Asher, known as both an Alpha and an enigma

1379 Words
Stella didn't expect him to leave the house with nothing. She didn't know if Nathan was afraid of her when he married her. When she married Nathan, she'd assumed he had at least some stake in the Winters family business. However, he held no shares, only serving as the company's CEO, with his only significant assets being a few sports cars and the apartment they'd bought together after their wedding. But at the time of their marriage, Nathan's father, James, had gifted Stella 10% of the company's shares as a dowry to show good faith to her father. Stella had treasured that gesture, thinking it represented Nathan's commitment to her. She'd even placed the share agreement in their safe, feeling no urgency to formally handle the transfer paperwork—she thought it was symbolic proof of Nathan's love, which she never thought she'd need to "officially" validate. Real love doesn't require documentation, she had believed. True love is felt, not proven through signed contracts and promises on paper. Now, as she sat in the law office with Lawyer Caleb, her resolve hardened. If she was going to end this marriage, she wanted that 10% share. "Thank you, Lawyer Caleb," Stella said, steadying her voice. "I understand. I'll gather the necessary evidence. I want to proceed with the divorce as soon as possible." The thought of enduring one more day with Nathan left her feeling drained and empty. All she wanted now was a quick, clean break, and a life where she'd never have to see him again. Caleb, noticing her urgency, escorted her to the elevator, his respectful gesture earning her new looks from the front desk staff. As Caleb turned to head back to his office, he noticed his friend Asher lounging on the office sofa. "Hehe, so you're giving me extra work, I see," Caleb teased, glancing at Asher's unreadable expression. "You do realize I don't consult for free, right? Especially not on short notice like this.” Asher's face remained calm, but he pressed his lips into a small, tight smile. "Did you finish the meeting?" "Yes, she's on her way out," Caleb replied, a bit surprised. And Asher's next question took him off guard. "Did she really ask for a divorce?" Asher asked suddenly, his tone was casual, but Caleb could see a glint of something else—perhaps concern—in his eyes. Caleb raised an eyebrow, studying his friend closely. "Why so interested, Asher? Just who is she to you?" But Asher's expression hardened, and he absently rubbed the silver ring on his index finger. "Not your business, Caleb," he replied coldly, deflecting the question. Caleb threw up his hands in mock frustration. "Fine, be mysterious." ...... Back in the hospital, Stella barely had a moment to collect her thoughts before her phone rang again. The screen flashed *Mother-in-law,* and she answered reluctantly, already bracing herself for the onslaught. "Where on earth are you?" Caroline, her mother-in-law, snapped without preamble. "Lady Victoria and Lady Scarlett are here for tea, and they specifically asked for those pastries you made last time. Did you forget?" Caroline's tone was harsh, with no regard for the fact that Stella had been in the hospital. To her mother-in-law, Stella's sole redeeming quality was her talent in the kitchen, and Caroline exploited it at every opportunity. "I'm not at home right now, Caroline. Maybe the servants could make something for them," Stella replied, her voice laced with thinly veiled annoyance. "Don't act helpless. You are not dying; it's just an estrus cycle," Caroline barked. "If Lady Victoria and Lady Scarlett are dissatisfied, I will make sure Nathan knows!” The old Stella would have swallowed her anger for Nathan's sake, enduring whatever Caroline threw her way. But things had changed. Divorce was on her mind, and she saw no reason to continue putting up with Caroline's demands. "Then I'll inform you now that I'm divorcing your son," she said coolly. "You can make tea and desserts yourself this time. It'll be more 'sincere' that way." Without waiting for a response, Stella ended the call, breathing a sigh of relief. She could imagine Caroline's shocked expression, but she didn't care. For once, she felt liberated. ...... On the Winters' balcony, Caroline fumed, clutching the phone tightly as her guests watched her struggle to maintain composure. Outraged, she muttered to herself, "This is ridiculous. That useless girl actually hung up on me and claimed she wanted a divorce? She'll have to eat her words!" Turning back to her guests, she forced a polite smile. "Apologies, ladies. Stella's not feeling well, but she'll be happy to make it up to you next time.” Victoria waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, it's fine, Caroline. Stella has always struck me as a well-mannered girl." Scarlett chimed in with a smile. "Yes, although Stella can't help you in your family's business, she certainly has her virtues in other areas." Caroline heard the hidden meaning of Scarlett's words, which was a joke that her family married a rich lady, but went bankrupt right after the marriage. She has been laughed at enough by the upper class in the past three years. But there is no way, Scarlett's husband can't be offended by her family. "She's a burden," Caroline forced herself to smile."It's been three years, and she still hasn't given us a grandchild. If things don't change soon, I'll have Nathan end this farce of a marriage." Victoria and Scarlett shared a glance but chose not to continue that line of conversation. The two were full of ridicule in their hearts. They had seen Caroline's family sing praises of Stella when the Miller family still held influence, only to turn around and criticize her once their fortunes changed. Trying to lighten the mood, Scarlett shifted the conversation. "By the way, Caroline, I heard the Parkers are hosting a private gathering at the Golden Palace Hotel soon, and I hear the Thompsons will be attending." Victoria's eyes lit up. "Oh? The Thompson family from Sydne?" Caroline's interest piqued instantly. "Which of the Thompsons will be there?" Scarlett leaned in with a knowing smile. "Asher Thompson himself." A collective gasp escaped them. Asher Thompson, the third son of the Thompson family patriarch, Arthur, was known as both an Alpha and an enigma. Unlike his brothers, who were deeply rooted in the family's business, Asher had carved out his own path. Refusing to work under the Arthur Group, he had gone on to build his own empire, swiftly surpassing even his father's company in value. At just 30 years old, Asher had become one of the most sought-after bachelors, with countless Omegas vying for his attention. Known for his independence and cool demeanor, he was a rare prize in high society. A sly smile spread across Caroline's face as she thought of her daughter. "This is wonderful timing. Eleanor is at a good age now, and Asher would be an ideal match.” Scarlett chuckled, amused by Caroline's ambition. "Good luck with that. It's not easy to secure an invitation to the Parkers' private event." But Caroline was undeterred. If it meant her family could rise in stature, she'd find a way. ...... Later that evening, as James and Nathan returned home, Caroline eagerly shared the news. "James, I heard Asher Thompson is coming to Cyberpolis for the Parkers' event. If we could make an impression on him, it could open doors for us." James stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I've heard rumors as well. I reached out to the Parkers, but they said it's strictly a family gathering. No outsiders." Caroline frowned. "Then what do we do?" James thought for a moment, then turned to Nathan. "Doesn't Stella know the Parkers? Take her to the event, and see if she can make an introduction. If we connect with Asher, our family's position in the Cyberpolis project could change overnight." Caroline's eyes brightened with excitement. "And take Eleanor along too," she added eagerly. "If Asher sees her, he might be interested." Nathan looked away, his mind returning to Stella's words from earlier. She had mentioned divorce, but he had dismissed it as an empty threat. Still, something gnawed at him. After a moment's pause, he nodded. "Alright, we'll go together."
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