Secret Scion

That was when Layla got to her feet and approached Solomon's table. "Grandpa, Uncle, let's make a toast."

Solomon chuckled. "Can you even drink, Layla?"

"I can't, but it's Aunt's birthday today. I have to make an exception," Layla said with a charming smile.

Layla did this for no other reason than to ease the awkward tension in the air.

Asher had drunk quite a bit by the time the meal was over. The temperature dropped as night fell. He went to the residence's backyard to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

"Are you still thinking about the Webbs?"

Layla's alluring voice rang out from behind him.

Asher turned back to give her a glance before he shook his head and walked toward a pavilion.

"If it isn't the Webbs, it must be Huxley." Layla was in a pair of slim denims that made her legs look particularly slender.

Asher lit a cigarette. "I heard from Amber that he's been doing well for himself for the past two years?"

Layla nodded and sat beside him. A faint fragrance soon wafted into Asher's nostrils.

"Last year, he was also selected as one of the ten outstanding youths of Alexandrius. There are holes in the statement, but his achievements are still there for all to see." Layla gave Asher a look, pondering for a split second before adding, "He probably didn't mean anything by his words. Don't think too much into it."

Asher smiled. "You care this much about me. What a rare sight." With that, Asher got up and left, leaving only a darkened silhouette behind.

In Liam Crawford's residence.

Liam was seated on the couch with a complicated expression clear on his visage as he gave Huxley a look. "Hux, you're still not conservative enough. How could you expose Asher's shortcomings during the celebration today?"

"Dad, I was just looking out for him. Nothing more," Huxley replied, unconcerned.

"You! Argh!" Liam sighed helplessly. He knew exactly what Huxley had in mind. The Crawfords were a powerful bunch. Everyone wanted to be the next family head. Even if Huxley wanted to undermine Asher's position in Solomon's heart, he still had to take a closer look at the occasion. The Webbs and Davis were present. Huxley's action of shaming Asher had also brought shame upon Solomon. "You're still far too immature, Hux."

"Is there something wrong with your head, Liam Crawford? Why are you picking on your son? I don't think Hux did anything wrong. Hasn't Dad always favored Asher? All we have to do is let him know about what Ash is up to. Are you still hungry, Hux? I'll prepare something for you if you're still hungry."

"Thanks, Mom. I'm not hungry, just a little tired. I'll go ahead and go to bed. You two should turn in early too." With that, Huxley went back into the house to sleep.

Solomon had a habit of meditating for half an hour every night before going to bed so that his mind could be as calm as possible.

After washing up, he changed into loose pajamas and was about to meditate when Layla's voice suddenly came from outside. "Grandpa, are you resting?"

"Layla? Come in."

Layla then pushed open the door and walked in. "You drank quite a bit this afternoon, Grandpa. Are you alright? Should I make you some tea?"

Solomon waved her off. "You must have something to say if you're seeking me out this late at night, Layla."

She nodded and ran a hand through her hair. "Huxley didn't tell the full story of Asher's car crash, Grandpa. He didn't make it clear..."

Solomon stopped her before she could complete the sentence. "Was it Ash who had you come here?"

Layla was quick to shake her head. "I think that since this matter has been brought up, it should be thoroughly explained so that we can distinguish right from wrong. I heard about what happened yesterday from Griffin. Asher was going to get Aunt Marguerite a present when he returned to the Capital City the day before, but he had a run-in with Tristan. Quite a few drivers were rushing somewhere and were thus honking their horns. Tristan thought that it was Asher who did it so he got out of his car to kick Asher's vehicle and was even insulting him to his face. Tristan didn't realize that he was confronting Asher. Asher got angry and then rammed straight into Tristan's car."

Solomon looked at Layla with great interest. "What do you think of the situation?"

"Asher is much better tempered now. I'm sure that Tristan's car would've been obliterated if this had happened two years ago," Layla answered.

Solomon smiled. "I recall that you and Ash had always had a bad relationship, Layla. Why are you speaking up for him?"

"One size fits all. I'm just taking things as they come."

The smile on Solomon's face was one of intrigue. He nodded. "Alright, I know. It's getting late. You should turn in for the night."

The next day, Asher got up early and went for a stroll around the backyard, breathing in the fresh air.

With Marguerite's birthday having passed, Asher had originally intended to return to Rollinsford today but he decided to stay for a little while longer after having thought about it. After all, it had been two years since his return. He should spend more time with his family.

"Have you settled in after coming home?" Just then, Solomon, who was wearing a gray coat, walked over. Asher greeted his grandfather. "This is home. I will always settle no matter when I come home."

Solomon nodded with a smile. "Layla sought me out last night and told me everything about what happened in the car accident. She even spoke on your behalf. You didn't expect this, did you? Haha."

Asher was surprised. Neither he nor Layla would intervene in each other's affairs. "What I've done is truly inappropriate, Grandpa. I'll definitely take this as a warning."

Solomon waved his hand. "No, I'm not here to reprimand you for it. A man must be bold when he needs to be. All I would feel is shame if a small household like the Andersons can step all over us. In fact, what Grandpa wants to say is that Huck has been unconvinced about you being the successor of this household. But a family must stay united. And since you're the heir, you should be more generous and tolerant, especially toward your own relatives." Asher said seriously, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I got it."

"Hmm, you've never let me down growing up. Your grandpa is looking forward to the day where you make him the proudest man alive. Oh yes, there's also another thing. What are your thoughts on your betrothal with Phoebe?" Solomon paused before he continued, "I heard that you got yourself a girlfriend in Rollinsford. If that's the case, you should settle the matter between you and Phoebe early. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to the girl back in Rollinsford." A trace of tenderness appeared on his face when Noelle Steward was brought up. It took him two years of companionship for her to let him into her heart. Asher was not about to easily give it up.

"Grandpa, why don't I go to the Webbs' residence today and back out of the marriage?" Asher asked tentatively.

Solomon was quick to answer, "No. If you do that, the Webbs would be shamed." Asher nodded, deep in thought.

Solomon took two steps with his hands behind his back. "You can go to the Webbs' residence, but the engagement cannot be annulled for the time being. Even if you want out, you must have the Webbs take the initiative. The matter has been dragged on for two years. They must be far more anxious than we are."

After the noon meal, Asher took the hairpin that Phoebe gave to Marguerite and went to the Webbs' residence.

The Webbs were famous for their martial arts, and the Webbs battle halls were also spread throughout Alexandrius. They could well be considered the best in the Capital City.

The Webbs Martial Arts Center's main building was located in the Meumont District, only a few minutes' drive from the Crawford residence. It covered an area of about ten acres, with a building pattern similar to a courtyard, surrounded by a fence.

The words 'Martial Arts' were engraved on both sides of the twin gates with a plaque hanging above it. The phrase was written in bold cursive and in a forceful hand.

Even the gate was a grand spectacle.

Asher was far from unfamiliar with the area. This was, after all, his old haunt. Through the gate was a wide martial arts field. There were still dozens of students sweating profusely despite it being noon.

There were several martial artists that stood by the sidelines. One of them was someone Asher knew. He was a distant relative of the Webbs, Jaxx Miller.

Speaking of Jaxx, there had been several conflicts with him, and the root cause was Phoebe. Jaxx had been practicing martial arts within the Webb household since childhood and was one of the few inner disciples who ranked high in strength. Asher had never fought him head on, but it was said that Jaxx had few opponents amongst the youngsters.

Jaxx grew up liking Phoebe, but the Webbs were still a household that held prestige. They would never consider him as a choice. Jaxx, however, did not give up. He had gotten drunk when Asher and Phoebe got engaged and used alcohol as a means to vent his anger which nearly stirred up trouble.

After Asher left the Capital City, he no longer heard anything about him.

He was not about to stir the pot and thus, kept his head down as he made a beeline for the courtyard behind the building to look for Phoebe.

"Asher!"

What he did not expect was for Jaxx to notice him.

"It really is you! What are you doing here? Scram! We don't welcome you!" Jaxx, who wore a

short gray coat, sped over and stopped Asher in his tracks.

Seeing this, all the trainees also rushed over to watch the drama unfold.