Chapter 48

"We just received news that Mrs. Greene… and Ms. Johnston are leaving for Elderford today." Asher was about to place his piece on the board, but his hand froze midair. "Elderford?" he wondered, "What is she doing in a place so far away? Is she going there just to avoid me?" Once again, Asher was overcome with the irritation of having something escape his controlling clutches. Zachary, who was seated opposite him, picked up a white piece with his slender fingers and gently placed it on the board. He let out a soft chuckle. "She probably went there to relax. Everyone needs some space when they're in a bad mood, you know." Asher's expression gradually darkened. He stared at the board. The crisscrossing lines seemed to have morphed into a world out of his control. And Juliet was the piece that had made its way out of the board, rendering all his plans useless. Asher forcefully slammed his piece onto the board, producing a dull thud. "Leave her be," he said, oblivious to the irrit