66 Chapter 17 (1/2)

SPLASH!

The gossips abruptly stopped, and for a while, only the background music and the gentle running water echoed while the gazes of the onlookers shifted yet again.

”f.u.c.k! What the f.u.c.k is wrong with these tiles? And why is there a pond in the way? This isn't a wharf! Are you trying to drown your guests?! Fetch me the management, now!”

Asher, who was just right beside Evangeline, had suddenly fallen into the pond causing the guests to gaped, loss for words as they didn't know what just happened.

A plump man ran towards Asher with beads of sweat dangling on his chubby face.

”M-Mr. Cole?”

Asher frowned, growling. ”Are you the manager?! What kind of setting did you arrange for this event, huh?! Your tiles are very slippery, and you have a swamp sprouting out of nowhere! Are you trying to make your guests fall into the water?! Look at me! How do you plan on compensating me, huh?!”

The plump man stammered, avoiding any eye contact with the intimidating man.

”M-Mr. C-Cole… d-didn't you just jump into the wat—!”

”What did you say?! Are you insinuating that I jump into the water myself? Now, why the h.e.l.l would I do that? Are you calling me stupid?!!” Asher barked, veins popping on his forehead. He glared at the plump man like he wanted to roast him for dinner.

Feeling his hair rose in fear, the plump man took a step back. He was not an idiot. He would never offend someone from the Cole family nor any family present at this event for that matter. Even if it were unreasonable and unfair, when it concerned their guests, it was always their fault. Period.

”O-of course not! M-Mr. Cole is right. It is our fault for placing slippery tiles in the pathway. We will fix it at once!” Though they were the best non-skid tiles in the market. ”We will take full responsibility for this mess. For the meantime, how about I accompany Mr. Cole in one of the rooms so you can change?”

Waving his hand, Asher angrily stomped his wet feet on the stone pathway and raised himself from the pond.

”No need! Even if you work your entire life, you can never afford a single shoe on my foot! Just bring me a towel, now!”

”R-right away!” The manager secretly wiped away the sweat on his face while he signaled for the staffs to put carpet on the pathway and bring towels.

Asher fixed his suit before he brushed his hands through his hair, oozing with confidence and masculinity, looking like he didn't just feel into the pond.

Raising his brow, he asked. ”What?!”

All the onlookers readily turned their gazes away. Some even pretended to have a conversation with the people beside them.

Asher snorted before his head peered over his shoulder, staring at Satele who was looking at him with questioning eyes before she quickly lowered her head.

Frowning, he turned his gaze away and sauntered towards Evangeline with his squishy shoes.

”Sorry 'bout that, Eva. This G.o.dd.a.m.n tiles made me slip.”

Evangeline raised her perfect shape brow and twisted her lips in a mocking smile. If slipping is you jumping into the water, so be it.

”I don't know that you are this chivalrous.” She muttered, throwing a side glanced at Satele who was still in the pond before resuming her walk towards her table.

Scratching his head, Asher didn't comment and followed after his cousin.

At the back, Satele didn't know what to feel at the moment. She refused to believe Asher did that so all attention would divert to him. She refused to accept she was saved, yet again, by the same man that had been continuously giving her nightmares. She refused to believe he would do something so idiotic as to actually jumped into the water just to save her from the scrutinizing gazes and comments.

She bit her lips, restraining a weak smile. Idiot….

”Are you okay?”

Raising her head, she saw Eric was already in front of her, extending his hand at her. She dazedly reached out and took his hand before he effortlessly pulled her out of the water.

”Come on. You have to change your clothes before the party starts,” Eric whispered while Satele nodded.

With the guests' attention no longer at her, Satele and Eric quietly walked out from everyone's sight.

At one of the front row table, shifting his head to the side, Alvaro covered his mouth with one hand, trying to control his laughter at his brother's idiotic move.

Beside him, Maxine couldn't help but be amazed by the whole drama. Rather, she couldn't help but be star-struck to finally laid eyes for the first time at the woman Asher was in love with.

”She's lovely.”

Maxine murmured absentmindedly. Her tone hummed in awe and envy. No wonder Asher is head over heels in love with her.