Kiss and Tell For a long moment, Ashton could only stare. Augustine and Verena Mallory. Together. His mind refused to process it. Of all the things he’d expected when she walked through that door, this wasn’t one of them. Verena had always been a mystery since he wiggled off her grip that fateful day. He did his search and found out that she was a woman of power and influence. But now, seeing her wrapped in Augustine’s arms, it felt like the universe had just played a cruel joke on him. The disbelief must have been evident on his face, because as soon as Verena’s gaze landed on him, she froze. Her striking blue eyes widened, her body stiffening against Augustine’s hold. “Oh,” The gasp slipped from her lips before she could stop it. She took a quick step back, her hands pressing against Augustine’s chest to create distance. But Augustine, oblivious, or perhaps intentionally ignoring her discomfort, tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her closer. “Darling,” he

The Spy’s Revelation Ashton couldn't control the adrenaline rush as he stepped out of the building. The sudden revelation that Benjamin, the elusive spy he had been hunting, was finally within reach sent a cold shiver down his spine. Carter stood a few feet away, looking uneasy as he watched a hooded figure leaning on the car. The individual wore an oversized black hoodie, the fabric loose enough to conceal any defining features. Their face was angled downward, partially obscured by the dim streetlights. Ashton frowned. Something felt off. He turned to Carter and lowered his voice. “I thought you said Benjamin was here.” Carter nodded. “He is.” Ashton’s gaze sharpened as he took a step closer, scanning the figure before him. Something wasn’t right. The silhouette, the slight curve at the chest, she looked like a woman. “What kind of joke is this?” Ashton muttered. “This is a woman.” At that moment, the hooded figure lifted their head just enough for Ashton to see a g

The ChaseThe cold morning air bit at Ashton’s skin as he stepped outside the Reed estate. If nothing, after the conversation with Carter, he needed that jog even more. The sky was still a dark shade of blue, the first hints of dawn barely creeping over the horizon. The entire world felt still, as if it were holding its breath. Ashton exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the crisp air. He adjusted his hoodie, slipped his phone into his pocket, and began stretching. His mind was still tangled in the remnants of the dream and what Carter had said. And perhaps, what he hadn't said. Shaking his head, he focused on the run ahead. He needed to clear his thoughts, push aside the weight of everything, his father’s secrets, Benjamin’s warnings, Carter’s suspicious behavior. A good run would help. But just as he took his first step down the grand stone pathway leading away from the estate, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He hesitated for a second before pulling it out. Unknown Call

A FaThe boardroom of Titanium Incorporated was filled with a quiet sound of conversation as foreign investors and top executives settled into their seats. The atmosphere was a little tense and reasonably so. After all, the two brothers were meeting again and they weren't known for friendliness. At the head of the long mahogany table, Ashton Reed sat with a composed yet commanding presence. His finely tailored navy-blue suit was impeccable, and his demeanor exuded confidence. Just across from him, Augustine was seated, his expression calm with the tiniest but of smile on his face. For the first time in years, the Reed brothers weren’t at each other’s throats. Their cooperation, however temporary, was an unexpected development, and some of the executives couldn’t hide their surprise. Ashton caught more than a few glances exchanged across the room, silent questions lingering in their eyes. Was this really happening? The Reed brothers had been known for their rivalry for as lo

Brothers in TurmoilLater that evening, in the Reed's estate, the night outside was eerily silent, but inside Ashton’s bedroom, there was a storm waiting to explode. The executive meeting earlier that day left both brothers riled up. What was Frederick getting at? What was his plan? Ashton sat on the edge of his bed, hands clasped together, his expression both irritated and confused. He had every reason to be upset. But still, he felt a little lost, like he didn't fully grasp what had happened earlier. Across from him, Augustine paced like a caged animal, his steps quick, sharp, and restless. His jaw was clenched so tightly that Ashton thought he might actually crack a tooth. Augustine’s rage was obvious. His breathing was uneven, his movements erratic. And Ashton? He was angry, sure, but nothing compared to what he was witnessing in his older brother. “Are you okay?" Ashton couldn't help but ask. And who would have thought. Just days ago, he wouldn't have cared less. But no