"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
"Make sure you monitor the funds coming out of Ezoc Company, Kailos," Asher said firmly.His index finger tapped the conference table three times. Asher's mind was racing, thinking about many things, especially the funds being spent by Ezoc Company. If the company were not related to Dixon Enterprises, Asher might have been indifferent. However, since Ezoc Company was a subsidiary of Dixon, Asher felt the need to intervene in monitoring the suspicious funds.Kailos nodded, bowing respectfully to acknowledge his boss's command. "Yes, Sir. I will monitor that company closely."Asher nodded, feeling slightly relieved. "What's my schedule for today, Kailos?"Kailos checked his iPad, searching for Asher's schedule for the day. Then he looked at Asher calmly. "You have an appointment with Mr. Kim, Sir. A meeting about mackerel fish production at the food company."Asher nodded in understanding. He had promised to invest in small companies besides leading Dixon Enterprises or Dixon Corporati
"You must be very busy, Asher. I'm sorry for my parents wanting to have dinner with your family," Alicia said in an understanding tone.Asher turned to look at Alicia. They were now alone in the reading room of the restaurant, a place also used as a reading room for young people nowadays."Why should you apologize? I'm glad your father invited us to dinner together. Besides, I'm not that busy," replied Asher with a cheerful smile.Alicia turned slightly, adjusting her position to look at Asher. She admired how handsome Asher's face was, especially his lips. It felt like just yesterday she got to know Asher, but now Alicia felt close to him. However, there was a feeling of doubt and pride in her mind about admitting her own feelings.Alicia took a deep breath and looked forward again at the neatly arranged books on the shelf. "I'm apologizing because I'm afraid of bothering you. And I'm afraid you might think this dinner was my idea."Asher, who was looking at a thick book about mental
After discussing the issues with Darren and BOWWS Company, Asher appeared focused on his work. On his large desk, various proposals and documents piled up, waiting to be signed. Asher read through each page carefully, ensuring all details were correct before giving his signature.Occasionally, he paused to ponder important decisions, showing how seriously he took running his company.While he was busy working, a knock on the door drew Asher's attention. "Come in," Asher called out, his voice firm yet friendly.Luciana smiled happily as she opened Asher's office door. She walked closer, and Asher immediately stood up from his seat to greet his mother."Mom, you stopped by? Why didn't you let me know?" Asher gave Luciana a brief hug, then invited her to sit on the comfortable sofa in the corner of the room."I miss my son, who's so busy working that he forgets to eat properly," Luciana said with a meaningful look at Asher.Asher gave a small smile, feeling a bit guilty for often skippin