Asher was also a bit puzzled. He had been surprised when he learned the Sterling Family hadn't won the bid. In Riverfall's hotel industry, besides the Sterling Family's Creston Hotel, L&C was the best.
'It's just that this Fatty Lawson fellow loves to gamble,' he thought. 'The empire built by the older generation is almost completely ruined in his hands, leaving only an empty name. Looks like I'll have to investigate this thoroughly when I get back.'
Before long, Jacqueline Vaughn came to call them to dinner, and the group went to the dining room. Throughout the meal, Madeline Sterling kept trying to test the waters and curry favor, but Asher didn't take the bait in the slightest. By the end, Madeline was on the verge of throwing down her chopsticks and storming out, but he simply continued to eat, completely unbothered.
