Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 157: Chapter 157

ASHER

It feels strange to realize that the HQ, which used to be my second home, now feels unfamiliar. Formerly, I walked around with a chip on my shoulder, worshipped by every staff and adored by all. Today, as I make my way across the hall to my office, all I feel are chills running down my back.

Everyone is staring at me but not like before. There are uncomfortable questions in their eyes. They murmur behind my back. I ignore them and head all the way to my office. My new secretary welcomes me.

"Welcome back, sir."

"Thank you, Mrs. Spencer."

"Actually, it’s Mrs. Brighton." She beams at me.

"Okay, Mrs. Brighton." I force a smile before going through my door. Inside, I find Nessa slowly rising from the sofa. Anger sizzles in my eyes. "What are you doing here?"

Since she resigned, we’ve barely spoken. I’ve kept my distance and retained my annoyance at her sheer betrayal.

"Mr. Asher, I’m deeply sorry for everything..."

"I don’t have time for this." I cut her short. "GET OUT." But she stays put while I round my desk and turn on my laptop. "Are you deaf or something?"

"I just thought I’d check on you given everything that’s been going on."

"Gee, thanks. I am terrific. Now, get out before your boss/boyfriend strolls in here and starts making assumptions..."

Mrs. Brighton’s high pitched voice welcoming Josh distracts me. Seconds later, Josh barges into my office and smirks at the sight of Nessa and I.

"I thought I’ find you here." He walks up to her and gives her hair a little down pat. "We have that meeting in an hour, remember? I’d appreciate it if you returned to your desk to make double sure everything’s ready."

"Yes, sir." Nessa gives me one last apologetic look before walking away.

"What is this about?" I ask Josh sternly. Since Billion-Err exposed his paternity and half of Danvarr grew sympathetic towards him, I’ve noticed how awfully confident he has grown. Lately, he’s been rubbing it in that he no longer has any reason to stay within his limits. He boldly addresses himself as Josh Rollins during meetings and even in some interviews.

"Calm down, Asher. Whatever you think this is about, you’re definitely wrong." He tucks both hands in his pocket. "Look, I know our family is going through a lot right now. The business is suffering because of it and in as much as you’d like to return to work and do your job, you have to consider the reputation of the business."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

since you haven’t been here. They’re obviously waiting to hound you the second

chuckle dryly. "Are you asking me to leave, Josh? Are you nuts or something?"

you’d be mature about this but apparently, I was wrong. Even father has been working steadily from home because he understands the gravity of the situation so why does

the fuck out of my office this minute, Randall, or I’ll break your

Rollins just like

were both created by Brett Rollins, Josh. Denying that won’t help you feel secure about your identity. You might have his blood coursing through your veins but I have everything else; his mannerisms, his mind, his traits that run deeper than blood. He molded me from infancy. I am his battle-axe, an extension of him that you can never measure

as my brothers and I have been. Where do you think we got it from? We are just like him; we make headlines just by being and when it’s all done, we know how

while I plunk down on my chair with

"Are we done here?"

away with his tail between

could ever wish to be. It might not be a compliment but it’s a fact I’ve

tip my head back and sigh. I’m just going to try to have a normal day at the office, after weeks of dealing

jarring my blissful thoughts. I decline it the moment I recognize the caller. If there’s anyone I want to speak to, it’s Ashton. I miss him. If mother hadn’t confided in me while making alternative arrangements just in case father made

father’s protection ever since Josh came into the picture. Coupled with father constantly breaking his word to me, it seemed the most natural thing to do was secure assets for myself that

more than enough to afford my brothers and our mother a fresh start that mirrors what

to buzz. Angrily,

you need to

"WHERE IS SHE?"

"What?"

my best friend? What have you done to Demi?" Her voice

doesn’t live in the mansion anymore, remember?" I try not to think too far. If Demi’s truly

seen or heard from her either but I lied to him to keep him from worrying too much. Her phone’s turned off. It’s unlike

this time. If Demi was with us, trust me, I’d

"But..."

friend, Anna. I mean it but please quit

chimes in before I can end the call. "Maybe I was wrong.

to chance. Ashton and father are still

out a frustrated breath. "Fine. Fine. I’ll make some calls and have some of my guys look for her. In the meantime, don’t bother anyone else about this. Don’t talk to the

"Thanks, Asher."

Demi without letting me know? If he did, that means he’s starting to distrust me which isn’t good. If he

every other distracting thought and focus on my

my floor, and the journalists lurking downstairs to clear out. Even my secretary leaves without poking her head in to inform me first, the way Nessa