Saving the Villain

It had been years since the people around Maynard had seen the three together. And seeing that the chemistry between Asher, Luke, and Maynard killed all the unnecessary noise surrounding the Quinn family.

While everyone\'s attention was on the Quinns, Cosette, and Maxen cast each other a look. They nodded slightly before Maxen excused himself. It was easy to exit since the attention was shifted, so the two of them quietly left the group.

"Tch." Luke clicked his tongue in the middle of the conversation, stopping the man who was singing songs of praise of him.

The man cast Maynard a nervous look after seeing the annoyance plastered on Luke\'s face. Maynard cocked his head to the side; his long had grown long as he had listened to all the praises these people had in store for his sons.

"I bet those two had been waiting for this moment," grumbled Luke, glaring daggers at Maxen and Cosette\'s back as the two escaped.

"Knowing them, there\'s no doubt." Asher nodded, ignoring the people around them, including their father. "Do they think they could have a date for free?"

"Those cheapskates —" Luke bit his tongue when Asher elbowed his side. The latter tipped his head, raising his brows as he reminded him they were being surrounded by prospective business investors and clients.

"Ahem!" Luke cleared his throat and forced a smile. "I\'m sorry about that."

Since Luke had company of his own, he needed an extensive connection. Although cinching a big project was his company\'s break, gaining these men\'s favor would benefit his business. Watching Luke shift his mood in a snap of a finger, leading the men to a different topic to divert their attention, made Asher chuckle.

\'I guess it\'s in his blood,\' thought Asher, watching how Luke and Maynard lead the conversation. \'He is a natural like his father… and his other brother.\'

Asher maintained his smile despite the thought that came across his head. It was obvious Maxen and Luke were natural businessmen, just like Maynard. It also seemed they enjoyed this path. Although Asher was exceptional, he knew it was never for him.

Asher had grown now, though, and he never regret pursuing his dreams. Not even a second.

As Luke led the conversation within the group, Asher looked around. He stretched his neck, searching for Cosette and Maxen. After some time, he managed to see Cosette.

\'Why is she alone?\' his brows furrowed, seeing that Cosette was just standing in the corner across the hall.

"Hah…\' Asher let out a faint breath, sporting a smile as he set his eyes on the men around him. "I\'m sorry for interrupting the conversation, but I have to excuse myself first."

"What? You\'re leaving?" Maynard frowned while Asher shook his head with a smile.

"No, Dad. I just need to talk to someone."

"Oh, sure." Maynard grinned, waving dismissively. "Join us later — anyway, as I was saying, since the construction for the Quinn Holding partnership with Medical Center…"

Asher kept his smile as his father resumed his discussion with the men and Luke. He didn\'t idle for long, strutting his way to approach Cosette. On his way, Asher grabbed a glass of champagne from the server and smoothly turned on his heel two steps beside Cosette.

"Having a great night?" was his greeting remark, cocking his head back while his eyes fell on her.

Cosette slowly turned her head, and as soon as her eyes met his, her smile returned. "Are you?"

"Wasn\'t it obvious?"

"Same." She chuckled, peeling her eyes from him. "No one throws such a lavish party like the Quinns. From the venue, food, and the guests, everything was perfect. But what\'s best about this event is that everything was free."

Cosette looked back at him, smirking humorously. "My husband can broaden his connection while having a date with me. Isn\'t that a win-win for us?"

"I\'ll pretend I didn\'t hear that." Asher looked away while she laughed mischievously. "So, where is your husband?"

"He went to grab us some food." She shrugged.

"Should I throw some unnecessary remarks?" Asher arched a brow as he cast her a knowing look. "Just to be clear, I moved on. But I never liked your husband, so it would be very satisfying to rattle him a little."

"You can try."

Asher watched her sip on the glass of champagne with her eyes fixed on him. "Nevermind. It sounds like a trap."

Cosette chuckled once again before a moment of silence fell on their shoulders. Asher would glance at her from time to time, remembering the secret she was hiding from everyone. He had been holding back, keeping his emotions at bay since the moment he laid his eyes on her.

Where should he start?

Should he need to even mention it?

Myriads of questions were flowing through his mind, and she had no idea.

"What?" Asher snapped his eyes as her voice pulled him back to the current lapse. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Huh?"

"I know I am pretty, but I\'m married." Cosette humored, displaying the beautiful ring on her finger.

"Tch. What a flex." Asher shook his head, reminding himself to act natural. "Anyway, about the —"

"Oh!" Asher stopped when her eyes suddenly sparkled in excitement, furrowing his brows as she pointed in a direction. "I didn\'t know your company invited the rising star Mia — Oho! She\'s so pretty!"

Asher cocked his head to the side, sizing up her excitement. Out of curiosity, his eyes followed the direction she was looking. There, a beautiful lady was walking into the venue and gaining everyone\'s attention.

Little did Asher know, as soon as he gazed in the lady\'s direction, Cosette was observing him from the corner of her eyes.