---- Chapter 21 It was Asher. He always appeared gentle and harmless in front of Eliana. But he was terrifying, like a nightmare come to life. Asher said, "You're a bit smarter than that fool, Dean. But just a bit." Then Asher slightly raised his chin. Two burly guys behind Asher swiftly covered Erin's head with a sack. "Throw her over to Hugh before he leaves. | believe he'll appreciate the gift | give to him." Asher brushed off invisible dust from his clothes and was about to leave. Suddenly, Amy dashed out from the shadows and pounded against Asher in fury with her small fists. "You bully my mom. You're a bad guy," she shouted. Asher kicked her away impatiently. "Take her to the orphanage," he said. After handling everything, Asher returned home. He took a shower, changed into a clean, tidy outfit, and then went to bed, pulling Eliana into his arms. ---- Eliana snuggled closer and murmured, "Why is your body so cold? Let me warm you up." With that, she drifted back into a deep sleep. Asher landed a tender kiss on her face. "Good night, my sweetheart," he whispered. Richard was jolted awake by a series of persistent phone rings. Seeing Dean's name flashing on the screen, Richard quickly answered. On the other end, Dean said weakly, "Help me." Richard immediately called the police. According to Dean's phone number, the police located his last position. Hugh had been ruthless and stabbed Dean seven times in the abdomen. Fortunately, Dean was agile and avoided any fatal blows. So he was sent to the ICU, clinging to life. Erin, however, was not as lucky. She was shot to death on the spot. When the police arrived, they found his cold body kneeling in a repentant pose. Meanwhile, Hugh had escaped without a trace. Under Asher's secret efforts, the police quickly arrested Hugh. ---- The news that Dean had been badly injured spread quickly and left the Moore family's company leaderless. The shareholders had already been displeased and seized the opportunity to revolt. Erin's family intended to capitalize on and take over the Moore Group when it was in a mess, but Asher acted even more quickly. Asher's actions caused the downfall of Erin's family as well. The Moore Group descended into chaos while Dean lay in critical condition in the ICU. Richard was frantic and felt powerless to change the situation. Ultimately, the Moore Group had to declare bankruptcy. Without any family left, Dean lay alone. Richard was out of a decade-long bond and took care of Dean at the hospital. It took a full week for Dean to be moved from the ICU to a regular ward. After another examination, the doctor delivered the grim prognosis. "The chances of him waking up are slim. He may remain unconscious forever." He became a vegetative patient without family support or funds to continue life-sustaining care. It was worse than death. ---- On the eighteenth day after being transferred to the regular ward, just as Richard was losing hope, Dean miraculously regained consciousness. Richard was overjoyed and wept. But Dean looked at him in confusion. He asked, "Who are you? Where am |?" Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!