chapter 4

Asher found himself plunged into a sea of indignation and insult, an emotion he had seldom experienced throughout the entirety of his existence. It was as if the universe had conspired to deliver an affront of unparalleled magnitude. This woman, who dared to assail his pride so brazenly, seemed to operate under the misconception that she could undermine him with impunity. Little did she know that her actions had unwittingly sparked a conflict of epic proportions. Asher, harboring a determination that bordered on the relentless, was resolute in ensuring that her existence would be marred by misery and regret. He vowed to make her beg for mercy, to etch his name indelibly into her memory, a moniker she would never be able to forget.

Amidst this tempest of emotions, his steadfast driver, a valuable member of his security team, hastened to his side. With a respectful nod, the driver positioned himself to Asher's left, awaiting the next set of directives. The unique advantage of having your driver integrated into the security detail became abundantly clear, as it facilitated the seamless delegation of important tasks, each one executed with precision and timeliness.

With a tone of steely resolve, Asher articulated his demand to the ever-loyal driver. "I require an exhaustive dossier on this Adina Lois Kenan. Everything from her personal details to her social connections, her workplace, employers, romantic involvements, educational history, and even her cherished childhood companions. I want the entire life story of that woman on my desk by Monday." The driver, an exemplar of unflinching loyalty, merely responded, "Yes, Sir."

It never ceased to amaze Asher how Carlos, his trusted driver and confidant, remained unruffled, regardless of the magnitude of the request. In the ensuing moments, he made his way to the waiting car, offering no pause for Carlos to open the door. Settled into the plush leather seat, he retrieved a file containing the paperwork for the new contract he had carried with him. Yet, no matter how diligently he attempted to peruse the document, the image of the enigmatic woman persisted, insidiously infiltrating his thoughts with each passing line. With a heavy sigh, Asher conceded, setting the documents aside and turning his gaze toward the passing scenery.

Asher, a man perpetually absorbed by the demands of his fast-paced life, rarely indulged in the luxury of scenic contemplation, even during his travels. His existence was defined by ceaseless activity, marked by constant phone calls and document reviews. However, on this unique occasion, he found himself unable to wrest his mind from the perplexing woman who had unsettled his equilibrium. As a result, he surrendered to the allure of the passing landscape, a rare moment of respite. "Carlos!" he called out, his voice tinged with a sense of intrigue, prompting the next chapter of this unfolding saga.

"Sir," Carlos acknowledged, his focus unwavering on the road ahead.

Asher, conscious of the long journey and the collective fatigue of his dedicated staff, issued a directive with a measure of benevolence seldom revealed. "Stop by a restaurant. Select a meal for yourself and the entire team," he instructed, highlighting his concern for their well-being.

Without any deviation from his duty, Carlos nodded affirmatively, his professionalism a testament to the caliber of his service. The remainder of the journey was marked by a contemplative silence, a prelude to the impending stop.

Their destination materialized before them, one of Asher's cherished dining establishments, a haven of culinary delights. Rather than disembarking, Asher extended his credit card to Carlos, who received it with practiced ease, fully aware of the security pin that granted him access to Asher's trust. Tucking the card into his pocket, Carlos inquired, "Is there a specific order you desire, sir?"

In response, Asher expressed his simple culinary preferences, a selection that included crispy chicken, Russian salad, and coffee. An astute observer might mistakenly label him as an individual self-absorbed, seemingly consumed by his own desires. However, the truth was more nuanced. Asher possessed a concealed soft spot when it came to his staff, a sentiment he was determined to keep hidden from the prying eyes of the world. So long as they remained loyal and protected the sanctity of his personal information, they found themselves under the protective mantle of his care.

A short while later, Carlos returned to the vehicle with an update. "Sir, the restaurant estimates a thirty-minute wait for the order."

Asher, ever the pragmatist, instructed Carlos to seek a suitable parking spot, a quiet place where he could devote his time to work. Simultaneously, he requested a refreshing bottle of water to quench his thirst.

Carlos nodded, retrieving a bottle from the compartment thoughtfully customized to serve as a mini-fridge. Designed under Asher's own brand, it was a testament to his attention to detail. The compartment maintained the water at the precise temperature Asher preferred, cold and invigorating. Uncapping the bottle, he took a long, refreshing drink, capping it once more and placing it securely in the cup holder. Carlos, loyal as ever, would ensure the responsible disposal of the remaining water when he attended to the vehicle's upkeep. This small yet meaningful act was emblematic of Asher's commitment to those who served him with dedication.

Amidst a clutter of papers that rested beside him, Asher's attention gravitated toward his phone. Swiftly, he retrieved the device and dialed the number of his trusted secretary. The voice on the other end promptly greeted him, "Sir."

Max's willingness to accommodate Asher's demands was well-practiced, and he responded without hesitation, his voice a testament to his unwavering loyalty. "Max, I need you to oversee all of my scheduled meetings. Rearrange anything that I should personally address to tomorrow. Please contact Bridgefall Enterprise and inform them that I will be available to meet them on Monday. Take charge of the scheduling and communicate it accordingly."

Max, ever the efficient aide, was quick to suggest a suitable time slot, "You have a two-hour window between eleven and one. Shall I allocate the meeting then?"

Asher, trusting Max's judgment implicitly, consented, "That works, Max."

Max, fulfilling his role as both secretary and confidant, relayed another piece of information, one that Asher had anticipated but sought to delay. "Also, Sir, your father called. He expressed a desire to speak with you but couldn't reach you. I informed him of your overseas travel and the absence of any return date."

Asher's sigh was a testament to the complex relationship he shared with his father, a bond characterized by a veneer of normalcy but shrouded in deeper complications. His recollection of being sent to a remote boarding school at the tender age of six, far from the embrace of his father, was a bitter memory. The periodic visits home from school only brought the harsh reality of his father's abusive nature, a brutality he inflicted not only on Asher but also on his mother. The justification that it was meant to toughen him up did nothing but deepen the chasm of resentment.

Asher had built his empire independently, a testament to his determination to prove himself better than his father. Nevertheless, the weight of his family's legacy clung to him, and his father's persistent attempts to intrude on his life were an unwelcome intrusion. He decided to postpone the return call, finding it difficult to deal with the haunting memories of his past.

Reality encroached as Asher's reverie deepened, and he was suddenly reminded of the passage of time when the car door opened. Carlos, his trusted driver, efficiently brought him back to the present moment. "The order is ready, sir. They've delivered it to the car. Let me assist in loading everything up."

As the meal was carefully stowed away, Asher observed from the rearview mirror as Carlos extended gratitude in the form of tips to the attentive waitstaff who had delivered the order. Their smiles and expressions of gratitude warmed the transaction.

With everything secured, Carlos assumed his position in the driver's seat. Starting the engine, Asher harbored no intentions of delaying his return home any further. A shower was imperative; he had been on the move and hadn't taken a moment to freshen up since his flight. The enigmatic presence of Adina in his thoughts only served to amplify the fatigue and stress of his day. He yearned to disentangle himself from her lingering impression, although an inexplicable force seemed to tether her to his consciousness. Determination emanated from him as he steeled himself to confront whatever it was that vexed him about this enigmatic woman.

Upon his arrival at his residence, Asher's expectations were instantly defied by the presence of an unexpected guest. He couldn't help but question, "What are you doing here?"

The voice that responded was cheerful, a stark contrast to his current mood. "Hey, big bro. Missed you. Don't you miss me?"

Melissa, his sister, was a burst of sunshine in his otherwise somber atmosphere. He harbored deep affection for her, but her perpetual positivity sometimes grated on his nerves. He couldn't help but reflect on the vast chasm that separated their life experiences. She had been spared from the trials he had endured, and Asher doubted her capacity to cope with adversity had their roles been reversed.

Undeterred by his initial inquiry, Asher pressed, "I asked what you are doing here?"

Melissa, whose exterior often conveyed a preoccupation with beauty and fashion, concealed a profound depth beneath her radiant smile. She had dedicated herself to a noble cause, the establishment of an LGBTQ rehabilitation center – a sanctuary for individuals who had suffered immense hardships. It served as a haven for those who had endured abuse and rejection from their families due to their sexual orientation. Her facility provided not only shelter but also opportunities for education and employment in environments that were affirming and safe. This noble endeavor explained the presence of Max, Asher's secretary and one of his most exemplary employees, who was openly gay. Max had traversed a challenging path from being disowned by his family to becoming an invaluable part of Melissa's community. She had supported his education, enabling him to thrive and heal from his past wounds.

Asher couldn't help but feel immense pride in his sister and the transformative work she had accomplished.

Melissa playfully nudged Asher, attempting to divert the conversation, "Can't I visit, brother?"

Asher, well-acquainted with her tendency to make personal visits with ulterior motives, couldn't help but smile as he retorted, "That doesn't answer my question. You usually show up when you want something or need something. So, what's your agenda this time?"

With an air of innocence, Melissa insisted, "Nothing. Why don't we go inside first?" Asher harbored deep skepticism. He knew there was more to her visit than she was letting on. She had a habit of using these familial visits to advocate for individuals from her resource center, securing job opportunities for them after their college education.

As they entered the house, Melissa lingered a step behind Asher. He overheard her whispering something to Carlos as the door closed behind them. Asher's curiosity piqued, but he decided to focus on their immediate surroundings as he made his way into the sitting area.

A few minutes later, Melissa made her entrance into the parlor, clutching a cake adorned with brightly lit candles. A harmonious chorus erupted as she led the room in a jubilant rendition of "Happy Birthday." The staff accompanying her joined in the chorus, their voices blending in a spirited melody. Asher, momentarily taken aback, couldn't believe he had forgotten his own birthday as he extinguished the flickering candles.

"Today?" he queried in disbelief.

Melissa, her tone imbued with the playfulness only a sister could employ, nodded with a grin. "Yes, today. I figured you forgot, even Carlos noticed. So, I arranged this little surprise for you."

With a mixture of surprise and gratitude, Asher admitted, "I am genuinely surprised. When did you manage to get the cake?" His sister had an innate knack for making him smile and genuinely feel better.

Melissa revealed her ingenious plan, "I had Carlos pick it up while you were getting the food. He mentioned you were in a foul mood, and from the look on your face just now, it seems that you really were. What happened?"

Asher, however, chose to deflect the inquiry rather than share the specifics of his somber mood. "So, I ended up buying my own cake?" he quipped, deliberately sidestepping Melissa's probing questions.

Unfazed by his evasion, Melissa pushed forward, her tone tinged with concern, "Is this about the woman who spent the night in your room, in your bed? Why does she bother you so much? You've never let these things get to you before."

Asher, his expression inscrutable, adjusted his jacket, offering a cryptic response, "How did you even find out about that?" His gaze flickered to the staff in the room, who suddenly seemed preoccupied with urgent matters elsewhere. "I don't want to discuss it," he added firmly as the room cleared of their employees.

Melissa, however, was not one to let a matter rest. She pursued him with a parting remark, "So, it's genuinely bothering you, isn't it?" His retreating back offered no response, but Asher was well aware that this was far from over. Melissa's determination was unwavering, and he could be certain that she would persist until she uncovered the truth he was reluctant to share.