?<strong>Chapter 127:</strong>


    Asher responded with a nonchnt shrug, “We’re among ourselves here.”


    But Godwin, with a tone of severity, countered, “You’re linked to several significant deals with the Norris Group.”


    Regardless of your personal feelings towards that man, you must conceal them. Sure, those rumors might be fodder for bloggers to specte on or for others to whisper about, but you, Asher, must never be the source of such gossip.”


    Carrie, who normally steered clear of the Norris family’s business dealings, was taken aback upon discovering the link between Asher and Kristopher. A sense of boldness seemed to radiate from Asher. In a daring move, he had openly confronted the dream girl of his own benefactor. It appeared that Asher either possessed extraordinary luck or remarkable skill to have risen so far.


    Observing his carefree demeanor, Carrie feltpelled to offer a word of advice. “Godwin has a point, Asher. In your role, every statement and gesture is under close observation. You need to tread carefully.”


    Asher, looking slightly sheepish, scratched his head and responded, “Understood. I’ll exercise more caution from now on.”


    Godwin, shooting a thankful nce at Carrie, expressed his gratitude. “Carrie, you’re the only one who can rein him in. Now that you’re both part of the same team, could you please watch over him for me? His candidness really keeps me on my toes every day.”


    Carrie, ever gracious, replied softly, “Sure, Godwin, I’d be d to.”


    The meal was served shortly thereafter, each dish a masterpiece of culinary art, tempting to the eye and promising delight to the taste buds. Asher, enthusiastic as ever, began heaping food onto Carrie’s te, soon amassing an impressive assortment of dishes. Noticing Carrie’s overwhelmed look, Godwin swiftly changed the subject to divert the attention. “Carrie, have you ever wondered why Asher looks up to you so much?”


    Upon hearing this, Asher momentarily halted his action of serving Carrie, bowing his head with a touch of shyness. “Godwin, why would you mention that now?” Curious, Carrie chimed in, “What’s the reason?”


    “You hold Carrie in such high regard, it only makes sense to share that with her,” Godwin remarked. Then, he turned to Carrie and said, “Back when Asher was training to be a star overseas, there was a point where he nearly gave up on everything. He stood firm against some shady dealings, yet despite his tireless efforts, the path forward remained dark. Then, quite unexpectedly, he stumbled upon ‘Nobody,’ and it profoundly moved him. He vowed then to rise to fame and bring your stories to life, hoping to motivate others just like himself.”


    “Nobody,” one of Carrie’s earlier pieces, narrated the tale of individuals who surmounted overwhelming challenges to realize their ambitions. Carrie, moved by this revtion, lifted her soda in salute. “To think my writing could touch someone so deeply. Here’s to your resilience, and thank you for appreciating my work.”


    The three of them clinked their sses together, sipping their drinks as a newfound warmth filled the air. They continued their lively conversation and shared a meal, losing track of time. Before they knew it, three hours had slipped by and the restaurant had nearly emptied.


    Carrie slipped into the restroom and cast a fleeting nce across the corridor at the open door of the opposing private room. It was deserted. Lise and her entourage had evidently moved on.


    As she proceeded down the hallway, a solitary figure engrossed in a phone conversation caught her eye. Dressed in a ck shirt with a suit jacket nonchntly hanging from one arm, his features were obscured, yet the unmistakable air of aloofness surrounding him made him instantly recognizable as Kristopher.


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