Rise Of The Legendary Goldmaster.

4 || THE INFLUENCE OF VICTORIA STONE.

Victoria’s grand arrival was accompanied with obvious excitement.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as the guests speculated on the reasons for her sudden appearance.

“The Stone family is like East City royalty. It’s very rare to find them at functions like this one.”

“True. I believe she’s here on Joshua’s invitation. Last I heard, the Stone and Kincaid families are set to partner in a business venture worth billions of dollars next fall.”

“You’re right. I heard from Joshua himself that he and the heiress are very very close.”

“The Wellington’s are so lucky to have a son-in-law like Joshua! Victoria’s appearance proves that the Wellington’s are about to rise in power and influence.

I pray to get a son-in-law that will bring good people to my family!”

“Victoria Stone, what a pleasant surprise!” Mr. Wellington, Scarlett’s father, greeted her, kissing the back of her smooth hand with great care.

Asher watched with mild amusement as each and every member of the Wellington and Kincaid families lowered their heads in a sign of respect for the heiress of the Stone Empire.

The Wellingtons and Kincaids prided themselves on being wealthy and prestigious families, but their wealth was mere debris compared to that of the Stone family.

Generally, compared to all other families in East City, the Stone family were the wealthiest and most powerful. Their company, Stone Empire, had numerous specialities such as automobile manufacturing, oil and gas and even gold mining.

Any family that was lucky enough to be associated with them were instantly elevated in wealth and status, which is why they all competed for their attention.

Asher could almost envision Joshua’s chest imploding with pride as he made his way to Victoria and gave her an exaggerated bow.

“I am deeply humbled that you chose to honour us with your presence today. Welcome to our home, Miss Stone.”

“My son-in-law is such a respectful and well-trained young man!” Mrs. Wellington crooned proudly.

“You’re right! He’s so humble. Unlike that mannerless riff-raff over there.” Maria eyed Asher rudely.

“Scarlett, darling, your decision to leave that pauper and accept Joshua’s proposal was perfect! Just take a look at the kind of blessings he’s already bringing to the family.”

Deep down, Asher knew that the Wellington family only pretended to like Victoria because she was powerful enough to elevate them. Deep down, they were all jealous of her.

Their excitement did not last long because Victoria finally broke the silence.

“What are you all talking about?” She whispered, pulling her hands from Joshua’s firm grip.

“I’m sorry for barging into your function like this but I don’t think I know you…” her eyes scanned the crowd; “any of you.”

Whispers of shock rippled through the crowd.

If Victoria was not here for Joshua and the Wellington’s, why had she come?

Finally, Victoria found her target standing all alone at the back of the room…and it was none other than Asher Deville.

“If you would all excuse me…”

Her bodyguard shoved a stunned Joshua out of the way and Victoria walked past him like he was an insignificant housefly.

“Where is she going…?” The guests whispered amongst themselves.

All eyes were glued to Victoria as she walked all the way to the back of the room. The guests looked on in shock and confusion as she stopped right in front of Asher and grabbed his arm, pulling him gently behind her;

“Asher. I’ve been searching for you. You need to come with me quickly.”

Completely stupefied, Scarlett's mouth fell half-open.

It was obvious that they were all wondering the same thing — what could a lady of Victoria’s status possibly want with a man like Asher?

Victoria was the most successful, beautiful and enviable woman in the city while Asher was just an ordinary, useless commoner.

“I thought she was here for Joshua?” A confused guest voiced out. “What is she doing with that bum?”

“Miss Stone, you must be mistaken. Surely you didn’t come all this way just to see… him.” Scarlett asked with a fake smile, blocking their path.

“I mean, my fiancé is…”

Victoria did not have time to waste and Scarlett’s persistent questioning was beginning to grate on her nerves.

“Miss Wellington, I promise that I don’t know who your fiancé is and frankly, I don't care. I only came here in search of Mr. Deville. Now, get out of my way.”

That said, she sauntered off with Asher, leaving the Wellington and Kincaid families sorely humiliated.

“This is unbelievable.” Joshua muttered angrily as he watched the convoy drive away.

Joshua had made it seem like he and Victoria were good friends, only for the heiress to ignore him like he was a speck of dirt on her shoes.

He had never faced such embarrassment in his entire life.

“There’s something definitely going on between those two!” He muttered angrily, trying to save face.

“I’m sure that that poor bastard, Asher, is manipulating Miss Victoria for her money. He is definitely a kept man!”

“I agree.” Mrs. Wellington echoed. “Asher has always been a greedy little bastard. I’m one hundred percent sure that he’s just using Victoria Stone for her money…!”

***

“You couldn’t stand being apart from me for even two hours?” Asher teased. “You missed me so much that you crashed an entire engagement ceremony. Impressive.”

Victoria scoffed.

“Can you stop with the teasing for a minute? We’ve got important issues to discuss.”

Asher noticed her worried expression and activated serious mode immediately;

“You seemed worried. Where are you taking me?”

She sighed deeply;

“I just found out that my grandfather has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.”

Grandpa Stephen was the most important member of the Stone family and they were all devastated by this news.

“I’m trying to understand how this concerns me.” Asher inquired. “Shouldn’t you take him to the hospital?”

“When I heard about his sickness, you’re the first person that came to my mind.

“You cured me today, Asher. I believe you can do the same for my grandfather.

Besides, your medical skills are extraordinary. If you’re able to cure my grandfather, you will be handsomely rewarded.”

Asher smiled sheepishly.

“Handsomely rewarded, huh? I doubt you’d be able to afford my services, Miss Stone.”

Victoria scoffed; “name your price. I promise I can pay.”

Asher shook his head and decided to change the subject.

“How did you find me?”

“Through this.” Victoria said, tapping on the earrings he’d gifted her earlier.

“My tech. guys looked into it and found out that it’s equipped with a tracking device. Believe it or not, that’s how I was able to find you.”

Asher nodded thoughtfully. “You’re smarter than I gave you credit for.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. How were you able to afford these earrings anyways?

My jeweler says that green rhinestones are very rare in this part of the city, and the cost of equipping them with a tracking system must’ve cost an arm and a leg.

What do you do for a living, Mr. Deville?”

Asher could sense Victoria’s curiosity. He had to tread carefully to avoid exposing his secrets.

“A bit of this and that.”

Victoria eyed him suspiciously;

“That’s a very vague answer. Your entire life seems to be shrouded in mystery.

Who really are you? I heard you were once engaged to the Wellington family’s first daughter. How is that even possible?”

Asher leaned back in his seat, trying to quickly formulate a believable story.

“My family and the Wellington family used to be really close. Because of our great relationship, our parents decided that it was a good idea to get Scarlett and I married.

However, a few months after we got engaged, my family went bankrupt. Sadly, we lost everything.

The Wellington family turned their backs on us and annulled my engagement to their daughter because we were no longer in the same class.”

He paused and shot her glance;

“As for the earrings, I used to be a professor at East City University before I was laid off. I was paid a pretty good compensation f*e, which is how I was able to afford it.

“Have I satisfied your curiosity or do you still have questions for me, your highness?” He teased with a lopsided smirk.

Victoria wanted to believe Asher’s story but deep down, she had a feeling that he was hiding something.

What was Asher Deville’s secret…?