The One True Billionaire's Heir

Chapter Seven

Asher walked into the majestic dining room and his mouth dropped in awe. It was grand with high ceilings and an ornate chandelier. A massive mahogany table stood in the middle of the room with plush velvety matching chairs. Different varieties of food filled the table and servants stood at both sides of the table, ready to serve.

Three persons were already seated on the table waiting patiently for Asher to take his seat.

Asher sat down, not sure of what to say. He could feel the tension build up in the room, but he wasn't sure if everyone felt it or the awkwardness was from him.

Sitting at the head of the table was his father, seated with a stern expression. His stepmother sat next to his father while his step brother sat across from him.

Finally breaking the silence, his father spoke up.

"We are glad to finally have you in our midst again, Emilio". Asher's father, Vincenzo said. His voice was polite but there was an underlying sense of unease as he was not sure on how to act around his long lost son.

"Yes Emilio, it's good to finally meet you again. You've grown up to be a fine young man." Asher's stepmother Maria said. Hey voice was a bit too loud and bright.

"Ahrmm…thank you". Asher muttered, unsure of how he should respond in this awkward situation.

Asher's gaze fell on his step brother who had been glaring at him intensely since he walked in.

"That's Andrea. Your junior brother. I'm not sure you boys have met before. Maria was pregnant with him when you went missing." Vincenzo said, satisfying Asher's curiosity.

"You can call me Andrea". Andrea said introducing himself." Whereas, I don't know what to call you. Emilio or Asher White?". Andrea said mockenly.

"Andrea!!". Maria said, hitting him with her foot under the table.

Asher cleared his throat, trying not to get annoyed and irritated. As it was too early for that.

"Whichever you like is  fine by me". Asher answered with a side smile, which erupted a grunt from Andrea.

"Ok!!". Vincenzo said, clearing his throat."We should discuss the future of our family now that Emilio is back." He said, his voice sounding like a command rather than a suggestion.

"Yes definitely, it's clear that Emilio will need to be taken care of, considering that he came here with nothing". Maria said she stared at Asher disgustingly and as if he was a piece of furniture.

It was clear to Asher that his step mother and brother were not happy about his return. His appearance in their lives was a threat to their orderly and comfortable lives. Asher understood that he was going to have a little competition.

"Father". Asher started. "With all due respect, I am grateful you got me out of prison". He said respectfully. "But I am a grown man and I am capable of making my own way in the world."

"Nonsense". Vincenzo debated." You are my son and it's only right that I take care of you."

"I'm retired and your brother here has been in charge of our company here at home and it's branches overseas whose headquarters is in NewYork. I'm sure you are familiar with the area right?.

"Yes I am".

"Good!!. So choose where you would like to head. America or our home company which is much bigger".

Asher's mind racked as thoughts traced through it. It would have been nice staying here and getting to know more about the company and also bond with his father. But he had unfinished business back in America.

"I prefer going back to America". Asher answered.

"Perfectto!!." Vincenzo exclaimed. "Dig in.. let's eat." He said satisfied.

Asher could overhear fidgeting and comments from Andrea and his mother. But they weren't his problem now. His main business was back in America.

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The limousine parked in front of a tall skyscraper and people stood vertically in front of the building.

Riccardo opened the door for Asher." Young master, we are here"

Asher came down from the car and gave Riccardo a conflicting look. "Riccardo". He called. " What are we doing here?".

Several men and women, all smartly dressed in black suits bowed to him as he emerged.

"This is your company. And these are your employees. The staff of Skyrock Company." Riccardo explained.

"What?". Asher's eyes locked up in shock. Everyone knew Skyrock company. Everyone  wanted to work with them. Only the highest of the highest associated with them. They were the leading company in America. The Millers were ants compared to them.

"Welcome, Mr Emilio. We are glad to finally meet you". A woman in her forties said as she walked up to Asher. Close to her was a younger woman with short black hair, pale white skin and glasses that gave her a nerdy and innocent look which kind of accentuated her beauty. She handed Asher a bouquet of flowers with a warm smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you sir."

"This is Eleanor. She is the managing director of the company." Riccardo introduced , gesturing to the older woman who bowed her head. "And this is Sasha. She  will be your personal assistant". Riccardo said, earning a smile from Sasha.

"And these people behind them are the company's  various heads of departments". Riccardo gestured,referring to the other men and women.

"Oh!!". Asher nodded and they made their way into the building. 

"If I have you , why do I need a personal assistant?" Asher asked as the question crossed his mind 

"Sir I am your butler, in charge of your personal needs and affairs. You will always have me. While Sasha will be in charge of anything pertaining to  the company. She will tell and update you on everything you need to know." Riccardo explained dutifully.

"Why are they following us?" Asher whispered to Riccardo who was closer to him as he noticed the staff followed them closely behind.

"They are here to serve you to the optimum." Riccardo said aloud.

That's weird, I don't need them. You and Sasha are more than enough.

"We train our staff to be observant to every detail. They are here to attend to your every need". Eleanor said,with anyone asking her as she walked behind Asher.

"Yea right!! They are clearly walking on their toes. They can get back to work now". Asher hissed, turning to Eleanor.

"But sir-..."

"Now!!!" Asher said firmly,almost raising his voice. He still felt weird about his newly found authority. It caused a smile to form on Riccardo's face.

"Okay sir". Eleanor said, taken aback by his tone. She gestured with her  hands and they all dispersed. 

"Now that's more like it". Asher chuckled to himself. "Riccardo?. Take me to my office".

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"Asher sat behind a large desk , going through some files. The office was spacious with floor to ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city's skyline and its beautiful buildings. The office had a private bathroom, a kitchenette and a conference room fully equipped with the latest tech.

"Young master". Riccardo called, getting Asher's attention. "You haven't said anything concerning your wife. I mean ex-wife. What do you plan to do?. I figured you were thinking about it throughout our flight to Italy and back".

"About that". Asher smirked his lips and pressed them together for a while.

"Get Sasha". Asher said and walked to take a seat on the couch.

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"Get me the names of all the companies Skyrock has affiliation with." Asher instructed Sasha who stood in front of him with a tablet in her hands.

"Okay sir'. Sasha said and rushed off to do as she was told.

After some minutes, she returned with a file in her hands and handed it over to Asher.

"Here you go sir?.

"Thank you". Asher said as he took it from her.

Asher scanned through the content. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he just kept looking.

"Apex industries". Asher said . "It is owned by the Wilson family right?. 

"Yes sir"

Suddenly,a sly smile formed on Asher's face. His face turned brightened as he clenched his jaw. One could see how frightening he looked despite the smile. 

"What are you planning sir?". Riccardo asked,noticing the mischievous smile his young master's face carried.

Asher looked up at Ricardo and smiled  before returning a stern gaze to Sasha. 

"Terminate any cooperation Skyrock has with them immediately."