Chương 23: The One Flower Guarded By The Three Men

||Asher||

There was nothing changed after Asher signed the divorce agreement two days ago. His focus was primarily on his job as he continued working late.

Because the end of the year was approaching, most companies were busier than ever. The gigantic Shen corporation was not excluded. Everyone had to get their tasks done before the New Year holidays began.

As the president, Asher put more effort into completing his own tasks. He hadn't gone home for the last few days, choosing to stay in his office's private lounge to save time.

In fact, the last time Asher went home was the day he visited Liliana in the hospital. In the morning he suddenly appeared at the villa, he actually drove all the way there from the company.

Right now, both the master and mistress of the mansion were absent. Asher was preoccupied with work while Liliana continued staying at the beach house.

Their divorce news had reached everyone working for the Xin and Shen household. Most of them couldn't believe it but, no one dared to question anything.

Knock! Knock!

Asher lifted up his gaze from the laptop screen. He looked in the direction of the door.

Two young men stood there with smiles curling up their lips. One of them wore a dark gray jacket over a white turtleneck while the other was in a three-piece silver suit.

"What do you guys want?" asked Asher. He took off the glasses sitting on his nose bridge. Faint traces of exhaustion were imbued in his dark eyes.

"Just wanna make sure that you're still alive," said the man wearing the dark gray jacket. His softly-curl black hair ended at the nape of his neck.

"Asher won't be affected by that woman's stunt. Didn't I tell you that, Alvin?" the second man with copper color dyed hair scoffed, "She even scores a huge alimony."

"Rupert," Alvin threw a look at the man in the silver suit, "It's Grandma Shen's decision. I don't think Liliana could come up with that."

"I don't know how Grandma Shen could be deceived by her. She still supports that woman when she's the one who initiates the divorce," Rupert shrugged. He headed to the couch before throwing himself on it.

Alvin ignored Rupert. He continued walking until he paused in front of Asher's office desk.

"Let's go out. I heard you haven't been eating right these days," pointed Alvin in distress, "Do you wanna collapse before New Year comes?"

"I still have many things to do," Asher leaned back against the swivel chair. He stared at Alvin, "Just go with Rupert."

Alvin Xia and Rupert Yu were Asher's longtime friends. Their friendship was destined because the Xia and Yu families had known each other since their great-grandparents' time.

Despite always being busy with their own schedules, they tried to meet up from time to time. As Asher's close friends, Alvin and Rupert also knew about his distant relationship with Liliana.

"No can do," Alvin knocked on the desk with his knuckles, "Take some time off tonight. I've made sure with your assistant. He said you don't have anything urgent left for today."

Asher let out a low grunt. Caleb had kept reminding him to rest well and take everything easy. He should have known that assistant of his would conspire with his own friends in this matter.

"Come now, Asher," Rupert chimed in from the couch, "We'll be busier next week. Let's cool off tonight. Our dinner should be ready soon. Elaine will join us."

"At LipStick?" questioned Asher once he heard the name.

"Where else? Elaine worries about you. Better to go to her club," Rupert smirked. He playfully tugged at his suit button, "I haven't seen her much these days too. I wonder what she's doing now."

"It's already six," Alvin glanced at his wristwatch, "We better move now. Winter traffic sucks."

Asher sighed, finally relented. He grabbed his winter jacket before following Alvin and Rupert out of the office.

Most employees had gone home. Only Caleb was left in the secretarial department. Asher quickly dismissed him.

The three men headed to LipStick, a private social club founded by Alvin's cousin sister, Elaine Xia. She was in her mid-20s.

As the young lady of the Xia family, Elaine was pampered by many especially Alvin who acted like her elder brother. She was akin to one flower that was carefully guarded by the three men.

Elaine didn't have any intention to work in the family business. Her father doted on her so much. He invested money in the social club and let her do what she wanted. It was opened three years ago after her graduation.

LipStick became a famous gathering venue for most youngsters in high society. It was chic and lively, unlike the private clubs frequented by the older generations.

Once the three men arrived there, they were immediately escorted to the third floor by the manager. That floor was only open to the most exclusive members of the club.

Alvin had his own private room there. They usually gathered inside the room instead of socializing with the others.

Once they entered the spacious room, the three men immediately saw the young lady in a red dress talking to the attendants. Their appearance was noticed by the lady.

"Brother Asher! You're here too!"

Elaine turned around from the attendants. She half-walked and half-ran to where Asher and the other two were standing. Her luscious and silky hair cascaded behind her back like a waterfall.

"Hello, Elaine," greeted Asher curtly.

Elaine's plump lips curved into a beautiful smile. She happily exclaimed, "It's good to see you tonight, Brother Asher. How have you been?"

"Good."

"You only saw your Brother Asher, huh?" Rupert pretended to be upset, "You're not excited to see us anymore?"

Elaine's cheeks were tinged in redness. She playfully pinched Rupert's hand, "I haven't seen Brother Asher in a long time. How could you say that, Brother Rupert?"

"I'm famished," Alvin ignored Elaine and Rupert's banter. He glanced at Asher, "Forget about work tonight. Let's have a long chat."

Asher gave Alvin an indifferent shrug. When he was walking next to Alvin, he didn't notice the look in Elaine's eyes.