Chapter 93 - I Want to Stay Here Tonight

Half an hour later, in a Häagen-Dazs across from Harmony Center, two odd customers took their seats. A sexy bombshell in ultra-short hot pants, devouring a table full of ice creams and pastries, faced a man in no-name bargain clothes, who had brought his own food from outside and was curiously eyeing the enthused eater across from him.

Finding out Stella Turner craved some Häagen-Dazs, Asher bought some hamburgers from a street vendor.

Munching on a hamburger, Asher looked at Stella Turner with a mix of concern and amusement, "Let's shoot straight, Miss Turner. You didn't plan your birthday just to hustle me, did you?"

"Can I help it if you're such a softie, Mr. White? I've been so constrained lately, and it's not every day you're this generous, Asher. I've been holding back for ages; today, I'm going all out," Stella Turner said as she scooped up a strawberry frozen treat with no pretense of elegance, grinning gratefully at Asher.

Asher glanced at the desserts sprawling across the table, feeling a lump in his throat. He had never actually stepped into a Häagen-Dazs before, only hearing they served overpriced desserts—their ice creams being notably famous, albeit pricey.

Pricey, huh?

Asher would love to give a good kick to the jerk who first downplayed the cost. Pricey was an understatement.

When Stella ordered, Asher didn’t bat an eye. But when the bill came, his jaw nearly hit the floor. This modest spread of ice creams and pastries cost nearly four thousand dollars! Damn, talk about upscale—it was more like highway robbery!

Sure, Asher wasn't strapped for cash, but he lived modestly, head to toe not costing a hundred bucks, and a typical meal capping at twenty. The thought of dropping four grand on a single meal? Unimaginable!

"Don't just stick to those hamburgers. Try this Strawberry Peak cupcake; it's pretty darn good," offered Stella Turner, picking up a heart-shaped box about an inch and a half in size, which cradled a luscious-looking little cake.

Asher glanced at the hamburgers in his hand, then at the alluring cupcake in Stella Turner's grasp, and finally surrendered to temptation, reluctantly stuffing a piece into his mouth. You don't pass up free food, especially when it's a rare splurge! He vaguely remembered, as he settled the bill just now, that the so-called "Strawberry Summit" cupcake cost him over three hundred bucks!

Downing three hundred dollars in one bite made Asher feel like his flesh was quivering.

Stella flashed a triumphant smile and picked up another cupcake, savoring it with delight. "Honestly, it's hard to justify the expense on my own, but it's wonderful when a generous boss picks up the tab," she said excitedly.

Enjoying someone else's treats, Stella didn't skimp on the compliments.

She's talking like I enjoyed spending that much as if I'm some kind of big-hearted saint! Asher felt like he was the biggest sucker in the world.

Trying to contain his frustration, Asher couldn't help but say, "Hey Stella, how about we hit up a diner next time? You know, home-style cooking that's both tasty and nutritious."

"Ugh, no thanks," Stella huffed, lounging in the plush booth, "I'm so tired of the same old company offered meals, whether it's health food or bone broth. Look at this place – great ambiance, delicious food, and so romantic."

Asher sighed inwardly. As he watched Stella continue to devour an assortment of cold desserts and sweet treats, he couldn't help feeling a tug of despair.

A nice meal at a diner, three hundred bucks and you're stuffed!

Though Stella Turner watched her figure and hardly indulged in desserts, and despite the risk of getting tired of them, with Asher's participation, they managed to polish off a small table of cold treats and sweets. Even someone with Asher's hearty appetite felt stuffed, his stomach uncomfortably cold, as if the icy treats had frozen him from the inside out, chilling even his breath.

It wasn't until the last rose-flavored cupcake was consumed that Asher could finally catch his breath. But then he saw Stella, childlike, racing back to the counter and returning with a rose sherbet ice cream.

Catching the weird look from Asher, Stella chuckled carelessly, "Missed out when I was a kid, so I have to make up for it now. I always grab a few ice creams whenever I'm at the store."

"If you like it that much, I'll buy it for you every day!" Asher announced with a grand gesture, knowing all too well the corner store sold ice cream for cheap.

"If you keep me supplied with ice cream, I'll follow you anywhere," she teased.

Asher just stood there, speechless.

Stella Turner, with Asher in tow, made another stop at Harmony Center, leaving Asher clueless about their purpose.

With a hint of annoyance, Stella remarked, "Well, of course, if we're heading to the beach, we have to gear up. You know, board shorts, bikinis..."

Asher silently admired her. For once, the woman had thought everything through.

The ringtone cut through the moment as Stella browsed through the clothes racks—Avery was calling Asher's phone.

"Excuse me a sec," said Asher to Stella, before he dashed into the restroom to pick up the call.

"Hey, hon?" Asher greeted.

"Yeah, so we're heading to Red Resort tomorrow. Are you all set?" Avery hesitated.

Lately, Asher had been busier than ever, his actions tinged with urgency. Avery knew he was clever and capable—he'd handled the Adams family's situation with finesse.

But facing the Parkers, Asher seemed less confident, and as his wife, Avery felt helpless.

"I've got some things lined up. Don't worry, it'll be fine," Asher reassured her.

"My dad called. He wants us over for dinner tonight," Avery said.

"I'll have to go. I've got things to do this evening, might get back late, or not at all. Once I sort out tomorrow's business, I'll apologize to your folks," Asher replied, hesitating before he declined.

He knew his father-in-law, Beckett Morgan, intended to accompany him to Red Resort. The family was prepared to face troubles together.

Asher was touched but knew that Beckett's presence wouldn't help much. Given Beckett's temperament, if disrespected, things could go south fast.

And for this trip to Red Resort, Asher had no surefire plan. If things turned physical, he could barely keep himself safe, let alone Beckett.

If shame was to come, he'd rather take it alone. The challenges he'd weathered over the years had hardened him.

"You're not coming home tonight? Where will you be? Is it dangerous? Be honest, Asher. As your wife, I deserve to know," Avery pressed, concern straining her voice.

"It's alright. I just need to make some preparations, trust me," he tried to assuage her worries.

Asher's prep work was almost done, save for one crucial step: the Spirit Elixir. He had promised to provide Gabriel with a Spirit Elixir as a down payment and would pay another after the deal was done. Meeting with Gabriel's apprentice tomorrow meant he had to pay up. Asher couldn't help noticing the irony: the Elixir he once thought no more valuable than jelly beans was considered a rare gem in the eyes of others.

Imagine, many warriors spent their lives struggling to reach the innate realm, failing to do so. Yet, by taking a Spirit Elixir, their chances of advancement could significantly improve. Its value was self-evident.

Possessing endless Spirit Elixirs could be hazardous if word got out. To avoid any danger, he couldn't possibly concoct them at home, not with the risk it could pose to Avery.

Nor could he let anyone know about the tools and ingredients involved in the making. Especially since he felt he was being followed, he had to be extraordinarily cautious.

"This one's on you," Asher said directly. "You know what I mean. Mom would never let Dad come with me. You need to convince her tonight. Make sure Dad stays put tomorrow; it's too risky."

"But what if you're in danger?" Avery's voice trembled with urgency, her heart moved, her mind distracted at work these past days.

"Don't worry, you've seen what I'm capable of. If things really go south, I know how to protect myself," Asher reassured her once again.

"Okay, I'll talk to Dad tonight. Please, be careful, and I'll be waiting for you to come home." The sincerity in Avery's voice sent a shiver down Asher's spine.

...

Harmony Hills Lodge, to the east of New York, nestled against mountains to the west and the ocean to the east, is one of New York's famed vacation spots. It's a trifecta of fun, food, and lodging. The beaches swell with bikini-clad beauties, not just any women but those confident in their figures, because let's face it, it takes guts to rock a bikini.

Right at the foothill is the Bennett family's deluxe hotel, favoring both mountain winds and ocean views, with villas dotting from the base to the mid-slope for guests seeking luxury. Here, to enjoy the evening's splendor, is a millionaire's paradise indeed.

And of course, the price tag is staggering: rumor has it the prime spots can cost over thirty grand a night. Even affluent professionals might balk at the expense, so rest assured, it's a place for those with serious wealth.

The only bummer was that Stella Turner wasn't rocking a bikini; instead, she had swapped her purple plaid shirt for a flowy gauze dress, adding a touch of class with a white scarf draped over her shoulders—a perfect vibe for a beach getaway.

Stella, having coaxed Asher into the car, had him dressed in beach shorts and a vibrant Hawaiian shirt she had chosen for him.

Asher wasn't keen on the outfit, but given the uncertainties of tomorrow, he decided to relax and enjoy the moment.

With her feet bare in the sand, Stella tilted her head, looking at Asher and couldn't stop laughing. She teased him, saying he looked like a carefree playboy, claiming he was a bit of a heartbreaker beneath his gentlemanly facade!

They hit the beach at the perfect time—three in the afternoon, by which time the sun was no longer scorching, the air felt fresh, and the scenery was delightful.

The duo played on the beach for over an hour until Stella's carefully constructed sandcastle collapsed due to a shaky foundation, and she dragged Asher away, huffing and puffing with frustration.

They then headed to the seaside amusement park.

By 6:30 in the evening, Asher was completely exhausted. He finally understood what people meant when they said that traveling was just paying to torture yourself.

Stella too was wiped out, but it was evident she had an absolute blast that day.

Later, they dined at Harmony Hills Hotel.

A single meal cost them more than eight thousand dollars. This time, Stella insisted on paying the bill.

She felt bad always having Asher foot the bill.

After dinner, it was past seven, and the sky was darkening.

"I want to spend the night here..." Walking out of the hotel, Stella gazed up at the brightly lit villas dotting the hillside, her eyes glistening with longing.