Secret Scion

"Everyone, good work! However, I'm sure you can push Asher Crawford further-send word to

the others that when you run into him again, try to make physical contact next time. I'm eager to find out the limits of his tolerance," Rose Schmidt announced with conceit and a faint smile, thinking to herself that she was going to get payback after how Asher humiliated her at Rollinsford.

Savannah Anderson, who had been standing behind Rose as she gave her speech, nodded. "I'll pass your message along, Miss Schmidt."

She was certainly keen to please now that she had truly climbed the ranks to high society as the Gentlemen's second in command.

Then, Rose added, "When Asher gets more and more passive, that would be the time for us to have a chat with Griffin Quinn. I'll leave the arrangements to you." "Yes, Miss Schmidt."

One afternoon, Layla Knight returned to her family mansion to find her grandfather waiting. Though Mr. Knight usually did not concern himself with the affairs of the younger generation, the Gentlemen's persistent harassments on Asher were stirring waves, to the point where even Mr. Knight had heard rumors.

Seeing her return, he could not help asking, "Ah, Layla... What is this Gentlemen outfit I keep hearing about? How did they get so famous in just ten days or so?"

"You know about them too, Gramps?" Layla exclaimed as she twiddled her bangs. "Well, their mastermind is Rose Schmidt, and there are over seventy of them now."

Layla could not hide the troubled look on her own face, since the Gentlemen seemed to have gained more power with each passing day, leaving Asher in an even direr position.

"She certainly is no pushover... I guess they are right to say that she and Sebastian are a match made in heaven," Mr. Knight muttered, before asking with a frown, "Have you seen Asher lately? What is he planning to do? I'm sure a direct confrontation is out of the question when the Gentlemen has strength in numbers."

Layla pouted. "That's what I told Ash, Gramps, but he doesn't listen at all. Hell, whenever I ask him what he's going to do about them, all he does is shrug and say 'no idea', while also refusing any suggestion to hide. To be honest, he's really killing me here! Sure, he's changed a lot compared to two years ago, but the pride of his seemed to be ingrained in his bones. I'm sure the fact he used to woo Rose is also another reason he won't yield to her."

Mr. Knight could not help signing in turn. "With that many important families joining hands, even the Macquoids have to tiptoe around them, let alone the Crawfords. Should I head over to their place and talk to Solomon? I'm sure he wouldn't want anything to happen to his dearest treasure."

"Thank you, Gramps," Layla said, when an idea occurred to her.

After bidding her leave from her grandfather, she returned to her room and whipped out her phone to call Noelle Steward.

The lady's charming voice soon spoke over the other end, "Hello, Layla."

"Elle, listen-Ash is in trouble..."

Layla then told Noelle about Ash's current predicament, knowing that he was infatuated with her and would listen to her. It was exactly why she called her and asked for her help, even if it was just to persuade him to hide in Rollinsford for a few days.

Noelle was left musing to himself for a long while after hearing Layla's story, but she said, "I

don't think I can change Ash's mind on this, Layla... Not after he's made up his mind. He's chosen

to stay at Alexandrius, and it's proof enough that he already has a solution. You really don't have to worry about him at all, Layla."

However, Layla was too flustered and blurted, "He doesn't have shit."

***

Phoebe Webb had been left feeling antsy for days after meeting Seth Harrison at Viva, where a mysterious figure caught them on the verge of doing it in a washroom cubicle. She did not try to visit Asher either since her conscience had been gnawing at her, just as her determination to marry Asher was once again shaken as the Gentlemen grew in reputation.

Everyone knew that they were actually an alliance of dozens of important families, and even if Asher had the Crawfords' protection, they were only one family. It was therefore obvious that the Gentlemen had the advantage.

It was also why Phoebe could not decide for the longest time if she should help Asher, or to use this chance to distance herself. In fact, she was left with a migraine whenever she tried to come up with something.

That was when Kenneth Webb came hurriedly toward her, the somber look on his face making it clear that he had something important to say. However, he tried to start a few times, only to stop before he really spoke.

As such, Phoebe told him, "Just say what you need to say, Dad."

With that, Kenneth made a troubled look and said, "Phoebe, your grandfather is heading to the Crawfords' mansion... However, he's also bringing your betrothal gifts along, saying that he wants to annul your engagement with Asher Crawford."

"What?!" Phoebe was left flabbergasted. "Why didn't you tell me something so important, Dad?!" Kenneth sighed. "It's not like I can do anything, Phoebe. Your grandfather heard what's happening with Ash lately, and insists on the annulment now that the Gentlemen is getting stronger by the day. He has to do it, or our family will get caught in the crossfire-to be honest, you shouldn't blame him now that things have come to this. Just let it be."

"No. I'm visiting the Crawfords too!" Phoebe snapped, and she promptly headed out to get a car without bothering to put on make-up.

"Stop!" Kenneth quickly said. "Come on, Phoebe your grandfather would be there already, and there's no taking back what he says this time. You won't change a thing even if you go." "Didn't we agree that I get to decide my own marriage?! You liar!" Phoebe screamed, and stormed out of the house anyway.

***

Meanwhile, the Crawford mansion was a lively scene.

Mr. Knight had just arrived to have a discussion with Solomon Crawford about Asher's predicament, only to find that Jerome Webb-Kenneth's father, was already there to annul Phoebe's engagement.

Within the living room, Solomon was seated regally, but there was no doubt that he was feeling at once embarrassed and angry due to the situation. The Webbs had to pick this moment to ask for annulment when his family was in the midst of a crisis, and there was no question that they were kicking Solomon's family when they were already down.

Nearby, Luke Crawford and his wife appeared troubled as well, but they were not at ease to express their frustrations just like Solomon.

On the other hand, Liam Crawford and his wife appeared unconcerned-even a little entertained. After all, even if the Webbs' demand to annul the engagement was meant to humiliate their family, it was all on Asher's head. Would it not be even more ideal if Solomon made Asher's life harder as a result?

It should be mentioned here that Jerome, 65, was also one of the best martial artists there was. Despite his midsized figure, he carried a powerful presence because he never slacked on his practice.

Now, seated on the couch, he was frowning even as he gloated, "Solomon, I'm sure you know as I do that Ash and Phoebe's engagement holds little value. It's a known fact that Ash was already married once in Rollinsford, and his action was clearly disrespectful toward my family. Sure, we're no one important, but we can't let anyone trample over our dignity. I'm sure that you know I have no choice in asking for this annulment, and I hope that you understand our decision." Solomon appeared serene in appearance, but rage was blazing in him.

At the same time, Luke and his wife traded looks. Both of them still appeared troubled. However, that was when Asher spoke from opposite Jerome, "Mr. Webb, is this annulment your decision, or Phoebe's?"

"Doesn't matter whose decision it was," Jerome replied. "The point is that from now on, Phoebe is no longer your fiancee."

Even Mr. Knight, who had been sitting beside him, could not help speaking out right then. "Do you really think this is right, Rome? Right now, Ash needs everyone's help the most! Hell, forget not helping aren't you going to make things worse, asking for an annulment now?" "Easy for you to say," Jerome snorted. "You'd do the same if Phoebe is your grandkid." "That's where you're wrong, Mr. Webb." Layla said as she entered the room just then. "My grandfather would never do something like that, and while I lack the seniority to offer you advice, I really should tell you not to get too blinded by what's in front of you. Two years ago, the Schmidts had moved heaven and earth in their campaign to destroy Ash too, and your family never helped because you were afraid that you'd get involved as well-but Ash survived anyway and married someone else because you were playing Switzerland. So, let me ask you this: would he have been so disenchanted with your family if you offered even the slightest bit of help? "And now, it's the same thing again-Rose Schmidt is after Asher's head, but is there any guarantee that Ash is going to lose? I assure you, even when the walls are closing in on Ash, my family and the Davises would not just sit by and watch."

Layla's words had actually hit Jerome where it hurt the most, and he promptly glowered. As he projected his menacing might into the air, Layla instantly felt chills running down her spine, just as Asher-who was the strongest amongst those present-felt pressured as well.

Be that as it may, another stronger, more vicious presence soon enshrouded the room like a storm, virtually vaporizing Jerome's presence. Turning pale in shock, the elderly man scrambled to his feet and turned to look outside the living room, attempting to find the person who was thoroughly eclipsing him.

Still, both Asher and Solomon knew perfectly that it was none other than Aiden Duncan.