When Andrei's health improved, he returned to his role at the Linde Group, reclaiming control over the company's operations, leaving Asher to assist rather than lead.

Asher soon redirected his focus back to QuickClip, the venture he fully owned and naturally preferred to prioritize over his stepfather's company.

In the hospital room, Andrei turned to his daughter, Dana, and asked, "Dana, how's school going lately?"

Dana replied casually, "It's going well!"

"Start interning at the company," he urged.

Dana protested, "Dad, I'm still young. How could I possibly understand the business? Isn't it fine with Asher handling things?"

Andrei glanced at Asher, who stood nearby.

Asher managed the company well and always displayed respect.

However, Andrei remained guarded. Asher, after all, was not family by blood.

For Andrei, the future of the Linde Group rightfully belonged to his daughter.

He told Dana, "You should spend more time at the company, learning from Asher. He can't look after things forever. Eventually, you'll have to take charge." Dana insisted. "But I don't want to. Dad, my dream is to be a musician. I even won an award at a recent piano competition!"

Hearing this, Andrei grew so upset he started coughing.

He had worked so hard for so many years, but in the end, his daughter was such a disappointment.

"Dear..." Edith hurried over to her husband's side, reassuring him, "I'll make sure Dana learns what she needs for the company. Don't worry. I'll guide her." Andrei sighed, casting a look at Asher.

Understanding the silent cue, Asher said, "I have something on. I'll leave now." He exited, giving them space.

Seeing Asher leave, Andrei turned to Edith. "The company must belong to Dana."

Edith assured him. "Of course. Asher's only here to help. I'm well aware of that."

Andrei added, "And if he ever grows too ambitious..."

"That won't happen!" Edith replied firmly, "Asher's only here to help his sister manage things. Trust me. Everything in the Linde family is for Dana, and nothing will go to Asher." "Are you sure you won't become partial to him?" Andrei asked with a hint of skepticism in his tone.

"How could you think that?" Edith protested, "You know how much I care for you and Dana. I haven't visited him all these years. I only brought him back because he has the skills to help and we're understaffed." Outside the room, Asher remained silent. Hearing fragments of their conversation, he smiled faintly.

Just then, his phone rang, and he walked away to answer it.

It was Adair. "Asher, how's your stepfather? The specialist I arranged is on the way."

Asher replied, "That won't be necessary. You don't need to find help anymore."

Adair asked. "Is he better now? Are you sure there's no need?"

3

"I've found someone else," he said, brushing off her concern with a quick excuse before ending the call. Since they didn't see him as family, he didn't have to go to such lengths for them. Adair replied, "Alright. But if you need anything, just ask me. You know we're on the same side. I'm here for you."

She might not have influence in many areas, but with anything hospital-related, she could genuinely help.

Feeling disheartened, Asher ended the call without another word.

**.

Two weeks later, the news of Andrei's sudden passing became a trending topic. His illness had progressed rapidly, taking him sooner than anyone anticipated. Harold and Barrett attended Andrei's funeral.

Evelyn attended too. Her business partnership with the Linde Group and friendly ties with Edith made her attendance natural. Though new logistics companies had risen over time, none could yet match the efficiency and speed of the Linde Group.

The Linde Group had a mature system enabling next-day deliveries while others required two or three days.

Following Andrei's passing, industry insiders watched closely how the Linde Group would fare.

Dana, still young and unprepared, couldn't realistically manage the business.

Edith, who had never been deeply involved due to her husband's decisions, lacked the experience to oversee it herself.

Luckily, Asher was currently acting as interim head.

Although Edith wanted to manage the company herself, she quickly realized she wasn't equipped for it.

She had always been the devoted wife and mother type. She always focused on her husband and children.

She was more than happy to stay out of the business world. Handling company matters felt overwhelming, giving her a constant headache.

Hence, Edith had never been involved in the company's management before.Belonging to .

Facing a flood of unfamiliar tasks, she quickly grew frustrated and knew she would struggle without Asher's support.

After seeing how Asher managed everything smoothly during Andrei's illness, Edith decided to leave the heavy lifting to him while she gradually learned the ropes.

It was Asher who handled the arrangements for Andrei's funeral, ensuring everything was meticulously planned so Edith didn't need to worry.

As she dabbed at her tears, Edith turned to Evelyn and said, "He had been doing better, but he insisted on returning to work."

She added, "He said he couldn't rest unless he was sure the company was okay! If only he'd stayed home, he might still be with us." 15:57 Sat, Nov 23 G.

"Stay strong," Evelyn replied softly, offering her condolences.

Edith sighed. "Dana is still so young, and now he's gone, leaving just the two of us."

Evelyn reassured her, "You have Asher, don't you? He's been a wonderful help."

Though Asher wasn't the Linde family's child, his devotion was clear.

58%

Edith nodded, then looked at Evelyn. "So, how are things between you two? He mentioned you two are getting along wel."

Evelyn felt awkward. She faked a cough and replied, "Your son isn't that type. He is level-headed and grounded. He'll ensure you enjoy a peaceful life."

"Will I?" Edith murmured, a hint of apprehension creeping into her voice. "Sometimes, I find him unsettling.

"Unsettling?" Evelyn raised her brows.

Edith hesitated, then said, "He reminds me so much of his father. Before I married Jefferson, he was just like Asher is now. He was attentive and generous. He took care of every little thing She continued, "But after I had Asher, he changed completely as if he knew I couldn't leave him. Asher is the same way. He's too good at pretending. I can't help but feel it's all an act."

Evelyn responded, "Regardless of your doubts, he's your son. Considering how he turned out despite his upbringing with Jefferson, you have reason to be proud. Show him you care." Edith nodded. "Yeah."

With Evelyn there, she refrained from expressing any negative thoughts.

Yet, deep down, Edith couldn't help but feel that Asher would never truly compare to Dana.

After finishing up with the guests, Asher entered the room and noticed Evelyn. "Ms. Hawthorne," he greeted her.

Evelyn smiled, "Your mother is quite distressed. I thought I'd keep her company."

"Thank you," he said.

Evelyn replied, "Then I'll leave now."

As Evelyn left, Asher turned to Edith and suggested, "Dana was tired and went to rest. You should go home and rest too. I'll take care of what's left here."