DOMINATING HIS FOES

Asher walked up the apartment stairs, with his heart heavy with rejections and his mind racing with several thoughts. His shoulders sagged under the weight of another failed interview, making it the tenth time in a row. “You’re a great candidate but I am sorry, we have decided to move forward with someone else.” The words of the manager still playing freely in his head. He clenched his fist, with his face burning with anger. The moment he got to the entrance, Asher drew a deep breath as he reached the door of his in-laws’ apartment, where he had lived for three years. He stepped inside and was welcomed with laughter that echoed through the room. The sound hit him like a slap; he paused, staring at his wife, Emily, and his stomach twisted as he stepped into the living room. Emily was seated on the couch with a bottle of champagne in one hand, her mother, Mrs. Deborah, seated beside her, sipping from the glass. Both smiling and chatting as if they had won a lottery. Their faces

"You bastard,” Emily yelled with a sharp voice laced with fury.Asher frowned furiously, with his fist clenched and his jaw tightened. “Who the hell is she to yell at him? Even after the divorce, she still wants to taunt him.What do you want?” he retorted.Emily paused throughout their three years of marriage; Asher had never been this rude to her; she hissed a sigh of frustration, “You know exactly why I am calling. I want the necklace you took, Asher.”Asher raised a brow, ”I don’t know what you are talking about? What necklace?”Emily scoffed, “Don’t play games with me, Asher. Edward saw it, There was no way you could afford something as expensive as that. You stole it.”What does she take him for?Asher let out a soft laugh, pouring himself a glass and taking a gulp. “Emily, even now, you still underestimate me.”There was a moment of silence on the other end.Emily hesitated for a moment before she recovered, “I am warning you, Asher. You have less than 12 hours to return it or

Fred’s hands trembled as he read the message twice. Praying it was a mistake. His breaths hitched as hot sweat drenched his forehead.His expression could tell a story that things aren’t going properly for him. He raised his brow, staring around the restaurant and at Asher, whose lips curled into a smile. “Cat got your tongue.” He taunted. “Looks like you have been promoted to the head janitor.”The manager smiled, hearing Asher’s words. Fred’s face drained of colour, and sweat dripped down his forehead. He swallowed hard. His throat suddenly dried, and the realization hit him.“How did this happen?” Fred was left in confusion.“You didn’t know, I own Venlo Winery,” Asher spoke confidently.Silent murmurings could be heard from the crowd.Fred narrowed his eyes at the manager, who nodded in agreement. “Mr. Mancini was the one who saved the business when we went bankrupt.” Everyone gasped in shock, murmuring erupted through the corners of the restaurant. They all stared in disbelief

Asher was shocked and confused. He was finding it difficult to believe it was her. “Isabella.” The name escaped his lips.The woman froze, her eyes widening in shock as she stared at the figure who had just called her name. Her eyes flickered between the man and her son.A few moments later, they both were seated across from each other. With a defining silence that had engulfed them.“I demand an explanation? What are you doing here, and where have you been?” Asher asked, his voiced was brimming in anger.Isabella clutched her son closer. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she struggled with her words. She had never imagined she would ever come in contact with Asher.Asher’s gaze was serious and dangerous. “I am talking to you, and don’t keep quiet like you didn’t hear my question, Isabella.” “Mom, do you know him?” The little boy asked.Isabella broke into tears, Asher kept a mild demeanor, and all he demanded was an explanation from her.“I am sorry, Asher. It’s not what you

Mark Spencer leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady as it fixed on Edward George, who sat opposite him, fidgeting in his seat. Edward’s face was pale, his mind clearly racing. The pressure of his company’s impending collapse weighed heavily on his shoulders, but pride kept his hands from trembling.“Edward George,” Mark said, his voice smooth, the words like ice sliding through the air.Edward snapped his attention to Mark, his lips pressing together in a tight line. “Yes?”“I take it you know why I’m here,” Mark continued, never breaking eye contact.Edward nodded quickly, his jaw tight. “It’s about the offer, right?”A slight smirk tugged at the corner of Mark’s lips, a calculated gesture meant to keep Edward on edge. “You’re right. I’m here on behalf of Mr. Enzo Mancini. He wants to help your company. Think of it as a lifeline.”Mark leaned forward, his voice lowering to emphasize the gravity of his words. “Mr Mancini is willing to save your company if you agree to give him seve