Asher secretly smiled as his car stopped at a small roadside café. It wasn’t the usual fancy restaurant they frequented, but a simple place with its own charm.Alicia looked around, then gazed at Asher with questioning eyes as they sat down. "How did you find this place?"Asher's smile widened, his eyes glowing with memories. "When I was in college, I used to come here often. Despite its simple appearance, the food is amazing. You have to try it."Alicia marveled at the café’s simple yet appealing interior. On the walls were paintings of white swans forming a heart shape, and beside it, a shadow of a couple chatting under a tree by a lake. The interior might have been modest, but it created an addictive charm, making anyone who looked at it feel immersed in a warm romantic atmosphere."I like this place," Alicia said, smiling as her eyes continued to explore every corner of the room.Asher felt relieved seeing Alicia comfortable. "I knew you’d like it. This place has its own charm, do
Asher approached Joseph at his private residence. The night was late, but the tension still hung in the air. Asher knocked on the door quickly, and Joseph opened it immediately. His face looked serious, reflecting deep concern."Sir, I apologize for calling you here so late," Joseph said as he ushered Asher inside.Asher stepped in, looking at Joseph intently. "What did you find, Joseph?"Joseph took a deep breath before answering. "Someone has been spying on the Celestial Haven hotel. Our security team spotted a suspicious figure lurking around the hotel area for the past few nights."Asher frowned. "Do we know who this person is?"Joseph shook his head. "Not yet. The person is very crafty and knows how to avoid the security cameras. But we managed to get a partial recording of their face. Maybe this can help us identify them."Joseph handed a tablet to Asher, displaying footage from the hotel's security cameras. Asher examined the video closely, noting every movement of the mysterio
Asher approached Aberon Dixon at the Dixon family foundation office. As soon as Asher sat down, Aberon shot a question that made the atmosphere tense. "What about the fire case at ArgonChem? Have the evidence that Joseph and your team gathered been handed over to the authorities? Have they handled everything?" Asher nodded, trying to appear calm despite the unease inside him. "Yes, Dad. The authorities have started investigating the case. We've also taken additional steps to enhance security." "But, if everything is revealed later, don't be surprised by the culprit behind the fire," Asher continued. Aberon smiled knowingly, as if he could read Asher's mind. "The culprit is likely someone with Dixon blood," he muttered. Asher didn't respond, he gazed at the corner of Aberon's office. Since Aberon handed over full control of the central company, the middle-aged man chose to manage the nearly neglected foundation. Many photos of activities were displayed in the cabinet in the right co
After the meeting with the legal team ended, Asher quickly went to his office to meet Joseph. Asher's mind was still filled with various worries and unanswered questions. When Joseph entered, his face showed a seriousness that reflected the importance of the information he was about to convey. "Mr. Asher, we have identified the person spying on the Celestial Haven hotel," said Joseph without preamble. Asher sat up straight, his eyes focused on Joseph. "Who is it?" Joseph took a deep breath before answering. "That person is an agent of Kaylery Barnnet." Asher frowned, confusion and suspicion immediately clouding his mind. "Kaylery Barnnet? Why is he spying on our hotel? What’s his motive?" Joseph shook his head slightly. "That's still a mystery, Sir. So far, we haven't found any additional information about Kaylery Barnnet aside from his background in business. It's as if he knows he's being investigated and has successfully covered his tracks very well." Asher sighed, trying to p
The next day, news of Mr. Thimphon's death became more and more widespread. Various media outlets began to cover it enthusiastically, and some reporters even stood in front of Dixon's headquarters, waiting for an official statement. They were supposed to be covering news about Asher's success as an investor for a small company, but today, they were reporting on Mr. Thimphon's death and his relationship with Asher.Aberon Dixon, hearing the news, immediately called Asher into his foundation office. He sighed softly, massaging his sore forehead. Not only was Aberon shocked, Luciana was also worried. Joseph was also summoned by Wilson and Aberon, handing over documents about the malpractice at BOWWS Company. The report on Mr. Thimphon's death would follow.Aberon stared intently at the document Joseph had given him. He read it carefully before making a decision. "So, the malpractice about the company is true? Chemical leaks, even the practice of using dangerous materials," he said quiet
Elsewhere, William Dixon was feeling restless. The news that Aberon Dixon was investigating him for alleged malpractice and illegal funds in his shell company made him uneasy. William paced left and right in his room with a tense face, his mind constantly spinning to find a way out of the worsening situation. Waldric, who was sitting in the corner of the room, observed his father with a sharp gaze. He sighed softly, frustrated to see William lose his composure. "You shouldn't have acted so recklessly, Dad," Waldric said, his voice sounding firm yet full of disappointment. William paused for a moment, staring at his son with a piercing gaze full of anger. "You think I'm doing this just for myself? It's also for you! Without that treasure, you're nothing, Waldric! You should have curried favor with your uncle long ago, instead of being preoccupied with your desire to manage that useless little company." Waldric snorted, stood up, and looked at his father with an equally sharp look in
After successfully navigating the storm of negative press that had targeted him, Asher refocused on his primary role as a smart investor. He attended meetings with small, growing companies where he had invested. The discussions went smoothly, and the trust Asher had built began to yield tangible results. The small companies acknowledged the significant impact Asher had made in guiding them towards success.Gradually, the negative news that once surrounded Asher began to fade, replaced by positive coverage highlighting his success in his new role as an emerging figure in the business world. From the Celestial Haven Hotel to the redevelopment projects with Jonathan, and the exhibitions with Rudwick, the public began to see him as a strong and visionary leader capable of bringing significant change to the companies he supported.This was particularly good news, considering that there would soon be a prestigious exhibition where antiques belonging to the wealthy elite would be auctioned o
The meeting with the board of directors lasted for an extended period, and the atmosphere in the room was tense. The board members sat around a long table, each carrying different perspectives and arguments. The factions of William Dixon and Aberon Dixon exchanged glares, with voices growing louder as the debate heated up. Dissonant voices and sharp arguments echoed throughout the room, intensifying the tension.William Dixon sat at the end of the table, his face flushed with anger, and his every movement radiated fury. "This is unfair, Aberon! I’ve contributed so much to this company, and now you want to take everything away from me?!" William shouted angrily, slamming his hand on the table.Oberon, with a calm yet firm gaze, looked back at William. "Your contributions cannot excuse the violations you’ve committed, William. This company needs a leader who is clean and trustworthy, not someone who exploits their position for personal gain."The tension escalated as board members from
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