Asher continued to work with unwavering determination, even though the day was filled with pressure. The meeting about the stalled real estate project with Mr. Jonathan was heated. The discussion shifted to the opening of the hotel, which initially did not go well. The atmosphere grew tenser when his uncle, William, deliberately brought up the previous night's events."So, Asher," William said with a sneer, "how are you going to handle the fallout from that disastrous hotel opening? The guests must be talking about it."Asher stared sharply at his uncle, his eyes full of determination. "We have addressed all the issues and ensured that such an incident won't happen again. Our focus now is on providing the best service to our guests."William smirked, satisfied with sowing a bit of doubt in the room. Asher restrained himself from responding further, choosing to remain calm.After the meeting ended, Asher loosened his tie and leaned back in his grand chair. His eyes gazed far away, refl
Sure enough, Asher received an invitation from the university where he had studied. He was invited as an honorary guest at the graduation ceremony for the class of 23 at his university. The invitation was conveyed that morning, just as Asher was putting on a formal black suit. Kailos had informed him about the invitation, slipping the information in between his routine daily reports.Asher stood in front of the large mirror in his room, staring at his own reflection. He looked impeccable, but his mind was still wrestling with various problems. Behind him, Joseph stood ready, waiting for further instructions."Sir, I have important information regarding the disruption during the hotel opening yesterday," Joseph said seriously, breaking the silence.Asher turned to look at Joseph attentively. Joseph handed over several documents to Asher. "These are the details of the two people involved in the disruption. They are still employees at Dixon Enterprises."Asher took the documents and read
Asher arrived in his office, his gaze immediately fixated on the two people summoned to account for their actions during the chaotic hotel opening event. The room was filled with a suffocating tension, making the air feel heavy. Asher's steps were firm, each one echoing off the marble floor, adding to the already pressurized atmosphere.Christian and Aaron, the two individuals, sat in chairs facing Asher's large desk. Christian, with his blonde hair tied in a man bun, kept his head down, trying to avoid Asher's gaze. Beside him, Aaron, who was thin and pale, looked anxious, his eyes constantly shifting from the floor to Asher's face.Kailos, who had planned to leave the room, was halted by a single gesture from Asher. "Stay here, Kailos!" Asher ordered in a low but authoritative voice.Kailos nodded and stood near the door, awaiting further instructions. Asher approached the two traitors with a gaze so piercing it seemed to penetrate their souls. Christian and Aaron felt cold sweat tr
"Always there for you." Somehow, that sentence made Asher feel awkward. He cleared his throat, trying to ease the strange feeling that crept into his mind. His eyes tried to avoid direct eye contact with Alicia. This was the first time Asher had received attention and gentle treatment from the opposite sex. In the past, most of them had looked at him dismissively.Meanwhile, Alicia smiled slightly, enjoying the moment. There was a sense of joy in her heart as she teased the quiet Asher. Since getting to know Asher and understanding who he was, Alicia had felt a strange affection growing for him.Alicia moved to tidy up the remains of Asher's lunch. Then she looked back at him. "Are you hot, Asher?" she asked, noticing Asher's flushed face."Huh?" Asher was stunned, unsure of how to respond. The loosened tie felt unhelpful, and the atmosphere seemed even more stifling. It wasn't because he was hot, but because he was flustered."Isn't it cold? It's winter now," said Alicia, moving her
"What’s my schedule now, Kailos?" Asher asked as he walked briskly into the office, followed by the ever-loyal Kailos by his side. Kailos briefly checked the iPad in his hand to confirm his boss's schedule for the morning."This morning, you have a meeting with Mr. Jonathan, sir," Kailos replied in a professional tone."After the meeting with Mr. Jonathan, you need to attend the exhibition hosted by Mr. Rudwick," Kailos continued.Asher nodded in understanding and walked towards the elevator with his left hand in his pants pocket. He paused momentarily when he saw his uncle William at the headquarters. William was coming out of the elevator with Mr. Thimphon, one of the senior executives. Asher guessed they had been discussing the stalled real estate project, which was now being resumed.William, with a sarcastic smile, approached Asher. "Asher, busy as always. Dealing with the mess at the hotel opening, I see?" he said in a mocking tone, his eyes reflecting deep-seated hostility.Ash
Attending the exhibition hosted by Rudwick's company, Asher felt delighted to meet many acquaintances and clients. Amid the event's bustle, he noticed Mr. Adley was also present, adding a more formal touch to the day. Asher smiled broadly, shaking hands with clients and business partners, feeling proud of the relationships he had built over the years.While enjoying the displayed paintings, Asher listened to the artists' explanations about their works. The paintings were very beautiful and pleasing to the eye, bringing peace amidst the busyness.Suddenly, Asher's eyes were drawn to Alicia, who was also present at the exhibition. She was intently looking at an abstract painting, then moved to another painting depicting a woman with a black umbrella, with a shadow of someone in black behind her.Asher felt curious about why Alicia was so interested and stood still in front of that painting. He approached Alicia, standing beside her while looking at the painting. "What's interesting abou
Asher remained silent, still gazing at the fading sunset. Heinry, who had unknowingly become a close friend to Asher, waited patiently until Asher finished his reverie."This event will last until night, Asher. I'm very grateful to you for taking the time out of your busy schedule," Heinry said.Asher turned towards Heinry. "No problem. Thanks to this exhibition, I can understand my feelings a bit. Is the next event the auction?"Heinry nodded. "Yes, the auction of their paintings. Most of my employees have incredible artistic talent. That's why I want to help them earn extra money besides their salary through this auction.""Finally, you're thinking ahead. Come on, I want to see the auction," said Asher as he left the rooftop, heading down the stairs to the main hall where the exhibition was held earlier.Heinry followed behind him. The atmosphere in the hall was lively, different from the quietness of the afternoon. The grand crystal chandeliers illuminated the room, creating a warm
Asher had changed clothes, now wearing a plain T-shirt and shorts. He sat on the sofa in his room, with his laptop on his lap, finishing various tasks that had been delayed. His fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard, typing and sending several important emails.One of them was an email to Kailos, asking him to invest in Gerorich, a small but growing company in the fisheries sector.After sending the email, Asher leaned back on the sofa and took a deep breath. His gaze suddenly shifted to the right side of the room, where the newly bought painting was hung on the wall. The painting depicted clasped hands with small pink spots, resembling rain.He clearly remembered Alicia's words when they discussed the painting. “It means that no matter how afraid you are to start a new relationship with someone new if it is destined by God, you won’t be able to resist.”Asher looked at the painting with mixed feelings. There was still fear lingering in his heart, a fear of starting a new relationsh
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