Something's not right

Asher left the Villa early in the morning because he wanted to see the conditions around the docks. He planned to monopolize one of the docks as an entry point for weapons from various countries.

"Ken, what do you think of the dock conditions? This place is very strategic and connects various neighboring countries. If we can monopolize this place, we can expand the black market area to the entire Either continent."

"Sir, what you say is true. But according to the information I got, the person who manages the docks is difficult to talk to."

Asher, gazing at the endless sea, turned to Ken with a grin, "Difficult?! Nothing is complicated if it's about money. In this world, money rules. If the person managing this place is so difficult to control, find someone else concerned and offer him what we have."

"Yes, sir, I will find out as soon as possible and report to you." Ken then went to take care of what his master ordered.

Bzzzt bzzzt

Asher's cell phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated. He reached down and picked up his cell phone. The rectangular screen showed an incoming call from Aunt An. Asher picked up the call.

"Sir, sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to report."

"Hn. Tell me, what's wrong with you calling me when I'm busy?"

"Regarding the items you prepared for her, Miss Valen had previously rejected them and wanted to leave the villa, but once she saw the conditions outside the villa, she came back and accepted everything you gave her with thanks."

"Did she say anything else, Auntie?"

"She only told me she was staying at the Addison Residence."

"Okay, I understand. You go back to work."

As soon as the call was disconnected, Asher put the phone back in his pocket. He wanted to see how Vallen was doing and rushed back to the car, overwhelming Ken, who was following him.

In the middle of his steps, Asher gave another order. "Ken, make an appointment with Mr. Addison. Tell him to make time because I want to visit his residence right now!" Asher gave the order.

"Yes, sir!" Ken replied in the affirmative and retreated to contact the concerned party. 

He quickly grabbed his cell phone, contacted Mr. Addison's party, and informed them of their good intentions.

After a while, Ken returned and bowed his head. It seemed like everything went well, the way Ken looked at him without hesitation. 

Seeing Ken come in confidently, Asher asked, "How?"

"Sir, Mr. Addison will welcome us at his residence. He also showed us the exact location of his residence."

"Good! We'll be there right now. I want to see how my lady welcomes me." Asher grinned. One could imagine how the woman who ran away from his grasp would eventually return to him. 

The car that Asher and Ken were traveling in headed toward the given location. With high speed, it wasn't long until they arrived in front of the Addison residence gate. 

A gatekeeper opened the gate, and Asher deliberately asked Ken to park the car a little further away to surprise Valen.

When they arrived at the carport, the car stopped. From behind the entrance, Mr. Addison came out. At first, his expression looked angry and upset, as if he had lost his temper. But he instantly changed his expression once he saw the expensive black car and the open window showing Asher's face. 

Mr. Addison approached with a big smile. Perhaps he was too happy that the owner of a well-known company in the top 50 of Stanford State came to visit him. 

With a friendly smile and a half bow, Mr. Addison stood at the side of the black car to wait for Asher to get out. 

"Ken, you come with me inside. Come with me to play with Mr. Addison." Asher said to Ken, who was looking at him from the rearview mirror. 

"Yes, sir. As you wish." 

Ken prepared to park the car first, while Asher got out of the vehicle and immediately received a warm welcome from the host. 

"Mr. Asher, welcome to my residence," Mr. Addison extended his hand and was greeted by Asher. The two shook hands. 

"Thank you, sir. It is a pleasure to meet your family," Asher replied.

"I am more grateful that the owner of the famous Thunder company in Stanford State is willing to visit our humble home. Then, let me show you inside," without further ado, Mr. Addison immediately invited Asher in. 

'What a faceless sycophant. If it weren't for my woman, maybe this old man's life would have ended here.' Asher thought.

Asher entered, accompanied by Mr. Addison, followed by Ken. The three of them went together to the entrance deliberately opened by the two guards at the door. 

Asher's steps were firm. He entered the large and spacious mansion with a semi-classical modern design. It was exquisite for a villa in a small country like Broughton. 

Upon entering, Asher took a good look at everything in the mansion. Everything was luxurious and of good quality. The design was semi-classical mid-century modern. However, once inside, his sense of hearing picked up a sound that was familiar to his ears. 

'Why does this voice sound familiar? Valen! This is his voice. How could it be? There must be something wrong in this Family. I need to check it out right away.' Asher, who had come to surprise his lady, changed his purpose.

He turned to Mr. Addison, who was beside him with a sharp gaze. He who had not wanted to show his emotions subconsciously gave off a noticeable aura of anger. "Sir, your family is great! Even the commotion can reach my ears. Don't you want to explain what the commotion was about?" Asher asked with a calm face to refrain from attacking the jerk in front of him.

"About that-maybe, my wife was reprimanding the maid inside. Yes... maybe so." Mr. Addison replied stammeringly. Asher's gaze that pressed on him mentally made him falter. He was scared, and unconsciously his forehead was already drenched in a cold sweat. He then lowered his head without looking longer at Asher's sharp eyes.

Not getting a satisfactory answer and seemingly covered up, Asher took decisive action. "You seem to be playing with my question by answering it casually. If that's the case, don't blame me for checking it out myself!" Asher took a decisive step. He walked towards the source of the voice and ignored Mr. Addison, who was about to stop him.

"Mister, wait!" Addison interrupted.

Ignoring Addison's call, Asher entered the house with an anxious feeling. 'Valen, I hope you're okay.'

Upon reaching the living room, Asher did not expect to see Valen lying on the floor with lash marks all over her body in a semi-conscious state.

"What did you do to him?" Asher interrupted with his deep voice.