CHAPTER 7: Do not underestimate me!

The atmosphere was tense and all eyes were on the two most successful bachelors and billionaires on the planet.

Asher Braxton and Cole Howards.

Heads of rival companies, impressive and gorgeous looking men who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. Asher had a genius mind and a lone wolf approach to life while Cole was the funny and cunning one who preferred to move in pack.

For the first time ever, the people witnessed a live presentation of their infamous rivalry in the business world as Asher held Cole's neck in a firm grip while he smirked daringly.

The smirk only grew Asher's anger, which Cole got a kick out of doing. Of course with the added bonus of helping him ruin his already disgusting reputation of being a mad dog, it was an all too tantalizing opportunity to Miss.

Cole didn't need to do much before triggering Asher. The very day he figured out that part of the puzzle was the very day he made it his goal to always take a swipe at him which he could proudly affirm had in turn produced a more than generous amount of results.

One of which was the current situation.

" Good that there are more than enough people watching. Still sore about the deal? " Cole said to Asher, daring him to do something. Anything.

Cole was pretty confident for someone who was being strangled by an angry Asher. He knew for certain that he couldn't follow through on any of his colourful threats. At least not in a place as public as this.

Multiple emotions flashed through Asher's eyes. Anger being the most prominent. He wasn't stupid enough not to notice the obvious mind games being played but to create emphasis, he tightened his hold on the neck of Cole who suddenly turned red and wide eyed.

" I am Asher Braxton. Do not underestimate me." He said to a struggling Cole and before some of his guards could intervene, he roughly lets go of him and stands erect.

" Do have a great time celebrating tonight." He said monotone and with a lower voice he added, " might be your last."

With that, Asher headed out of the area with Jason in tow. His jaws flexed in anger while he headed towards his office with purposeful strides. No doubt, he was raging.

He had once again given them another story to run with about him. He had intentionally given his enemy more props to deceive the world into believing the worst of him. Not that he actually cared but he hated the idea of being used to paint a glamorous picture of the asshole.

More importantly, he was angered that he'd given them a reason to think they could walk over him. It was clear that the internal matters of the company were no longer as internalized which further brought him back to the issues at hand.

He needed to settle everything and gain full power and hold before rumours broke out. Judging from his little encounter with Cole, it was only a matter of time before it did. He needed to be one step ahead.

Asher got to the office and headed straight for a glass of water. His head was full and running overdrive. Jason recognized the look on Asher's face. It was one he got when he was cooking.

Whenever Asher came up with quick and critical decisions, he usually had moments like these. Moments that he had learned over the years to be times when the best and most important matters are addressed.

" Investigate Steele's background. I want to know everything about them by midnight. Also make sure any news relating to the company is on lock. I don't want any slip ups!"

Asher fired his orders without breathing in between. He was on auto pilot mode and Jason knew that he had once again regained the status of his right hand man. Just like they used to before he married his wife.

" Yes sir! " Jason replied, ready to go into a job he was all too familiar with. He immediately got on the phone and headed out of the property, not failing to order a ride for himself, knowing he wasn't about to get on the same ride with an angry Asher.

Asher sat in the office for a while, sporting a calculating gaze before finally heading out. This time around, he didn't bother leaving through the crowd and instead used his emergency exit.

Relaxation was no longer an option which left out one route to pacify his anger. He was headed home to work. Over work himself until he was drained out of the anger buzzing through him.

It didn't take long before Asher was on his property gates. As expected, the gates automatically opened up and he drove through into the house complex.

Brooding, he parked the car and came out of his black SUV while the housekeeper, Mrs Adams greeted him and escorted him into the premises, trying to keep up with his fast strides.

Mrs Adams was a woman he'd grown up with as a nanny and overtime, got accustomed to her being around him. It was only natural for her to move into his home as a permanent housekeeper when he decided to finally leave Braxton's home.

" Mr Braxton… The Elder–"

" Save it. Whatever it is, report tomorrow. You can go." Asher said dismissively as he stepped into the luxury living area. The familiar nostalgic feeling enveloped him while he approached the staircase, headed to his room.

" You don't under–"

" Mrs Adams!" He interrupted again, his eyes breathing fire which made his fury visible to the elderly woman.

" I apologize. Have a good night sir."

As soon as Mrs Adams saw his brooding appearance, she could only imagine what went wrong but from the way he snapped at her, she prepared herself for the next string of actions that would inevitably follow as soon as he got into his chambers.

There was a surprise waiting for him and knowing how he was, she wasn't sure how he was going to react to it. Especially without prior notice. In all, Mrs Adams prepared herself for the worst.

Asher headed up to his room, ready to take a quick and needed shower before resuming work at his study while he waited for news he believed was coming soon.

Although he didn't show it, he was happy to have Jason around at this time. Even though he didn't admit it, he knew a huge part of his continued sanity was as a result of the grounding effect of his childhood friend, aid and in-law.

Upon opening the doors to his most treasured space, he snapped his fingers and the lights came on, shedding light to every nook and cranny of his large masculine room.

Asher felt an unfamiliar aura envelop him and soon enough, he was staring at a woman laid carelessly on his bed. His face morphed to that of curiosity, and then confusion before the final lapse of boiling anger resurfaced, making him stomp out of the room, Seething.

Mrs Adams was dutifully waiting outside for the sure appearance of Asher Braxton and like expected, the doors flung open and an eerily calm Asher stepped out.

" What was that?" He asked, pointing at his room.

" Mrs Braxton requested that the young lady be brought in and placed—"

" Let's get this straight, you brought a total stranger into my chambers, because my mother requested it?" He interrupted and asked with an incredulous yet frightening tone.

" Leave the poor woman alone. Speak to me directly." The stern voice of Mrs Braxton said, alerting them of her presence down the hall.

Upon seeing his mother, Asher broke out into a humourless laugh.

" You even let her into my home?" He asked in a rhetorical tone.

" Excuse us. " Mrs Braxton said and watched the housekeeper leave their presence before proceeding. " Like I said earlier, Braxton International is at stake. And what did you do? Go clubbing." She said as she approached him. Her countenance, very intimidating and upset.

" And you thought it was best to dump some woman on my bed and for what?" He challenged,

" That woman is your key to Braxton international! While you were busy clubbing, I reached out to the Steeles and got you the Miss of the Steele's home. Ring a bell? "

" No it doesn't. Because I don't remember requesting anything of the sort. Neither do I remember giving you free reign in my home either. Know your place, Mrs Braxton! "

" Well, that would be easier supposing you actually did your damned job! You have one job, Asher! One job! Protect what belongs to us or I will! " Mrs Braxton roared, her veins pulsating. " We don't have much time! Two years! You have two years to be married with evidence of your love or it all goes down the drain!"

She bellowed angrily, shocking Asher with the new piece of information.