Asher's face remained expressionless as he looked at Arnold. However, a wave of emotions surged internally.
'Last night, until now? Arnold had not slept all night and stayed by my door, just to see me?' As his thoughts returned, Asher's
fingers balled into a fist by his side.
"Ash, what did I do wrong? Did I say something wrong? Please tell me." Arnold could not bear Asher's coldness and silence any
longer. His voice trembled with anxiety as he stepped forward to grab Asher's hand.
However, Asher suddenly stepped back, leaving Arnold grasping at empty air. A chill swept over him from head to toe.
"Ash..."
"Dr. Larson." Asher's voice cut through sharply.
Arnold's pupils contracted. "What did you call me?"
"Dr. Larson." Asher's voice was even colder than before, as if he had returned to being the aloof eldest son of the Thompson
family, untouched by the world.
"You have worked hard these past few days. My father's condition has stabilized, and you have stayed in Hatchbay for too long.
You have not visited your family even once. Why not take some time to go home?"
It felt as if a bullet had pierced through Arnold's heart. Arnold's hand froze mid-air as he asked, "Did my aunt say something to
you?!"
Asher shook his head. "What does this have to do with Aunt Mila? You are overthinking."
"Then why are you also trying to send me away?!" Arnold's voice broke, tears welling up in his eyes. "Ash, I don't want to go
home... I don't want to go abroad. I want to stay by your side forever. It does not matter what reason or identity. As long as I can
be with you, I don't need anything else! I just want you!"
Asher's eyes reddened, but his voice remained cold and harsh. "Dr. Larson, if you wish to stay at Yara Park a bit longer to
accompany Aunt Mila, feel free to do so. But starting tonight, I will be living in Savrow for a while. The KS Group racecourse
hotel project is about to start. I will be very busy and might have to travel frequently. So, do as you wish."
With that, Asher turned and walked away, his attitude resolute and cold.
Arnold rushed forward and hugged him tightly, tears streaming down his face. "Ash, are you abandoning me?"
Asher's breath hitched, and his mouth opened slightly.
"Ash, please don't abandon me... I will do anything. Just don't ignore me. I beg you..."
The once-proud and rebellious Arnold Larson was utterly humble and undignified before Asher, just so he could cling on to that
sliver of warmth.
"I never belonged to you, Dr. Larson. We never belonged to each other," Asher said, his back to Arnold, his words piercing the
latter's heart.
"You are a free bird in the forest. There is no need to give up a vast forest because of me. I am not only the CEO of KS Group
but also a devout Christian. Neither my status nor my faith will allow me to be with you. Even if I marry and have children one
day, it will not be with a man. So don't waste your time on me."
Such heartless words were said so easily. Each word was like a sharp knife stabbing into Arnold's heart. "Ash, Arnold."
Hearing the voice, both of their hearts skipped a beat.
Asher's mind went blank. His jawline instantly tensed as he forcefully pried Arnold's hands off his waist.
Asher raised his eyes, his heart in turmoil.
Not far away, Mila stood there calmly, her expression as serene as ever, as if she had not witnessed their unusual closeness.
"Aunt Mila," Asher responded, his voice slightly hoarse.
Mila smiled faintly and turned to Arnold. "Arnold, your brother has come to pick you up."
Arnold's shoulders slumped, as if he had fallen into a deep abyss.
Bella and Justin walked hand in hand into the living room, where they spotted a man in an expensive brown suit sitting on the
sofa. He was similar in age and stature to Justin's older brother, exuding an air of sophistication.
The man's narrow eyes flickered impatiently as he repeatedly glanced at his watch. Justin furrowed his brow, feeling a sense of
familiarity with this person. But he could not identify this man.
The man's eyes lazily lifted at the sound of footsteps, and he showed no reaction to the famous couple before him, not even
bothering to shift in his seat. How utterly arrogant! In contrast, Bella approached calmly, her crimson lips curving into a police
smile as she extended her right hand.
"Mr. Larson, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Justin looked puzzled at Bella before turning his gaze back to the unfamiliar man. 'Mr. Larson? Could he be...'
"Heh, I've never set foot in such a prestigious place. It's shocking that you recognize me, Ms. Thompson." Mr. Larson responded
with a smirk, crossing his arms defensively."However, the Larson family has strict rules. Anyone from the Larson family cannot
have any contact with the Thompson family. Let's skip the handshake, shall we?"