"Did you like the food?"

Ashen questioned with a gentle smile, leaving a five-star restaurant.

"Of Course. This was the best day of my life! What you did in college was straight out of my dreams!" She said in excitement before sighing with a regretful expression: "Just one more thing and this day would've been perfect!"

Ashen's ears stood up hearing this and he instantly asked: "What thing? What is it? tell me!"

Xinovia, with a blush, tightened her grip around Ashen's hand and answered: "Ashen, I think it is time to take our relationship to the next step. I don't think any other day would be more suitable to do our first time. I don't want to regret not doing it today."

Ashen, looking at her with a sincere gaze, said softly: "Xinovia, there's no need to rush things. We can do our first time on our marriage day. Won't that be a grander day than today? Why don't we do our first kiss today? It would make this day more memorable, what do you think?"

"Sigh... Ashen, why do you want to take things so slow? My Friends have already done their first time with their boyfriends and only I am left. I don't want to look like a fool in front of them. Can't you fulfill this one wish of mine? Do it for me, please..."

Looking at her innocent and insisting gaze, Ashen couldn't bring himself to say no. At this moment, he could give her anything she asked for: "Alright, let me book a hotel!"

15 minutes later, inside a hotel room,

Xinovia looked into Ashen's eyes with desire, bringing her lips close to his as Ashen could feel her breathing on his lips, slowly a passionate kiss unfolded.

Their tongues intertwined with each other as they passionately hugged each other on the bed before suddenly Ashen felt a sharp sensation in his neck.

"Ah!"

He broke the kiss, holding his neck where the stinging sensation could be felt before his vision began to get blurry and he fell unconscious.

Splash!

A splash of water was thrown at Ashen's face as his eyes began to twitch and tremble in response before he slowly opened them.

Ashen's head hung low as tears dripped down his eyes.

"Call your Grandfather, we don't have much time!" Uncle Leopold ordered his son, Conrad.

Soon, a video call was established with Alexander and William sitting on the other side of the screen, while Ashen and the other were on this side.

"Ashen! Vic! Are you both okay? Don't worry my children, I'll get you out of there safely!" Alexander yelled as soon as his gaze fell on the apprehended Ashen and Vic.

Then, Alexander turned to William: "Elder Brother William, tell me what I have to do for you to release them unscathed?"

"Just sign these papers and I'll let your dear grandchildren leave unscathed as you desire!" William muttered with an evil smile.

Ashen's Grandfather looked through the papers, his eyes widening in horror: "Nuliner Carpenting Company Papers? This says that I transfer all my 50% ownership to you! Brother William, how can you ask for all of my wealth? What will be left for me and my grandchildren if I give all to you?"

"Alexander, it's our father's mistake in distributing his wealth equally among us, even though it has been a tradition to only name one heir. I should've been the sole heir, but somehow you got lucky. Now, this is the only way to correct our father's mistake and you should be happy to be the one to do it."

"And don't worry, I am taking all your wealth for your and your Grandchildren's sake. Think about it, If I don't take all power away from you, how can I rest assured in leaving you alive? Won't you look for revenge or some way to get your wealth back, If I just let you go with some part of your wealth and power?"

"I am doing this for your good. Even if I kill you all, I won't get a single share from you since all of it will directly go to charity. Our father made it that way to not let us kill each other for money. Therefore, be a smart man and sign these papers. I promise the moment you sign, I will set your grandchildren free!"

Ashen's Grandfather looked at him as he nodded in agreement. He knew that his elder brother was a man of word, once he promised, he would always keep it.

"Alright elder brother, I'll sign these papers for you!"

Saying that, he signed the papers.

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(A/N - Thanks for reading. ^..^)