All Chapters of The Rise of Ashton: Chapter 21
- Chapter 30
73 chapters
Chapter Twenty one
Forgotten FlamesAshton exhaled sharply as he looked at the card on the floor. His patience was already wearing thin from the strange events of the day. First, the shocking betrayal of Edward and Daisy. Then the sudden arrival of unfamiliar men outside his company. Now, as he stood at the entrance of Titanium Incorporated, his instincts told him something was off. His security team was already alert as they watched the black car that had parked outside moments ago. They were making calls and taking down license plate numbers. Ashton turned to his head of security, the man he'd promoted himself. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man named Carter. "Who the hell were those men, Carter?" Ashton asked, his voice filled with irritation. Carter gave a small nod before responding. "Sir, that was the Monroe family’s men." Ashton’s brow furrowed. "Monroe family? Never heard of them." Carter’s eyes darkened. "I’m surprised, sir. The Monroe family is one of the most powerful crime syndi
Chapter Twenty two
The Alley Dog Zoe was kissing Liam on a bar right before his eyes. Zoe. His ex-girlfriend. “Hey, loser, I told Liam not to meet you today, I guess losers can't drink alone, can they?" Zoe scoffed with a mocking smile and leaned on the counter, swirling the cocktail that the bartender handed to her. Ashton’s eyes darkened as he took a step forward, his gaze locked onto Liam, who still sat at the bar with Zoe draped over his lap like she belonged there. The sight was infuriating, but not only was he angry, he felt utter disgust and betrayal at the sight. “What the hell are you doing with my ex-girlfriend?” Ashton asked, his voice low but sharp enough to tell Liam just how mad he was. Liam looked very uncomfortable. He sighed heavily but didn't say anything as he directed his gaze at the floor, unable to meet Ashton's eyes. “You disgust me," Ashton hissed. “Oh please!" Zoe snapped at him, “You're jealous." Ashton was stunned. Jealous? Why would he be jealous? He didn't want
Chapter Twenty three
The Devil in White Ashton slowly drifted back to consciousness. The first thing he noticed was that his head was pounding like some ancient African drum. He couldn't see anything but blackness. The cold metal beneath him vibrated with every bump in the road, jostling his already aching body. His arms were stiff, bound tightly behind his back, and when he tried to cry out, only a muffled groan escaped, his mouth had been gagged. He was in the back of a moving truck. Ashton struggled, twisting his wrists, but the more he struggled, it only hurt as the ropes dug into his skin. He exhaled sharply, trying to steady his breathing, but the frustration boiled inside him. Who would do this? Who would ambush and kidnap him? Somehow, his mind went to the threat he'd received earlier that day just outside the company. The man in suit who'd said his name was Sebastian. They were supposed to meet at Midnight at a certain hotel. If his math was right, it was about midnight now judging b
Chapter Twenty four
The White Vixen Ashton stared at the woman in white, his mind racing. Had he misheard her? Had he been drugged? There was no way he was betrothed to anyone, surely he would’ve remembered something like that. Yet, there she stood, gazing at him as if she had always belonged by his side and she was just stating the facts. “This is ridiculous,” he scoffed. “I don’t know who you are, but I can assure you, I’ve never been engaged to anyone.” Sebastian folded his arms, smirking. “Lying, just like your father. You've proven that you're indeed a true Reed to the end.” Ashton’s jaw tightened. “Don’t talk about my father,” he growled. “Ever.” Sebastian’s smirk deepened. “Or what?” He took a slow step forward. “Look around you, Ashton. You’re in my territory, my men brought you here, and your father? The great Frederick Reed? He did nothing to stop it.” His voice dripped with mockery. “So tell me, what makes you think he’ll even know where to find you?” Did he just question the Reed
Chapter Twenty five
A wounded Tiger Carter stepped into Frederick Reed’s office, his posture was a little tense. How could he tell the master what had just happened? For a second, he inhaled deeply and braced up as he pushed the door open. The heavy oak doors shut behind him with a soft thud, sealing him inside the grand but cold room. Frederick sat behind his massive mahogany desk, sifting through documents with a cold and indifferent look on his face. He wasn't a man that was easily riled up. He had his temper under control. But many knew that when Frederick Reed was ever angry, cities were crippled. The man was a titan in the business world, always calculating, always one step ahead. But right now, Carter needed him to focus on something far more important than a pile of contracts. He needed him to be a father. Carter took a deep breath. “Sir, we have been calling all night. We did some rounds in the estate but still nothing.” Frederick barely looked up from his work. “What are you saying,
Chapter Twenty six
A Family in the Making Ashton sat stiffly in the grand living room of the Monroe mansion, his fingers loosely clasped together as he listened to Celeste chatter excitedly about the wedding. He was in the Monroe mansion. Clearly, he was going to pass the night here. It was odd. It felt like being held captive. And in a way, it was true. The soft glow of the chandelier reflected off the polished marble floors, and the distant hum of security guards patrolling the estate provided a constant reminder of his captivity. Celeste perched on the arm of the couch beside him, flipping through a thick wedding planner. Her delicate fingers trailed over swatches of fabric as she debated between ivory and pearl for the table settings. "Oh, Ashton, I simply can't decide! Should we hold the ceremony in the main hall, or should we do it outside? I just planted the flowers last month, and they’ll be blooming in a few weeks. What do you think?" She turned to him with expectant eyes. Ashton barely
Chapter Twenty seven
The Head of the Family It was the next day after Ashton had been made to stay at the Monroe mansion. Ashton’s body ached as he stirred awake, a dull throb in his limbs reminding him of his captivity. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft golden light filtering through the heavy curtains. But it wasn’t the light that had roused him, it was the delicate touch of a hand gliding over his chest. His muscles tensed instantly. He shouldn't have anyone on his bed. Although Sebastian had shown him to his room and said clearly that he was staying the night, that didn't mean he had to sleep in anyone's room. He turned his head, coming face-to-face with Celeste Monroe. She lay beside him, her head propped on one hand as she gazed at him with an almost dreamlike affection. “I was trying to wake you up with an early morning kiss,” she purred, giggling as she traced her fingers along his jawline. Ashton forced a smile, masking the wave of unease creeping up his spine. Why was she
Chapter Twenty eight
A Test of LoyaltyThis is a test. Ashton quickly told himself. It didn't matter how he felt. All he had to do was play along. But this was harder than just games. This was taking a life. Ashton had never killed before. He'd only ever held a gun once in his life. He didn't know what it felt like to watch another suffer. But he had to believe that the ruthless Reed blood flowed through his veins. The weight of the gun in Ashton’s hand felt heavier than it should have. A cold silence settled over the room as he held the gun and every eye fixated on him wearily. They were all waiting for his answer. They were all waiting to test how loyal he would be to the family. Gabriel Monroe leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes shining with what seemed like expectation. Beside him, Sebastian folded his arms, an amused smirk playing on his lips, but his stare was almost judging. Like he was watching Ashton for any sign of weakness. “Ashton,” Sebastian finally said, breaking the silence
Chapter Twenty nine
A Father's WrathDarkness swallowed the room in an instant. And a split second later, chaos erupted. A loud crash shattered the silence, a gunshot rang out loudly, followed by a strangled scream. Someone stumbled, colliding with furniture and almost throwing Ashton to the ground. The bound man wailed in panic, his chair scraping against the floor. “Let me go!" He cried out helplessly, trying to free himself. A gunshot roared through the dark again. Twice now. Nobody knew who took the shot or who was being targeted. “Ashton, get down!” a voice commanded. Ashton barely had time to process before someone slammed into him, shoving him aside. His shoulder hit the cold marble floor as more gunfire erupted. “Take cover!" That was Sebastian's unmistaken scream and at once, he grabbed Celeste and ducked behind a metal door. Then suddenly, the emergency lights flickered on, bathing the room in an eerie red glow. The scene before Ashton was absolute carnage. Men in sleek, tailor
Chapter Thirty
The Point of No ReturnFrederick Reed stood frozen, his gun still raised, his expression filled with shock. The weight of his son’s declaration hung was enough to make him stumble. But he had to act like he was fine. Ashton, standing beside the Monroe family. Ashton, choosing them. Gabriel Monroe, ever the opportunist, stepped forward, his lips curling into a triumphant smile. “You heard him, Frederick. Even your own son has denied you.” His voice was laced with amusement, but beneath it was something deeper, somehow it sounded like victory. Frederick’s grip on the gun trembled slightly, but he steadied himself. “This is madness,” he said, his voice quieter now, as if trying to reason with a child lost in the dark. “You’re my son, Ashton. You’re a Reed. Do you even know what you’re saying?” Ashton’s jaw clenched. He could feel Celeste gripping his arm, but he didn’t turn to her. His gaze remained locked on his father. “If you pull that trigger,” Ashton said slowly, deliberatel