Chapter 138
Chapter 138:
Three years earlier, a car crash had toppled him from everything he had built. It had taken two years to claw his way back, but the world around him had shifted faster than he could have imagined. By the time he returned, his brothers had carved up his empire, leaving him no solid ground in Peudon. His partnership with Colton had become his last hope at rebuilding his legacy. Unless he had no choice, he couldn’t afford to cross Colton.
But no matter how much logic told him to walk away, he couldn’t erase the image of Kristine — her face lit up with excitement as she talked with his grandfather about restoring that old vase. He had never seen her so alive.
That thought brought a new resolve to Asher’s face, and his grip eased as clarity settled in his eyes. “There’s a side exit up ahead. Get Kristine out through there. I’ll handle Devin myself p>
“Mr. Edwards!” Tripp protested, alarmed.
𝘚h𝗮𝘳𝘦 𝘆𝗈𝘶𝘳 f𝖺vоri𝘁𝖾𝘀 𝗳𝗋о𝗆
Asher’s tone left no room for argument. “Go. Now p>
Years at Asher’s side had taught Tripp not to hesitate when given a direct order. He drew a steady breath, pivoted, and caught Kristine by the arm. “Ms. Green, we’re leaving p>
The suddenness caught her off guard, but she let herself be guided toward the side exit. She quickly noticed they weren’t heading for the car. “Where are you taking me?” she asked, breathless.
“We need to get out of the hotel first,” Tripp answered, urgency sharpening his voice.
With no choice but to keep up, Kristine pushed her legs to move faster.
Glancing back, she caught a glimpse of Asher holding his position in the doorway, steady and unmoving. Anxiety flickered across her face. “Will Asher be all right p>
Tripp clenched his jaw. “He should be. As an Edwards, Mr. Harrison won’t risk crossing the Edwards family outright p>
That reassurance gave Kristine the push she needed to run harder. Wind whipped past her, and for the first time in a long while, she tasted the possibility of freedom.
Meanwhile, Asher sat tall, his wheelchair blocking the passage. Devin’s men, recognizing him immediately, came to an abrupt halt — none of them willing to challenge a member of the Edwards family head-on.
Devin’s brow tightened as he took in Asher’s resolve. “The place is surrounded. Nobody’s getting out. Stalling won’t help. Tell your men to hand Kristine over, and I’ll pretend none of this ever happened p>
Asher’s grip tightened on the armrest, but his composure held. “Devin, you and I both know the right thing to do is let Kristine go p>
Devin’s frustration only grew. “Don’t force my hand, Asher p>
“If that’s how you want it, then you’ll have to go through me before you get past this door p>
A weary sigh escaped Devin. “If I’d known today would turn into such a mess, I’d have drunk myself under the table last night. Still, whether I chase after her or not, Kristine won’t get far. But Asher — is it really worth it p>
“She is,” Asher answered quietly, without wavering for a moment.
Devin’s surprise was plain. He stared, momentarily speechless. “Wait… You haven’t actually fallen for Kristine, have you p>
Asher’s expression remained cool and composed. “I promised Kristine I would be there if she ever needed me. I intend to keep that promise p>
For a moment, Devin had nothing to say.