Chapter 187

"Yeah, it's not a lot of money."

Maybe it wasn't much to me, but to them, it was probably a fortune.

Leo smoothly changed the subject. "So, how's Briar doing with you?"

I nodded. "Briar's been great. I'm worried she might not want to go back."

Leo chuckled. "That's good to hear. Honestly, I'm always busy making money and don't have much time for her. Renee doesn't come around often either. She's probably happy with you, feeling the warmth of a real home."

I couldn't help but frown. "Leo, if Renee's like that, why don't you just divorce her?"

I really didn't get it. Leo and Renee-was it true love? Leo seemed unhappy about so many things, so why was he putting up with it? There had to be more to the story.

But now that I was finally divorced from Brandon, I didn't want to get involved, so I didn't push further.

"It's tough for everyone."

"Enough about me. Congrats on your divorce and your newfound freedom."

"Do you plan on finding someone new?"

I shook my head. "No plans for that. I just want to focus on raising these kids at my mom's place. That'll be my mission accomplished."

He nodded and glanced at his phone, as if someone had messaged him.

"It's getting late, and I have things to do. Caroline, let's catch up another time. I gotta go."

I said goodbye, and Savannah came back from the booth behind us to sit across from me.

I smiled at Savannah. "Did you catch what he was getting at?"

Savannah looked puzzled and shook her head. "It seemed like he was just making small talk."

"Small talk? He wants the money Karen left me."

"That's what he was hinting at. Didn't you catch that?"

Savannah thought back to the conversation and then nodded in realization.

"No wonder he randomly started chatting with you. He was after that money. Otherwise, why would he bring it up?"

"Just wait. Others will probably call me about it too. Karen must not have left them anything, and they're probably really upset about it."

"But the more they want it, the less I'll give. I'll never let them know how much Karen left me. Let them keep guessing and getting more jealous."

Savannah couldn't help but give me a thumbs up. "You're playing the psychology game perfectly. They're probably in agony."

Savannah and I got up to pay the bill. "Serves them right."

I suddenly realized I hadn't told Asher about my divorce yet. I sent Savannah home and took a cab to Asher's place.

She wanted to come with me, but I refused. "We might talk for a while. You go home and wait. No need to stick around."

She nodded. "Alright, Caroline. Call me when you're ready to go, and I'll come get you."

After parting ways with Savannah, I headed over to Asher's place. He was staying in one of Royce's apartments.

When I arrived, he was still working out, his muscles already well-defined.

"You're so disciplined, Asher," I said, admiring his dedication.

He flashed a bright smile at me. "You still remember me?"

"Of course I do. Why am I the last to hear about your divorce?"

"I was just too happy yesterday, went out drinking with Kathy and the others, and got carried away."

"I came to tell you first thing today. Didn't want you to find out late. Besides, you already knew."

He laughed. "If it weren't for my call with Royce, I wouldn't have known."

"But when I called Royce, he sounded down. What did you say to him? Shouldn't he be happy about your divorce?"

My smile faltered, and I waved it off. "Let's not talk about him. I brought some snacks. Let's have a feast."

"At least you came prepared. Let me clean up, and we'll eat."

After we sat down at the table, I told him all the details about my divorce from Brandon.

Asher nodded, looking a bit worried. "But you need to be careful. Brandon's a schemer. He might try something else. Don't let him succeed."

I nodded. "Don't worry. I've thought about that. I know Brandon won't give up easily."

"But I won't let him win. Once he pays back that million dollars, I'll send him straight to jail."

Asher nodded. "Just be careful."

I nodded. "Don't worry. Once the company is back on track, you can take over."

"Are you serious, Caroline? I thought you were joking."

I shook my head. "I'm serious. This place holds too many bad memories. I don't want to stay here. I trust you to take over. I can't think of anyone else."

"No matter what, you'll always be the major shareholder. Anytime you want it back, it's yours," Asher said.

I raised my glass to him. "Maybe you'll be the big shot in the construction industry one day, and I'll have to borrow money from you."

"Do we even need to talk about borrowing? Just tell me how much you need. I'm your bank."

"That's what I wanted to hear, Asher."

After chatting with Asher, I called Savannah, and she quickly came to pick me up.

I didn't drink as much as yesterday, but I was still a bit tipsy. Savannah saw my smile and said, "Caroline, you seem really happy."

I nodded. "I am. This is the happiest I've been in a while. Everything's finally settled, and the company's in good hands."

"Now I just need to wrap up a few things and head back to my mom's."

"How could I not be happy? Everything's going in the right direction."

She smiled. "Definitely worth celebrating."

After Savannah took me home, I collapsed into bed and slept deeply. When I woke up, it was already evening.