The atmosphere felt quiet in Asher's room. Alicia's words successfully made Asher silent. He didn’t understand Alicia's meaning at all. Was it wrong for them to meet because of work?Alicia noticed the awkwardness caused by her words. "Ah, I mean... surprisingly, we always meet just to talk about work," she said with a laugh, trying to ease the tension by showing her teeth.Asher cleared his throat, looking at the corner of the room before returning his gaze to Alicia. "So, if your product doesn’t launch on the target date, what will happen?" he asked seriously, changing the topic to reduce the awkwardness.Alicia took a deep breath, her face turning serious. "It will be a big blow to the company, especially since my team has invested a lot of time and resources in preparing for this launch. But I believe we can find a solution together. Besides, I’m not just producing lipstick and powder for my cosmetics; Mr. Victor and I are also producing perfume."Asher looked at her intently. "Re
Alicia paused for a moment, then quickly nodded and looked at Asher. "He's an old friend, we went to the same school and even the same university. I just know his name and face. If you're asking if we're close, I don't think so." Asher nodded in response. He felt a strong aura of hostility from Kaylery Barnnet. He didn't know why Kaylery looked at him that way. The last time he saw him at the hotel opening party, Kaylery's aura also seemed unfriendly. "By the way, if ArgonChem still can't continue your production, would you want me to shift your products to BOWWS Company?" Asher tried to persuade her again. He had just received a message from Kailos on his phone, saying that it would take a long time for ArgonChem to resume production. Alicia sighed, looking intently at Asher's face. A smile reappeared on her face. "Alright, I'll leave everything to you. I trust you, Asher." "Thank you, Alicia. I'm just worried that your products and the project you're working on will be delaye
Quickly, Joseph ran out of the room which looked like a room, towards the place where Doctor Ben was resting. Joseph was annoyed that he was missed, even though there was only him and a few bodyguards that he had handpicked in this house. How could an intruder have managed to poison Christian?The situation was getting critical. Time seemed to race every second that passed. Asher stared intently at Christian's sprawled body, white foam still coming out of his mouth. Emotions burned in his mind, realizing that this was a war. Someone deliberately wanted to shut Christian's mouth. However, Christian himself wanted to share his information even if it meant getting beaten up first."Damn, he wants to see me scared," muttered Asher, suspecting that this was just the enemy's plan to bully him.Joseph returned with Doctor Ben who was carrying his medical bag. The middle-aged man with thick glasses immediately approached, kneeling beside Christian. Quickly, Ben began to treat Christian's seiz
The next day, Asher returned to work with his mind still occupied by the events of the previous day. An unknown person had contacted him, issuing a warning. To Asher, it was a sign that someone who disliked him was lurking and watching his every move.Asher's gaze shifted to each face in the meeting room. Today’s meeting was about continuing the project, addressing the fire incident from yesterday, and dealing with the BOWWS Company’s chemical leak case from a few years ago. All the executives and relevant employees were present at the meeting.For some reason, Asher suspected everyone in the room. Someone was playing games with him, even issuing warnings. If only he had the power to read their minds, perhaps he would know who among them were allies and who were foes.Even Waldric, who usually never attended central meetings, was present in the room. Several executives who were friends of Mr. Thimphon also attended, sharing their opinions as the discussion continued."Asher, what are
"So, what’s the progress of the investigation? I want to know the truth. Why did the ArgonChem production plant catch fire?"Asher's deep and firm voice echoed in the spacious room. Behind him, numerous thick books were neatly arranged, and in the center of the room, a sofa and a table formed a circle. He had deliberately transformed one of the rooms, previously used for confining Christian, into his office.Joseph stood straight in front of Asher, holding several documents. "Mr. Wilson's Dixon security team informed me that the fire was caused by someone deliberately pouring gasoline on flammable materials. A large man was caught on the production delivery car’s dashboard camera," Joseph said, showing a paper with a photo from the hidden camera in the factory vehicle.Asher looked at the paper, narrowing his eyes to try and recognize the man’s height and build. "What else did you find?"Joseph hesitated for a moment, but he knew Asher needed to know every detail about Dixon's subsidi
Asher's breath came in gasps. His heart pounded, and every step felt haunted by an unseen threat. A dark shadow kept chasing him, and he tried to run away from it. But his steps stopped when he ran into a dead end.Slowly, his closed eyes opened, his breath still heavy. His head felt dizzy, and his vision was blurry as he blinked his eyes again. Cold sweat drenched his forehead.The unfamiliar ceiling was the first thing he saw. Instantly, Asher sat up from his lying position, noticing an IV attached to his hand. His body jolted in surprise when he heard a deep male voice greeting him."Thank goodness you are awake, Sir. Fortunately, you weren't seriously injured because Joseph arrived just in time when you were in danger last night," said Doctor Ben calmly, bowing respectfully to Asher, who was staring at him.His hand held his head, a bandage visible on his forehead. Asher tried to recall the events of last night. The shadow of the black car following him, the sound of breaking glas
While he was busy dealing with the fire incident and ensuring no more chemical leaks would occur, a knock on the door diverted Asher's focus.He stood up from his chair and walked over to Aberon Dixon, who had just entered his office. They sat on the sofa, exchanging smiles.Aberon frowned when he saw the bandage on his son's forehead. "What happened to your forehead?" he asked, looking worried.Asher touched his forehead, realizing the bandage was still there. "Oh, it's nothing, Dad. Why are you here?"Aberon sighed softly. "I heard from one of the family lawyers that you bought Alexander's company. Is that true?"Asher nodded. "Yes, Darren Alexander sold it."Aberon seemed to ponder for a moment, looking closely at Asher's face. He felt a sense of pride seeing his son grow up and brave enough to take the risk of leading a company. "So, after you bought it, what do you plan to do with the company?"Asher thought for a moment. He had long considered what kind of business he wanted to
Asher sighed with relief after finishing various important company documents. There was a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion gnawing at his mind as he worked on office tasks. He stretched his body a little, feeling the tension beginning to ease. However, that peace did not last long.The door to his office was flung open abruptly. Holmes stood at the threshold with eyes full of rage. Asher glanced at Kailos, signaling that he was fine and ready to face Holmes. Kailos bowed respectfully before closing the door again, leaving them alone in the room suddenly filled with tension.Holmes approached Asher, his eyes blazing. "What were you thinking, Asher? Taking over my family’s company without permission? That sale is invalid, and I want my company back!" Holmes shouted, his voice echoing throughout the room.Asher looked at Holmes coldly, a sly smile forming on his face. "If you want Alexander’s company back, can you return the investment money worth millions of dollars?" he asked, his vo
Asher spent his days immersed in work, tirelessly completing various projects. He despised delays and felt restless if tasks remained unfinished or failed to meet his high standards. He was like a mad dog, obsessively driven by his job.The meeting room was nearly empty now, leaving behind only a few scattered papers on the table. Asher adjusted the sleeves of his suit with a relaxed motion, though his eyes betrayed a constant tension that never truly disappeared. He could still hear faint echoes in his mind—the thoughts of those who had earlier been busy praising the success of LuseCraft's new product."Remarkable work, Mr. Asher.""I never expected him to come this far.""I guess I need to start sucking up to him now, or my career is over."Asher suppressed a bitter smile. These were the same people who had once belittled him. Now? They scrambled to gain his favor. His fingers brushed the magical ring on his finger—a tool that seemed almost custom-made to give him the power of silen
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