darren and Olivia with cold eyes, his desire for revenge growing stronger. "Hah! Acting like a wealthy person?" Asher laughed cynically, his voice filled with confidence. Mr. Leonester, who had been silently observing, finally spoke with a calm yet firm voice. "This isn't just about fake titles or wealth, but about integrity and morality. The reality you must accept, Asher, is that you are the rightful heir of the Dixon company, not just a title or money." Mr. Leonester's words made Darren and Olivia pause momentarily. They realized that the power and influence of the Dixon family couldn't be taken lightly, considering the company's success and reputation. Asher looked on cynically, then spoke with a cold tone. "Fine, think what you want. I hope you can all find happiness or suffer together!" Then Asher walked out of the cafeteria, leaving whispers and curious glances from everyone. Mr. Leonester followed the young master from behind, becoming Asher's guiding light.Asher was brought back to the mansion, the place that should have been his home. As he stepped inside, the air seemed to change, becoming more serene and luxurious. The glow of beautiful crystal lamps radiated along the mansion's corridors, creating an atmosphere that seemed to welcome the heir of the Dixon family.Stepping on the gleaming marble floor, Asher's memories took him back to the past, right to when he was four years old. He vividly remembered how massive and grand the mansion appeared to him back then. The cherished memories with his parents, Luciana Dixon and Aberon Dixon, became clearer in his mind.Upon entering the mansion's main hall, Asher was greeted with warmth and grandeur. Luciana Dixon, his elegant mother in a captivating evening gown, approached Asher with a happy smile. "Welcome back, dear," she said warmly.His father, Aberon Dixon, a dignified man in a suit befitting his position as the head of the Dixon company, extended his hand to pat Asher's shoulder. "Y
The next day, Aberon indeed brought Asher to attend the executive meeting, making relatives who desired Dixon company assets feel anxious. Rumors about the handsome young man walking beside Aberon being his true son and heir added to the tension.The staff lined up neatly to welcome their master, bowing their heads respectfully. The meeting that ensued promised to be intense and shocking.Asher's hesitant steps halted at the meeting room door; he glanced briefly at Aberon and took a slow breath to calm his nerves.The door swung open wide, and Aberon invited Asher to enter the room with him. For a moment, the executives' attention shifted to the young man next to Aberon, and then they all bowed in greeting and respect to their leader.Aberon exclaimed, holding Asher's back upright, "Before we begin the meeting, I'd like to introduce my son."The executives exchanged looks, whispers barely audible. Faces displayed surprise and doubt regarding Asher's legitimacy among them.Aberon looke
After Kailos finished informing the Alexander Company, Asher started discussing with Kailos, carrying out his next tasks as the leader. He seemed enthusiastic while providing interesting ideas for the hotel development project.Besides work, Kailos also explained that every year the Dixon company held charity events and social activities. Asher was intrigued. "What contributions does the education foundation make to underprivileged children?" Asher asked, catching the social activities' purpose and the education foundation's contributions."Yes, Sir. We often donate to orphanages. During charity events, we can donate new or gently used items to those in need. It can also be for orphaned children."Asher nodded in understanding. For a moment, he was silent, a question crossing his mind. "Then who leads the Dixon company's welfare foundation?"If there are contributions from the education foundation, charity events, and social activities, there must be a leader managing the welfare foun
Asher enjoyed his life as an heir. Although many eyes disapproved of him replacing Aberon, even one by one, the subsidiaries managed by his uncle rebelled, demanding Aberon to take back full control of the company. The news of Asher terminating the partnership with the Alexander Company spread quickly.Asher didn't pay much attention to the protests from the Dixon subsidiaries. Like it or not, they had to follow his policies if they still wanted to lead branches of the Dixon company.After successfully causing significant losses to Darren’s company, Asher reviewed all the partnership documents with other companies.Who knows, maybe the Halbert company had worked with Dixon. If true, Asher would make that company suffer the same fate as the Alexander company.Kailos rose from the sofa and walked towards Asher's desk. He handed over a document for a partnership with another company in the furniture sector for the hotel's facilities. "Sir, this is a proposal from a furniture company reco
After finishing all his office work, Asher met with Wilson Leonester at the mansion. He specifically asked the middle-aged man to investigate the designs of Halbert Company’s furniture. Asher wanted to ensure whether there were other designs similar to those of Rudwick Company.A sly smile formed on Asher’s lips after reading various documents from Wilson. The surname that Olivia had always been proud of and the success of Halbert Company turned out to be stolen from another company.Asher felt even more pleased; he was just one step away from achieving his goal of getting back at Olivia. His gaze shifted to Wilson, and he asked, “Mr. Wilson, do you know why Dixon Company always uses furniture from Halbert?”Wilson looked up, thinking for a moment before answering Asher’s question. “As far as I know, Dixon doesn’t always use furniture from Halbert. Sometimes my master uses furniture from Rudwick.”Asher nodded in understanding. His eyes refocused on the sheets of paper. “But why did K
The company anniversary party held at the five-star Rustyhoze Hotel by Cody Halbert looked very luxurious. The guests were from the upper class. Not only businessmen but Olivia—the heir of the Halbert company—also invited her college friends.The noisy atmosphere suddenly turned silent when Asher and Kailos entered the room. All eyes turned to Asher, whispering curiously about the handsome young man walking alongside Aberon Dixon's personal secretary. Some recognized him as the heir to the Dixon company.Olivia looked at Asher with annoyance. Her annoyance turned into surprise when she saw her father shaking hands warmly with Asher. She walked over to them, her curiosity piqued.Asher smiled meaningfully at Olivia beside Cody Halbert. "Nice to meet you again, Miss Halbert," Asher greeted the woman in a red dress with a low neckline.Olivia looked disdainful, not intending to return Asher's greeting. She smiled dismissively and glanced briefly at Kailos. "How much are you paid by this
Olivia felt a surge of anger welling up in her chest. She glared sharply at Asher, the young man who had ruined the party's atmosphere with his audacity. Her father, Cody Halbert, even had to bow his head and plead for the collaboration between their companies not to be canceled.A victorious smile adorned Asher's face. He enjoyed seeing Olivia's angry and upset expression and Cody's nervousness as he tried to explain the similarity between the two designs. The tension escalated when Olivia tore up the Rudwick company's design license letter and threw it right in front of Asher. Cody immediately grabbed Olivia's arm, giving her a warning signal.Kailos stepped forward to shield Asher, boldly and sharply staring at Olivia. "How dare a spoiled girl like you behave so rudely?!"Olivia snapped, displeased with Kailos' attitude. "How dare you stare at me like that! Do you even know who I am, huh?"Asher's laughter broke out, drawing the guests' attention. The atmosphere grew quieter, and t
The party was truly in chaos. The guests who were supposed to enjoy the luxury of the Rustyhoze Hotel were busy gossiping about Asher, the legitimate heir of the Dixon company. A victorious smile played on Asher's lips as he caught sight of Olivia's shocked and angry face. Darren also seemed unable to accept the fact that Asher was the heir to the Dixon company.Cody bowed deeply in regret, bending before Asher. "As the host of this event, I apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Asher Dixon. And I also apologize for my daughter's rude behavior."Olivia's and Darren's eyes widened in disbelief. Bowing like this meant that Asher's social status was far higher than theirs."I indeed feel uncomfortable, Mr. Halbert. I feel insulted by the rude behavior of your daughter and your future son-in-law. It seems they need an education in manners at home," said Asher coldly, looking at Olivia with meaningful eyes."Hey, Asher! Watch yo—" Olivia tried to retort, but Cody cut her off quickly. "Olivi
Asher sat in the company’s boardroom, positioned at the head of a long table adorned with piles of documents and an open laptop. His sharp eyes tracked the presentation displayed on the projector screen, where Kailos explained the potential of the LuseCraft and Rudwick partnership. Kailos’s calm voice filled the room as he outlined the opportunities this collaboration could bring.Yet, Asher’s thoughts drifted elsewhere. He wasn’t just listening to his employees’ spoken words—he was hearing the unspoken ones, the thoughts streaming loudly from the minds of those seated around the table. Ever since discovering the magical ring, Asher’s newfound ability had proven useful, though it sometimes felt more like a curse. Today was one of those aggravating days."Rudwick? Such a small company? There’s nothing to expect from a place like that. Honestly, this is idiotic.""Why does Asher keep wasting the company’s resources on this? William would never have taken a risk like this.""He’s way too
Asher slowly removed his tie and tossed it onto the small table beside the sofa. The formal jacket he had worn earlier had already been draped over the backrest of the sofa, and now his body sank into the soft support. He massaged the stiffness in his neck, exhaling deeply, as though trying to relieve burdens that were not just physical. The room was silent, with only the faint ticking of a wall clock breaking the stillness.Asher’s thoughts wandered, but they did not settle on the numbers in his reports or the plans for developing new construction projects under Dixon’s subsidiary. Instead of focusing on those documents, his mind drifted to Alicia. Her name resurfaced in his thoughts, as if it occupied a special space that constantly demanded his attention. Asher couldn’t push it away.A small smile curved on his lips as the memory of their kiss resurfaced. His lips moved unconsciously, as though tasting again the warmth and softness that had touched them that day. "Crazy," Asher mur
In the dim corner of a bar, Waldric gulped down his drink quickly, trying to drown the bitterness of his life with every sip. His mind was full, chaotic—Asher had discarded him just like that, like a pedestrian stepping on filth in the street without a care. Waldric's gaze was filled with hatred and smoldering anger, but underneath, there was also a gnawing sense of frustration.A cold voice interrupted his thoughts. "There's no point in staying here, sulking, Waldric."Waldric looked up, narrowing his eyes at the figure standing before him—Kaylery Barnnet. A thin, meaningful smile played on Kaylery's face, his gaze like a snake ready to strike."What do you want?" Waldric's tone was defensive, his voice tinged with curiosity.Kaylery chuckled softly, unbothered, and slowly took the seat beside him uninvited. "My intention is simple. You want revenge, don’t you? Seems like we share a common enemy, Waldric."Waldric straightened up, feeling skeptical. "So, you just want to offer help?
Alicia buried her face in the pillow, her body squirming with embarrassment on the bed. The memory of the moments with Asher earlier felt so vivid, replaying in her mind like a never-ending movie. "What did I say earlier?" she thought, frustrated with herself."At least I managed to hide my feelings. I don't want Asher to feel disgusted seeing me act like that," she muttered. Alicia let out a long sigh, then stared at the ceiling of her room."What's wrong with me?" she asked softly, her voice filled with confusion. She closed her eyes again for a moment, imagining Asher’s handsome and calm face every time they met."I want Asher."That whisper felt too real, always echoing in her mind so clearly. It wasn’t just about Asher’s physical attractiveness, but his charismatic aura and decisiveness that captivated Alicia. He was a man who could lead, who could take control, and that was something Alicia had always dreamed of.A small smile formed on her lips as Asher’s image appeared in her
Asher stepped into the lobby of Dixon's headquarters with a firm stride, while Kailos waited in the corner, his face full of questions. There was a clear curiosity in Kailos's eyes about the outcome of Asher's visit to BOWWS Company.As Asher approached, Kailos couldn’t hold back from asking, "How did it go, sir?"Asher simply gave a brief smile, one whose meaning few could understand. "Smooth. BOWWS Company is now in my hands," he replied with a tone full of confidence.Kailos, who had already suspected this victory, smiled with satisfaction. "I’m glad to hear it," he said sincerely, walking alongside Asher as he began discussing other important matters. "Sir, there’s something else we need to talk about—regarding LuseCraft and your upcoming meeting with Aldric Pervaz."Hearing Aldric Pervaz's name, Asher's steps slowed. His eyebrows furrowed deeply. "Why does he want to meet with me?"Kailos paused briefly, clearing his throat lightly before answering. "He wishes to discuss a potent
Asher's schedule had changed. After his visit to LuseCraft, he was supposed to attend a meeting about renewing a contract with Jonathan. However, due to Waldric's insistence on meeting to settle the inheritance dispute, Asher had no choice but to meet him and end it as soon as possible.Asher stood facing the large window, his posture straight and his expression neutral, though the atmosphere around him felt tense. Beside him was Waldric, staring at him with eyes full of anger, as if he wanted to devour Asher alive. Waldric was clearly displeased with the changes at BOWWS Company, especially the fact that the company was now under Asher’s control.“Does being the heir give you the right to act so arrogantly?” Waldric began, his voice cold and full of hatred. “Don’t you feel greedy, Asher?”Asher merely raised one eyebrow, remaining unaffected by Waldric’s outburst. His eyes continued to gaze out the window, overlooking the courtyard of BOWWS Company, watching the employees busy with t
The soft rays of the sun slipped through the gap in the curtains of Asher's room, gradually warming the space. Asher opened his eyes, feeling refreshed after a long sleep—something he rarely got these days. He stretched his muscles, then slowly sat up, leaning his back against the headboard. His thoughts immediately drifted to the previous night—the moment when he unintentionally kissed Alicia.His lips curled into a small, almost hidden smile. For a moment, he covered his face with his hands, feeling slightly embarrassed. "What have I done?" he thought. But the more he tried to ignore it, the clearer that moment replayed in his mind.His memory took him back to when he could hear Alicia's thoughts and feelings spilling out, full of confusion and wonder. Those voices, which usually bothered him, now made him chuckle softly. He could hear how nervous and embarrassed Alicia had felt, yet at the same time, her heart had raced after their kiss.“She didn’t push me away, did she? In fact…,
Asher felt the growing awkwardness as Heinry deliberately left the two of them alone at the dining table. The atmosphere in the restaurant, which was previously filled with business conversations, now felt quiet, with just him and Alicia. Even though they often met, it felt different when it was just the two of them. Asher tried to stay calm, though Alicia’s thoughts continued to whisper in his ear. He wished he could stop his ability for a moment, to focus on the conversation, not the mix of thoughts running through her mind. Alicia glanced at him occasionally, as if waiting for Asher to start talking. Feeling awkward because of the sudden silence, Alicia finally decided to shift the topic. "What about BOWWS Company, Asher? Have you fully taken control?" she asked, her voice soft, but there was a hint of curiosity she couldn't hide. Asher sighed and placed his nearly empty glass of water down. "It should be settled," he replied, looking at Alicia. "But Waldric is still trying t
Asher sat in his newly established office, specifically created for LuseCraft, a home goods and property company under the Dixon umbrella. Since its founding, LuseCraft had just begun to take off after Halbert Company went bankrupt, especially since Asher initiated partnerships with several major players in the property industry. The primary focus of LuseCraft was to create high-quality products for home interiors, ranging from furniture and kitchenware to innovative home decor. However, the company also had ambitious plans to expand into real estate development, including luxury housing and modern apartments.With a calm and professional demeanor, Asher looked at the stack of contracts waiting for his signature. One of the most important was the partnership agreement with Rudwick Company, which had long been a leader in the property sector. This partnership was crucial for LuseCraft to gain broader market access. Asher wanted to ensure everything went smoothly, particularly regarding