Semua Bab The Rising Temperature between Me and My “Step-brother”: Bab 41 - Bab 50

"So?" Asher asked."The public doesn’t know she’s family. You should correct them. Those rumors are absurd."Adeline lifted her chin. "And if you’re using her as a shield, it won’t work—""I like her."A soft night wind ruffled his golden hair.Asher looked down coldly at Adeline, who stood frozen across from him.“She’s not an excuse. I like her. I want to date her, to be in a relationship with her.”Through the glass door, Asher’s gaze landed on Wendy in the banquet hall. She stood below the stage, holding a pink cocktail, clapping enthusiastically for the player who had just shared an amusing story. Since her left hand held the glass, she could only clap by slapping her right palm against her arm.He frowned. Didn’t she feel any pain?She never seemed to notice how infectious her habit of freely praising others was—how much emotional warmth and value she

Post-dinner, the crowd migrated to dance under pulsating pop hits. Wendy eyed the packed floor and balked.“Want to go?” Asher followed her gaze. “I’ll lead.”Across the table, Adeline’s face darkened. She snatched her Hermès Birkin and stormed off unnoticed by Wendy, who hadn’t spared her a glance all evening.Tipsy and rosy-cheeked, Wendy stared at the chocolate box—such an odd prize.“Too crowded,” she demurred.Asher surveyed the floor where more couples kissed than danced. Understanding her reluctance, he asked, “Ready to leave?”“We can?” At his nod, Wendy swayed slightly. “I’m dizzy. Let’s go.”Asher stood up and lightly patted the man who was nuzzling Willow. "Neil, we're off now.""Mmm... later!"With each player on different schedules and no return transportation arranged, they took the elevator do

"Asher! Hah… Asher, we—we have to stop here. We can’t keep going." She writhed, shoving futilely against him, but he pinned her wrists above her head against the wall."Why not?""You—you know why! What if my dad comes back and hears us? How would you explain that?"Her eyes were wide and pleading, glistening with frustration. This man had the audacity to fall for his nominal ‘sister’—what wouldn’t he dare do?"Didn’t I tell you?" Asher grinned down at her. "They’re not coming back tonight. It’s just you and me—all night long."What?!"So… do you want to keep going?" He raised a brow, his expression teasing."Let me go." Wendy turned her face away, shoulders shaking, refusing to look at him.The moment he released her, she instantly shoved at his chest—not that it budged him. Undeterred, she clenched her fists and hammered his chest.

The couple who had gone out on a date the previous night returned home at eleven in the morning, bringing takeout lunch with them.After freshening up, Wendy went downstairs and locked eyes with Asher, who had just sat down at the dining table. She didn’t greet him, deliberately looking away instead.Simone was laying out the cutlery while asking Asher about the banquet last night. Hearing footsteps, she looked up at Wendy with a smile. "Wendy, did any guys flirt with you at the party last night?"Before Wendy could answer, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Asher had pulled out the chair beside him, signaling for her to sit next to him.At the table, Sam sat at the head, with Simone and Asher on either side. Wendy quickly turned to Simone and, under the pretense of chatting with her, took the seat beside her instead.It all seemed so natural that Simone and Sam didn’t notice anything odd, but Wendy knew Asher’s gaze neve

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, illuminating the square table in the lounge where a freshly dry-cleaned mascot costume lay, accompanied by two to-go coffee cups—Wendy’s small gesture of thanks for Hayden’s recent help.But the moment she saw Hayden, before she could hand over the clothes or coffee, he abruptly excused himself, claiming urgent work demanded his immediate attention.Wendy waited quietly, checking her phone, praying Hayden would return soon.This was Lightning Base. Every second here increased the risk of running into Asher. She wanted to finish this quickly—to avoid him entirely.With a creak, the heavy lounge door opened. Relief washed over Wendy like a weight lifting off her shoulders. She turned with a smile, ready to greet Hayden—Instead, she faced unruly golden hair, a devilishly handsome face, and a tall, powerfully built frame.Features that could captivate any woman at first g