Blackmail Gone Wrong

Asher’s point of view

“Sir, we have only two days to think this through before the police arrive.” James's words echoed in my ears. I rubbed my temples as my thoughts swirled in a whirlwind of anger and calculations, weighing options and consequences. If I were to go to jail, I'd rot there for the rest of my messed-up life.

“We are buying Sky and Stars.” My shoulders squared, and my posture straightened with newfound resolve.

“But, sir, do you think that's a good idea?” James asked, uncertainty etched on his face. I raised my eyebrow.

“I mean, Miss Scarlett has worked hard in that company, and it would break her heart if you suddenly decided to buy it. She just lost her sister, and on top of that, she was forced to marry you. I think losing her years of hard work would be too much for her.”

“What do you mean she was forced to marry me?” A sense of mental fog clouded my thoughts, as if I were trying to grasp a slippery concept.

“She compromised a great deal by marrying you, sir. She was compelled to become both a wife and a mother. Just imagine what she must be going through,” James said, his tone dead serious.

My mind wandered back to the wedding wall. Her sobs were so pitiful, laced with fury, sadness, and heartache. I don't know why, but deep down, I felt sorry for her; however, my desire for vengeance outweighed my pity. Her sister had cheated on me, and she would pay for it.

“She deserves it.” My voice was firm. “She will pay for her sister's mistakes.” A chill ran over me as my emotions locked down and were controlled.

“Of course she doesn't deserve this, sir. She hasn't done anything to harm you, and she shouldn't suffer for a mistake she hasn't committed, nor does she even know about it,” James retorted.

My eyebrows furrowed, a puzzled expression crossing my face. “What are you trying to say, James? Should I just let her live peacefully after what her sister has done to me?” My voice was laced with sarcasm, each word dripping with irritation.

“Sir, you are not getting any younger. Would you rather die an old man filled with bitterness than start afresh with Miss Scarlett?” James’s words struck me deeply, lingering in my mind longer than they should have.

Comparing Scarlyn and Scarlett was a mistake; although they were twins, they were quite different. Scarlyn was quiet and respectful, a sheep in wolf's clothing. She wanted everything handed to her on a silver platter. While I had no issue with her spending my money, the fact that she used it to deceive me filled me with rage. On the other hand, Scarlett openly despises me, and she does not hide it. Based on her conversations with her mother, she seems to accept this forced relationship, while Scarlyn neither respected it nor concealed her disdain for me. Clearly, Scarlyn enjoyed the privilege of being with me, whereas Scarlett is an independent woman who appears indifferent to my influence in this city.

Scarlett was better than Scarlynn, but I didn't love her, and I don't think I will ever fall in love with her.

“Sir, it’s better to be with a woman who respects your relationship than to be with a woman you love who does not respect it,” James said, as if reading my mind.

“We are buying Sky and Stars, and that is my final decision.” I rose from the chair. “Contact Mister Blackwood and offer him any amount he desires.”

“Zade Piterson wants to meet with us tomorrow,” James informed me. I narrowed my eyes; Zade was my enemy in every arena—both in the underworld and the business industry. He never stopped demonstrating just how much he despised me, and he would do anything to destroy me. However, it was unfortunate for him that he couldn't harm me.

“He is the one who sent evidence to the police,” James said. I slammed my fist on the table, my heart racing and rage coursing through me.

“Fuck that jerk, get our men ready; we will finish him off tomorrow. “I muttered through gritted teeth as I left the basement, leaving James behind.

He was my right-hand man, and I discussed everything with him before anyone else. He has proven to be trustworthy, and I can say that I trust him to some extent. He is good at giving advice, but this time I didn't think his suggestion was right. Why should I let Scarlett off the hook after her sister betrayed me?

But it was also true that she was innocent; she hadn't cheated on me. Although she hated me, she refused to engage in casual relationships like her sister. Furthermore, the DNA test confirmed that Asherly is my daughter, and she is now the mother of my child. I should wait and see where this situation leads. Even if I decide to divorce her later, it is not permitted in our family and I won't break my Grandpa's heart.

I was just stuck in an unbearable situation and I had no way out.

After half an hour of driving, the driver halted the car in front of the villa. I decided to use the elevator to enter my house, needing to get ready for dinner. My grandfather, a stickler for punctuality, would not tolerate lateness. As I pushed open the door, I found the sitting room and kitchen empty. I made my way to the bedroom, only to stop in my tracks when I heard Scarlett's stern voice on the phone.

"Mom, we're not discussing this again," Scarlett said, her tone sharp. "I called to know how everything went today. I've got my answer, and I'm hanging up."

"Scarlett, don't hang up," her mother warned. I wondered what they were discussing on the video call.

"Do you know what will happen if Asher discovers you're Scarlett? He'll kill you and your sister's child. Why do I have to keep repeating myself? You'll just sleep with him once. I've already found a suitable guy for that job." I shook my head in disbelief, certain that this woman knew about Scarlynn's affairs.

Scarlett let out a frustrated sigh. "Mom, what kind of woman do you want me to become? A whore with no self-respect? And what do you want me to teach Asherly? To lie and sleep around? Do you think that's nice?" Her voice rose in rage.

"So you want to get caught and get us killed? Or are you already in love with your sister's husband, and you don't want to cheat on him?" her mother shot back.

"You know me better. I don't believe in love, and even if I did, I wouldn't fall for my sister's supposed husband. I wanted to tell Asher the truth from the beginning, but you stopped me. Had I told the truth, all this wouldn't have happened. Don't turn this on me," Scarlett retorted sternly.

"Don't try to act so innocently. Deep down, you're happy your sister is dead, and you got married to Asher. He's every girl's dream, and you've won the jackpot. Now you'll become the Queen of the Black family," her mother said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Scarlett scoffed.

"Mom, I don't need a man to feel like a queen. That's why I never wanted to get married or use a man as a ladder to success. I'm already a queen, and I won't stoop to this level. I won't cheat on the husband you forced upon me," Scarlett said firmly.

"You've always been foolish, and I can't believe you're my daughter," her mother shouted angrily.

"I can't believe you're my mother either. Why would you force your daughter to do such a disgusting thing?" Scarlett retorted impatiently.

"You've left me no choice, Scarlett. If you refuse, I'll sell your company," her mother threatened sternly.

Scarlett chuckled. "You've already ruined my life, Mom. I'm only living for Asherly. Had it not been for her, I could have ended my life long ago. You're welcome to do whatever you want." With that, Scarlett hung up the call.

She gently laid Asherly on the bed, a soft smile spreading across her lips. "I'll be right back, okay?" she whispered, heading to the closet.

Her words struck me like a bitter pang in my chest. She made it clear that I was so unbearable to her that she would rather die than be with me. It’s not like I enjoyed being with her either; I felt helpless. But I still needed to show Scarlett who was in charge. She couldn’t just do as she pleased all the time.

I pushed those thoughts aside and headed to the bathroom. After taking a quick shower, I stepped out to find a scene that was just perfect after a long day.