Chapter 80

Arabella pressed her lips together, feeling a strange tension building inside her, but she decided to speak up anyway. "Thank you for everything you've done for us these last few days. I won't forget how kind you've been."

"What now?" Asher's eyes turned cold in an instant, and a sharp edge crept into his demeanor, as if he already knew what Arabella would say next.

She took a breath and continued, "I think it's best if Daisy and I find a place of our own. We can't keep relying on you forever."

His expression remained frosty, his voice flat."Is that what you want?"

"Yes, I'm sure..." Arabella managed to say,but Asher had already turned his back and walked away before she finished.

An uneasy feeling surged in her chest.

She had no idea what Asher was thinking.

Taking in two strangers must have been a hassle for him, right? Shouldn't he feel relieved now that they were leaving?

Her mind drifted as she got back to her room,eyes unfocused while she stared at her phone.

News was spreading quickly online.

The Tucker Group, the Hyde Group, and even the Lambert Group were all facing heavy boycotts. However, since Joyce issued an apology right away and Nathan made a donation of twenty million, they were not hit as hard as the others.

Griridge University also sent Arabella financial compensation.

Everything was falling into place.

With things here settling down, she knew it was time to focus on the future.

Arabella thought about a certain name, her eyes narrowing as she called Joshua. "How are things going with the assignment I gave you?"

"Don't worry. Everything's moving along just fine. But what made you want to start a restaurant all of a sudden?"

Arabella answered in a steady voice, "I started thinking about those years | spent in the lab,always working and never really tasting good food. After I left, I finally discovered how many wonderful things there are to eat. Still, a lot of people have stomach problems. I want to create meals that can help them feel better. And,honestly, there's someone in that neighborhood I haven't forgiven yet."

Joshua perked up. "I get it! That sounds amazing. I'm handling the renovations at the restaurant, and it's almost finished. Do you want me to help you search for a chef?"

"That would be great," Arabella responded."Also, could you check on the properties listed

under my name?"

Joshua was quick to agree. "Sure, but what's got you curious about that all of a sudden? Are you planning to move out?"

"Yes," she replied without hesitation.

Joshua sounded surprised. "You mean it? What made you decide?"

Arabella kept her tone calm. "Daisy and |shouldn't keep staying at Asher's. It isn't right to keep depending on him."

"He wants you to leave?"

"No,it's my choice."

Joshua was disappointed but did not try to talk her out of it.

Right after Arabella ended the call, a knock echoed from the door. She walked over and opened it to find Asher standing in the hallway.

The light in the corridor made him look even

more striking, shadows playing across his features. His gaze was deep and unwavering as he spoke. "You gave me a gift, so I have something for you too."

He lifted his hand, and as his fingers opened,she saw her cherry blossom pendant resting in his palm. Arabella's eyes grew wide in surprise.

Maryam had crushed the pendant once before,but now it looked flawless.

Arabella took it in her hands and opened the locket, seeing the photo inside completely untouched, not even a hairline crack.

She turned to Asher, surprise and gratitude mixing on her face.

"Did you ask someone to repair this for me?"Her voice was full of thanks. "It's perfect-just like it was before."

"I did it myself." Asher's eyes never left her,and her heart fluttered at the thought. It amazed her that someone as busy as Asher would take time

to fix it with his own hands.

She met his gaze, drawn in by how deep and intense it was.

A wild possibility flickered in her mind for just a second.

Was it possible that Asher truly cared for her?

"If you want to move out, I won't stop you. But if you'd like to stay, you'll always have a place here." His voice was soft and steady as he spoke.

Arabella held the pendant close, not sure how to respond.

Without warning, Asher reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Take your time. I'll be here whenever you decide."

His words lingered in her mind, heavy with meaning.

She managed a small nod, watching as Asher left the doorway. When she returned to her

room, her thoughts spun in every direction. She had never dated anyone before, but she could sense Asher's kindness was genuine. There was something deeper in the way he looked at her,and it left her feeling breathless.