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FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 12: A Slip Into The Past.
Two days after his release from prison and Ryan still looked like a mess. He had bruises everywhere and his once handsome face was now covered with patches of purple scars. He was in pain. “Why would you fight in prison, huh? They fucking beat you up and left you looking like a clown. I'm so embarrassed,” Layla hissed, as she accessed his bandaged wounds. “Those dimwits kept picking on me. Was I to stay still and just watch?” Ryan replied in a hardened tone. Furious, Layla pushed him away causing him to wince in pain. She glared at him. “So stupid of you to think of attacking Adrian with a fake lawyer and fake inheritance documents. Did you really think he wouldn't figure it out? I never expected such shallow move from you," Ryan didn't respond and his silence pissed her off . “Do you know the embarrassment you've caused me? Do you know the length I went through to get you out of jail? It cost me a lot!” “So I'm supposed to say thank you?” Ryan scoffed. “Well, you did a great
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 13: Playing The Game Of Chess.
Layla didn't find the joke funny because she leveled him a hard glare. “Have you lost it? Why would I answer such a useless question?”“What do you want me to do, that's the fucking question,” The man replied, then he waved his hand to brush off his words. “Forget it, I only do business with your mother,”“Well, I'm acting in my mother's stead, am I not?” She let out a dry chuckle. “Life's offering me an opportunity to get rid of the Lancasters a third time. Revenge would be grand and Milan would turn in the grave as I take over Nilean Group,”“What the hell…” Felix gasped, wide-eyed. “The fire accident was caused by…” He could not complete his sentence as the rest of the words got stuck in his throat.As if on cue, Layla stood up and walked towards her favorite painting. She swiped her hands over it as if cleaning off an imaginary dust.“What is your plan?” The man asked.“Perfect question Nicholas. Perfect question,” She smiled. “Did you see the look on Milan's face as he died? Boy,
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 14: Screwed.
Adrian forced a smile even though the last thing he wanted to do was smile. “This is a personal issue and I'd appreciate if the media stay out of it,”“You have to say something, Mr Adrian! How do you feel about your sister's situation? What plans are you making to find her?!” A reporter stepped forward, almost hitting Adrian with his microphone.“How do you know she's alive?”“Say something!”From the corners of his eyes, Adrian could sight Felix and some of his bodyguards pushing their way towards him. “Let's go, young Master, you don't have to listen to them,” Felix said, leading the way despite the continuous clicks of cameras and the unending questions.“We've called the police, so they'll be dispersed soon,” Felix said when they were inside the office. His brows narrowed as his voice reduced into a whisper. “Do you think this is Layla's doing?”“You heard her yourself yesterday,” Adrian said, flicking a pen expertly with his fingers. “I'll give her the credit for what's worth,”
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 15: Beating Her To The Game.
Layla curled her fist so hard that she could feel the sharp tip of her nails digging into her flesh. Her mouth felt dried as if she swallowed acid. Desperate, she tapped her ear buds vigorously, trying to connect to her staff.“Turn the bloody protector off!” She whispered fiercely, but it was as if no one heard her. The video replayed instead, causing the goosebumps in her skin to prickle even more.Fuck!Who could have done this to her?“How many times must I repeat that this bloody video be turned off?!” Layla screamed angrily, rushing to the projector. “I swear it won't be funny if I find out who did this!”However, before Layla could get to the projector, the video had turned off and the whole hall suddenly went quiet. Layla stood in the middle of the room, chilled to the bones at the glares directed at her.The damage had been done and now she was screwed.Cold sweat broke out on her skin, intensifing her horror. That was when she saw him —the eye of the tornado. He was sitting
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 16: Run
Layla stared at the text in her phone, her heart pounding vigorously in her chest. Her hands shook slightly as she scrolled through the message again —Blurry photos of her and Nicholas exchanging parcels of illegal drugs. Her anger boiled over. These threatening photos meant only one thing.Someone with evil intentions knew about her secret business.She slammed the phone down on the kitchen counter, pacing the room as her mind raced. Her business with Nicholas was supposed to remain hidden and she had taken procedures in carrying out all of their deals in remote locations, so how?“Adrian…Could he be...?” She whispered, then shook her head fiercely. Just because Adrian messed up her project event didn't mean he knew everything about her. He was no superhero.It had to be someone else, but who…? Her mind raced. She had spent years building her reputation as a successful business woman, but behind that mask was the reality no one knew about –the offshore accounts, the money laundering
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 17: You Must Pay For What You Did
Layla leaned closer in growing panic, refusing to allow her brain register his words. Her hands trembled as it ran over his face, trying to access the level of damage. “Tell me…who did this? What went wrong?! Why didn't you call the boys for backup?"“R-u-n-” Nicholas repeated through broken lips. “It's… not safe for you…in here…”Layla turned around to scan the small room for any dangerous or threatening movement, but it was empty, just the two of them. She turned to him while wondering why he wanted her to run.“I'm not leaving you here!” She insisted, rushing to the back of the chair. She dipped her hand into her purse and brought out a short knife to cut the heavy ropes. “What the fuck happened?!”“He messed with me, that's what happened,” A calm voice replied, so low that it sounded almost like a whisper.Layla paused, her brows arched. That voice didn't belong to Nicholas. It belonged to…Slowly, she lifted her head to look into those amber eyes. It was Paige, Adrian's sister!
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 18: An Eye For An Eye
“Why?” Lucian chuckled. “You cannot do it?”“Do you have evidence?” Layla said, panting. “There's no evidence that I had a hand in your sister's kidnap! You cannot force me to do your biddings just because you feel wronged!”In response, Adrian brought out his phone and played the evidence of Layla's several mistreatment of Paige. At the sight, Layla winced and looked away.“The media would celebrate over this valued piece of information, don't you think?” Adrian smiled.“How did you get your hands on that?!” Layla screamed, frustration building up inside her. How had Adrian uncovered the secrets she had carefully hidden for years? How long had he been watching her? How much did he know?!This jerk was driving her crazy!“That look on your face tells me you're convinced,” Adrian tsked. “Tell the media the truth yourself. I'm giving you an easy alternative, but again, you can pick your poison. Should I release the video or you'd do the confession yourself,”Panic clawed at Layla and sh
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 19: A Doom Greater Than Doom.
Felix knocked on the door gently and upon permission to enter, he stepped into the broad room with a tray containing coffee. “Is she okay?” Felix asked, placing the tray in front of Adrian. His brows narrowed at the sight of Paige asleep on the large bed.“She had a panic attack,” Adrian replied slowly, but the anger in his voice was thick. “She had a fucking panic attack!"Felix shifted closer, his hands reaching out to touch Adrian, as if doing that would flush away the reality of the situation. “She'll be fine…”“She's been talking in her sleep too and crying,” Adrian said, a bit of trembling in his voice. “They broke her,”“She's safe now,” Felix whispered. “We have to bring her to accept that she isn't on the run anymore,”“How about the trauma she faced in the hands of that bitch? How long would it take for her to heal?” Adrian said, shaking his head. “it could take years,”“As long as you're always by her side, then it wouldn't take that long. You have to give her the affectio
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Chapter 46: You're Under Arrest.
Three days later.The investment hall was bustling with various activities as the guests stood in various sections, chatting and discussing amongst themselves. Ryan smiled at the massive arrangement as a feeling of pride swelled up inside him.Today was the day he sealed the deal with the investors and announce himself before the whole world.Besides him, Layla stood, her hands curled around his waist. She smiled. “I'm so proud of you, babe,”Ryan looked down on her with a warm smile. “You look gorgeous, my angel. I'm glad you're here by my side,”Layla nodded. “These entire people gathered here just for you? Phew, I'm so excited!”Ryan ran a hand through her hair. “I'm going to become one of the top company owners in this country after today. My profit would spike by 100% and I'll gain recognition and fame once more,” He smiled at her. “I was thinking, where should our next trip be, my love? Jamaica? Europe? Say the word and we're going there on a vacation on the first flight,”Lay
Chapter 45: Who Sent You.
As he said the words, Adrian wished the men would just take the cue and run away. Fighting these local thugs was the last thing he wanted to do. Honestly, they should have better things to do with their lives than engaging in punches. His eyes shifted to his phone again and his forehead creased. These silly bastards! Now, he was forced to teach them a lesson for breaking such an expensive device.“What're you waiting for, you fool! Get him!” The leader shouted as the other man brought out a small knife, charging towards Adrian.As he plunged the knife forward, the edge of it almost sliced through Adrian, but he was quick to dodge it, twisting the man's hand painfully until he heard a loud crack. The man yelped painfully, his voice sounding like an injured chicken. Irritated, Adrian pushed him and he landed on his butt against the floor.“I'm not sure the next person who tries to touch me will live to tell the story,” Adrian growled, his voice dangerous.“You're just a piece of shit,”
Chapter 44: A Fight In The Office.
Layla's phone was groggy over the phone. “What the hell is it?”“I just signed the deal with Domenico now," He smiled. "Gosh, I'm fucking excited. Guess what? He agreed to put the company in my name, so you could as well say I'm the legal owner of the company,” “He did that?” Layla said, but her voice fell flat, failing to carry the excitement she was feeling. “That's great news, I'm happy for you,”Ryan sighed. “I know you're worried about what happened to your restaurant. Don't worry, babe, we'll figure out how to deal with the slush funds and the restaurant,”“The restaurant is gone. The internet is blowing up with negative reviews and there are videos of me slapping myself in my own fucking restaurant,” She gritted, curling a finger under the sheets. "I'm so fucking embarrassed I want to dig a hole and bury myself,"“How do you want to make Adrian pay then?” Ryan replied. “You want to take his company or you want him to slap himself too? I can make it happen,”“What can you possi
Chapter 43: Sealing The Deal.
Adrian staggered at the force of the blow. Pain shot through his body and he scoffed as thick liquid dripped from his lips. When his hands felt it, he saw blood —his blood. Lifting his eyes to stare at Ryan's red ones, he chuckled lightly. “What? Are you that pissed?”“Stop messing with me, Adrian. I'm fucking warning you,” Ryan spat, his eyes red.“You messed with me first, or have you forgotten? My life shattered the moment you sent me to prison. Shouldn't you be tormented too, so you know how it feels?”"Fuck you! Stop messing around with my family or I'll do more than break your fucking nose!"“You're negotiating with me? Nice. It's been a while I saw you this submissive yet furious. It looks good on you,” Adrian smiled.“You bastard!” Ryan hissed and punched Adrian again across the face. He was about to throw the second punch when Adrian retaliated by kicking him in the knees.“Gone are the times you laid fingers on me. Don't ever do that again or you'll regret it,”“What're you
Chapter 42: A Burst Of Anger.
“Wh…what did you just say?” The brunette gasped.“You mocked me for not being able to afford a car. I want you to prove how rich you are,”“B...but I don't have any money,” She winced.“Then you should have thought of that before looking down on me. Whose fault is it that you're trapped in this mess?”“I'm sorry—” She spluttered as heavy tears clogged up in her chest. Now it was her turn to beg and revel at his feet. If only she knew not to have treated him the way she did.“How about you? Have you made your decision?” Adrian drawled lazily as he turned to Layla. When she didn't respond, he motioned to the officers. “Seems she's not interested in my deal. Arrest her,”“No…! No! I'll do it,” Layla shouted, running in front of Adrian. “I'll slap myself, I'll do anything, just don't make my restaurant close down,”Layla swallowed heavily as a sense of fear paralysed her. She was sweating everywhere now. The sweat trickled from her face, soaking her blouse as her lungs clammed against eac
Chapter 41: Punishment.
Gasp!Layla's blood crashed in her ears until all she could hear was the loud roar of her pulse. Her skin crawled in dread and she took a fearful step back as chills ran through her spine. No…no…no…this couldn't be happening. Cold sweat broke down on her face trickling to her blouse and she swallowed nervously, struggling to maintain a calm expression.As the officers advanced towards her, she jerked backward. “No, don't touch me! I called you here to arrest a person and you want to arrest me instead?! Is that how you behave?”“Can we have a look at the surveillance cameras? Let's know if Mr Adrian here is guilty of trespassing or if this is just a ploy by you to dent his reputation,” The head officer said, cutting her short. Layla swallowed, hating how trapped she felt. She couldn't breathe. The air suddenly felt suffocating. “Y…you…well you cannot just barge—”“Have you suddenly forgotten the work of the police? They fish out bad eggs, Layla,” Adrian smiled wryly, enjoying the loo
Chapter 40: Oh, How The Table Turns.
Adrian scoffed, about to speak when Layla leaned closer to place a finger on his lips, shushing him. Her lips thinned into a mocking smile as she stared at him like a burger she was so desperate to consume.“I can forgive you on one condition. Go on your knees, call me mummy three times. Then after that, proceed to wash the dishes here for a month, part time,” She chuckled. “Washing the dishes shouldn't be a big deal for you considering how you used that and even more when we were married,”Disgust curling over him, Adrian pushed her off him. “You've gone insane. Don't be stupid Layla. I'll put you in your place,”“Go ahead,” She curled a hand across her chest. “You think I'm afraid of you? Nah, I've grown past that. I won't stop, Adrian. I won't ever stop until I see you at your worst,”“I know you're desperate, but you can never beat me,”“Go ahead and apologize, one?” Layla said, raising a pinky finger in the air. Seeing that Adrian didn't budge, she scoffed and continued. “Apologi
Chapter 39: Plans Of Payback.
For no particular reason at all, the woman's words riled up something in Adrian— something he thought he'd forgotten and buried forever—the betrayal, traumas and hurt from his past, and the reason why he was thrown into prison unjustly.As he remembered, his eyes narrowed dangerously at the woman and all he wanted to do was choke the stupidity out of her. Honestly, this attitude of hers was so irritating and the more he stared at her, the more his skin crawled I'm disgust.“Apologize to the woman at once! Or do you want to beat her up?!” A man yelled, gulping down his bottle of white wine.“Look at the way he's glaring at her. What an insolent bastard!”“He lacks home training. I blame it on his parents. They should be ashamed of raising a son like this!”Adrian's face turned purple, and not able to hold his anger, he grabbed the woman by the wrist and pressed tightly. She winced in pain and tried to pull away, but Adrian held on tighter.“Wh…what the hell are you doing?!” She whisper
Chapter 38: Hunger At The Restaurant.
The next day, Adrian released a deep sigh as he ended the call with Felix. His stomach rumbled and realizing he had not eaten anything since morning, he yawned and picked up his office keys.However, the door opened before him and his secretary walked in with a slight bow. She handed the documents in her hands to him. “Good afternoon sir. This is the report of our merged collaboration with Mr Domenico. Our stock prices has risen by 10% in the last two hours,"Adrian collected the file, glanced at it for a second before laying it aside on the table. “Good job, Rose.” He patted her on the shoulder and walked towards the door. “I'm out for the day. Cancel all my appointments,”“Yes Sir,”Outside, Adrian climbed into his Lamborghini and ordered the chauffeur to move the car. Few minutes later, they arrived at a high-end restaurant and Adrian walked in to satisfy his cravings.He settled into a chair and signalled to a waitress. The middle-aged brunette walked up to him with a menu, but he
