Chapter 2

The butler, John Norris, silently packed up everything that belonged to Asher in the manor.

His firearms, his prized collection of cigars, and the obsidian pendant, which he had spent several evenings crafting for me.

Back then, his hands were covered in tiny cuts, but he smirked and said it was worth it as long as I liked it.

John trembled with anger beside me. "Miss Dixon, you shouldn't have saved him back then, not to mention recommending him as the head of the branch in the Golden Triangle. If it weren't for you, how would Asher have the audacity to speak up today? How dare he bring back a woman with an unknown background?"

I said nothing and tossed the cufflinks I had custom-made for his celebration banquet into the fireplace.

Just then, a servant walked up to me with a grim expression. She handed me a box.

Inside was a jade safety pendant, broken into several pieces.

The jade safety pendants were from my late mother. And I had given one to Asher.

A note, written in a childish scrawl, was attached in the box. "Nicola, I'm clumsy and accidentally broke the safety pendant you gave Asher. But he said it wasn't anything important, so I thought it best to return it to you."

I heard the engine start from the yard. I looked up to see Asher gently helping Gretchen out of the car.

It had been a long time since I'd seen him so tender.

Gretchen was in a loose, plain dress, and her belly was slightly rounded.

She caught my gaze and smiled warmly. "Nicola, Asher's villa in the southern city isn't ready yet. Could we stay here for a few more days? Don't worry. I promise I won't disturb you."

Asher instinctively shielded Gretchen behind him. He said with a hint of pleading in his voice, "Nicola, she's pregnant. Please be considerate."

In the past, he had protected me like that without hesitation.

I chuckled softly and said to John, "Remove all his belongings."

Everyone followed my orders.

Asher pulled a long face. "Nicola, do you really have to do this?"

I said, "Isn't it the path you chose?" Then I was about to leave.

Gretchen quickly stepped forward to block me. "Nicola, don't blame Asher. It truly was an accident for me to get pregnant with Asher's baby. You can't let Asher be left without any children, can you? If you love him, shouldn't you be thinking of what's best for him? Besides, you haven't gotten pregnant with his baby because he was injured when he saved you after you were kidnapped back then."

I stared at her sharply. "Who are you to say that to me? I am so kind to let you stand here."

Back then, Asher's position was unstable, and he was ambushed by his rivals.

I was kidnapped as a result.

After I suffered endless torment and humiliation, my health was damaged, so it was difficult for me to conceive again.

Asher had once promised me that he would keep the secret forever and never leave me.

But he actually told Gretchen about it and allowed her to say it publicly.

Asher stepped forward and grabbed my wrist. He said anxiously, "Nicola, she spoke without thinking. Don't hold it against her."

I shook him off and drew the dagger he once gave me for self-defense from my boot. I thrust it towards Gretchen forcefully.

Asher blocked it with his arm, and his arm was wounded instantly. He was bleeding.

I took my hand back coldly. Gretchen, if you're really something, have Asher leave the Dixon family. Otherwise, don't provoke me. I can elevate him to his current position, and I can also take everything away from him."

Gretchen trembled all over. Her face turned pale as she supported Asher.

Asher looked at me with disappointment. "Nicola, what do you mean by this?" "I'm now the head of one of the branches. Half of the southern city's branches are under my control. What gives you the right to make me leave?"

I stood there, stunned.

When I was sixteen, my father, Jacob Dixon, was conned at home by his enemy.

Asher was covered in blood and fought his way to me. He carried me on his back and ran away. "Nicola, don't be afraid. I'm here."

Even though he nearly died after being wounded in the chest, he never abandoned me.

But in the end, even that couldn't withstand the erosion of time.

He supported Gretchen, who looked fragile. He said in a soft voice, which I had never heard from him, "Gretchen, don't be afraid. I'll take you to see a doctor."

"Asher, take your people and leave my place. We have no connections from now on."