Chapter 4

Jacob hosted a banquet at the family mansion, gathering all the core members.

Asher attended with Gretchen as his female companion.

Gretchen was dressed in her usual innocent style, which seemed out of place there. Her belly had noticeably become bigger.

She followed Asher fearlessly and greeted the elder members with a bright smile. "I hope you will get along well with Asher in the future," she said sweetly.

Others responded politely.

"Asher and this young lady are indeed a perfect match."

"Congratulations, Asher. You will soon be a father."

Asher sat beside her, but his gaze often wandered over to me with a complex expression.

I chatted with Jacob with a smile. I didn't seem to notice Asher and Gretchen.

After the banquet went on for a while, Jacob praised Asher's performance in the Golden Triangle and asked what he wanted for an award.

Asher stood up and bowed deeply to Jacob. "Mr. Dixon, I have one request. Gretchen saved my life in the Golden Triangle, and she's carrying my baby. I want to marry her and give her and the baby a legitimate status."

He pleaded with Jacob, completely disregarding my feelings.

Jacob was silent for a moment and then turned to me. "Nicola, what do you think?"

I put down my wine glass and smiled slightly. "Father, Asher is responsible and honorable. I have no objections. But we have to clarify Gretchen's background. I don't want any risks for the Dixon family."

Asher's face turned extremely unsightly. "Nicola, she is just an orphan. Why did you say that? You helped me, and I saved you. After I was stabbed back then, I owed you nothing."

Gretchen looked at me with resentment.

Before I could respond, Asher took out a document from his pocket. "Mr. Dixon, I'm willing to give up all my territories in the southern city. I just want you to approve my request."

The profits from his territories were enough to make all the other members green with envy.

He was using that to ask for Jacob's approval.

Jacob's expression changed slightly. After a while, he sighed, "Alright. I approve it."

Asher's eyes flashed with joy, and Gretchen gave me a triumphant glance.

I remained silent and watched them coldly.

As the banquet concluded, Gretchen deliberately walked up to me. "Nicola, we will be family from now on."

She smiled complacently. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of dear Asher for you."

I merely glanced at her briefly and turned away.

I remembered that I stood by Asher in the underground fight club and defended him fiercely against all the others.

But everything had changed now.

On the day Asher and Gretchen got engaged, I barged into the hall in a striking red dress.

Asher, in a white suit, turned pale. "Nicola, don't force me to act."

I loaded the bullet and aimed the gun at his heart. "You betrayed me," I said coldly, "and now you'll pay with your life."