The atmosphere at the orphanage where Asher once stayed was lively with various social and charity activities. The orphanage children ran joyfully around the yard, while volunteers and employees of Dixon Corporation were busy with numerous activities.In one corner of the yard, there were tents offering food, drinks, and games for the children. Another tent housed art and craft classes, filled with enthusiastic children learning to paint and create crafts.The bustling scene quieted as Luciana entered, holding Asher's arm affectionately, with Aberon loyally accompanying them. Several bodyguards stood alert in the background, ensuring the safety of the Dixon family.On the podium, the MC started the event with enthusiasm, "Welcome to the charity and social event organized by Dixon Corporation! We are gathered here to show love and support to the children at this orphanage. To start the event, let's hear from the head of Dixon Corporation's social foundation, Mr. Aberon Dixon."Aberon s
Alicia quietly smiled as she heard what Asher said. Her heart raced at Asher's awkwardness. Alicia felt happy but also confused about what to do."Asher, are you okay?" Alicia asked softly, trying to divert attention from Asher's nervousness."Ah, yes, I'm fine. It's just... I was a bit surprised by your painting. It's really beautiful," Asher replied, a bit calmer but still with a hint of nervousness in his voice.Alicia approached Asher and looked at her painting. "Thank you. I'm glad someone likes my painting. But, I prefer honest opinions because I'm not used to painting."Asher felt his heart beat faster. He swallowed and tried to regulate his breathing. "Really? But your painting is truly beautiful. You painted cherry blossoms, right?" Asher looked at Alicia's canvas. There he saw the strokes of a cherry blossom tree with beautiful pink colors."You're right. I like flowers."Asher smiled slightly, following Alicia as she led him to a shaded area with a wooden table and chairs.
Asher remembered clearly how Alicia smiled, as if what he saw was imprinted in his mind. That smile was so sincere and charming, making Asher's heart race every time he remembered it. Even when he was in a busy meeting room, the image of Alicia's smile still lingered in his mind, giving him quiet encouragement and happiness.The meeting for the hotel opening preparations went smoothly. The large meeting room was decorated with a big projector screen on one side, while large windows on the other side let in the bright morning sunlight. At the long oval table, executives and managers sat close together, debating and discussing passionately.Asher led the meeting confidently, giving directions and listening to input from his team. In front of him was a presentation slide showing the event schedule, guest list, and various logistical details. The atmosphere in the room was filled with enthusiasm and focus; everyone seemed eager to give their best for the much-anticipated hotel opening."W
Asher left the office just as night fell, revealing the glittering city lights reflecting off the skyscrapers. The streets were busy with rows of passing cars, while hurried pedestrians mingled with those enjoying the warm evening. The sounds of honking horns and low conversations formed the backdrop of the dynamic nightlife.Asher stood in front of a luxurious restaurant located in the city center, waiting for Heinry Rudwick to arrive. This restaurant was famous for its elegant atmosphere and delectable menu, suitable for business meetings or special celebrations. Asher wore a neat black suit, ensuring his appearance was perfect for the evening.Soon, a shiny black car stopped in front of the restaurant. Heinry Rudwick gracefully stepped out of the car, wearing a classy gray suit. He smiled broadly when he saw Asher and walked closer."Mr. Asher, long time no see! Thank you for inviting me tonight," greeted Heinry in a friendly voice.Asher smiled and said, "Can you call me without t
The opening day of the Celestial Haven Hotel finally arrived. The clear sky and fresh air accompanied this long-awaited event. The grand hotel stood elegantly in the middle of the city, exuding luxury with its elegant facade and stunning decor. In the main hall, high-profile guests began to arrive, dressed in their best attire, ready to enjoy this special occasion.Asher stood near the main entrance, wearing a neat black suit with a dark blue tie. He smiled warmly at each arriving guest, but his eyes were fixed on Aberon, who was also busy greeting important guests with skill.Aberon, with his charismatic appearance, moved swiftly among the guests, ensuring everything was running smoothly. Asher admired his father's charisma and authority."Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Stellee. Thank you for coming," Aberon said, shaking hands with an elderly couple known as prominent real estate entrepreneurs.Asher felt relieved seeing Aberon help manage the situation well. He stepped into the hall adorned
The night that was supposed to be perfect began to show signs of disturbance when suddenly the lights in the main hall flickered, causing a small commotion among the guests. Asher, still standing on the balcony with Alicia, immediately noticed the problem. He looked towards Kailos, who quickly moved to address the situation inside."What's wrong with the lights?" Alicia asked with a worried tone.Asher shook his head, trying to stay calm. "I don't know, but I'm sure Kailos will handle it."However, the problem didn't stop there. A few minutes later, the sound system used for background music started to crackle and screech, making some guests cover their ears. Asher felt the tension rising around him. He knew that this issue could damage the reputation of the newly opened hotel.Asher immediately walked back into the hall, looking for Kailos, who was busy dealing with problems around. He found him near the stage, talking to a technician."Kailos, what's happening?" Asher asked urgently
Asher arrived at the mansion at midnight, his body exhausted but his mind still racing with the events of the evening. His steps slowed as he saw Luciana, his mother, still awake.Luciana had changed into black satin pajamas that reached her ankles. Her graceful face looked calm but full of concern."Asher, you're finally home," Luciana greeted softly, her eyes filled with concern.Asher could only manage a faint smile, feeling the weight of his fatigue. Luciana approached, framing Asher's face with her hands, then led him to the living room. Asher’s exhaustion slowly dissipated with the gentle touch and presence of his mother. He followed her steps, walking slowly. Luciana’s graceful movements provided a sense of calm in Asher's mind.After sitting on the plush sofa, Asher looked at Luciana with curiosity. "Mom, you haven’t slept yet?"Luciana shook her head slightly, her smile warm. "I can't sleep until you’re back home. I know the project you're working on is a continuation of your
Asher descended the carved staircase, his steps steady yet hurried. The aroma of fresh coffee greeted his senses, but that wasn't what was on his mind at the moment. Before heading to the office, there was something important he needed to address.In the dining room, Wilson, the loyal butler and right-hand man of his late father, was preparing breakfast, assisting the other servants. His hair, slightly graying, added a wise aura to his calm face. Seeing Asher approach, Wilson paused his activities and greeted Asher with a warm smile."Asher, good morning. Have you had breakfast?" Wilson asked in a gentle yet attentive tone.Asher shook his head, his eyes reflecting concern. "Morning, Wilson. There's something I need to talk about. For some reason, I haven't felt at ease lately. I want to arrange for some security. I have a feeling something isn't right."Wilson furrowed his brow, his expression turning serious. "I understand, Asher. Security is always a priority. I suggest Joseph as y
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