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FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 20: To Tame A Tiger.
Layla ran a hand through her thick, disheveled hair as she stared at the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her as if mocking her —a scrawny old woman with a dirty aura and a repulsive face.After the press conference, she had locked herself inside her room for days, refusing to come out or to see anyone. The voices of the taunting crowd still played in her head and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get rid of it.Was this how she fell?From a popular queen in her queendom to a worthless butterfly?“No!” She screamed, throwing everything on the vanity table. “No! I refuse to go down like this…! No…no…”Blood roared in her ears and her stomach clenched like it was refusing to accept her words. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, almost like it was trying to break free from the bleakness of her future.The humiliation.The national disgrace.Adrian's mocking eyes, that bastard!A click sounded as the door pushed open forcefully. Layla jumped as she turned to look at the in
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 21: Adrian's Weak Spot.
Sir…I know you told me not to disturb, but I'm afraid there's something urgent that requires your attention,” Adrian sighed as he looked up from his desk to stare at his secretary. Then he let out a short-lived smile. “This information had better be worth it, Rose,”“Yes sir. There's a man at my desk causing a scene. The same man that you forbade from seeing you for two months. The securities are trying to get him out, but he won't budge. He insists on seeing you,”Adrian scoffed. “John is here?”“Sh…should I call the police, sir?” “No, tell the security to let him in,” Adrian said, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.Rose bowed in response and walked out of the office. A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal Ryan standing at the entrance. His collar was rough and there were few bruises on his lips. He looked pissed.Adrian grinned. “You of all people should know that every company has rules. I won't apologize for my guards decision to throw out a piece of trash
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 22: Plans X Capture.
Adrian wiped off the bead of sweat that had gathered on his forehead with a frown. Climbing into his limousine, he briefly closed his eyes, as if doing that would erase some of the tiredness in his bones.Soon, his mind shifted to Ryan and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, not for Ryan, but for his adoptive parents. After the divorce incident, they had cut off all traces and connections with him, and never visited him in prison even once, claiming that he had ruined their image.Despite his several attempts at a reunion, they had brutally rejected him —no doubt as a result of Ryan's influence. Right now, he missed them and wished they had allowed him to explain things.His fists clenched unknowingly as he recalled the painful memories. Ryan kept taking things from him. He seemed to be involved in every misfortune that came his way —like an incurable airborne plague.But not again!He won't sit back like a fool and let anyone take what belonged to him anymore. He had done so
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 23: Oops, Adrian is Dead!
Silas swallowed nervously and opened his mouth to speak but snapped it shut when nothing came out. The air in the room had shifted into a chilled, dark aura that made him almost want to piss in his pants.His palms became clammy as he stared into Adrian's fierce blue eyes. He swallowed repeatedly as cold sweat broke on his face. Damn, he was in deep shit.“Don't hurt me, please…” Silas started, his teeth clattering. “I was only doing my job,”Adrian scoffed. “Job? You call attempting to murder people a job? Yeah, that speaks so highly of you,”Silas shook his head. “I didn't attempt to murder you. Honestly, I don't even know what the fuck you're talking about! You're mistaking me for someone else. I only happened to drive on that street, just when your car crashed. Please, just…just let me go,”Adrian let out a humorless laugh. It was the audacity for him. His chest burned with anger and he grabbed Silas’s chin, digging his fingers into his cheeks. Silas groaned in pain and thrashed a
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 24: You Should Fear Me.
Ryan could swear that his heart skipped a million beats in one second and he could feel his bones stiffening like he had just been placed on an electric chair. His face tightened, and he opened his mouth to speak, but only a constricting sound came out, so he snapped it shut, not wanting to sound like a fool.He staggered backward, causing the phone in his hands to slip to the ground with a dull thud.What the hell?!“N…no, Y…you're supposed to be—”“Dead?” Adrian chuckled, walking towards Ryan who shifted backwards with trembling legs. “Don't you think wishing me dead is a little too extreme?”Ryan saw stars of different shapes and sizes in front of him, which blurred his vision. His teeth clattering, he collapsed onto the sofa. Maybe he was just hallucinating or maybe this was a nightmare.Adrian was dead. He saw the damn burnt car and several videos of the accident!“Is anyone out there?!” He yelled, scratching the back of his head. “There's a ghost in this bloody room!”Adrian lau
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 25: A Requirement For Saving.
Adrian sat in the lobby of the hospital waiting room, his hands resting on his chin. His thoughts were in disarray, shambled, like the after remains of a war.Felix sat behind him, wanting to speak, but couldn't. The atmosphere was gloomy and reeked of tension. Maybe it was the uncertainty of the poor driver's survival, or maybe it was the young master's creepy silence.“Keep an eye on Ryan to make sure he doesn't try anything funny. I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself the next time he provokes me,” Felix nodded. A lump gathered at the back of his throat and he swallowed hard, feeling uneasy.“What is it, Felix? I know you want to say something, so say it,” “Umh…” Felix cleared his throat. “There's something you need to know, young master. I mean I'm not sure how you might react to the news, considering everything that has been happening in the last few days,”“Speak,” Adrian commanded.“Your father…” Felix started slowly. “He isn't your grandfather's only son. You have an u
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 26: Paige in Danger.
Adrian walked into the VIP section of the hotel where he was to meet with Elizabeth. He tapped the small, nearly invisible buds on his ears and said softly.“I just arrived, and I think she has my sister in there. Whatever we do now must be to ensure that Paige is safe,”“Yes, young master,”“Alright, I have to go now, these bastards are up to me,” Adrian said as two hefty men walked up to him. “Adrian Lancaster?” One asked roughly.“Didn't your boss give you a detailed description of me? What's with the stupid question? Do you want to lose your tongue?” Adrian snapped in irritation. “Where the hell is my sister?”“You have to cooperate for things to go well, Mr Adrian,” The man replied, scanning the environment to ensure there was no danger lurking around. He turned to Adrian. “Surrender yourself to be searched,"Without giving him a chance to respond, the two men proceeded to pat him down roughly before leading him to a private lodge.Inside the room, a shudder ran through his spin
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 27: Fake Make-up Artist.
Elizabeth scoffed, and then she stuttered like she hadn't heard him well. “W…hat the heck did you just say?”“You need evidence?” Lucian replied with a light chuckle, brandishing his phone in the air. “I can show you if you want,”“Don't play games with me, Adrian. I'm warning you,”“No, I think you started the games first. Why blame me now that it's blowing up in your face?”“What did you do to Layla? l swear I'll kill you, you slime! Don't you dare mess with me!”“So it's okay if you mess with me by trying to kill my sister? Haven't you done enough?” Lucian chuckled dryly. “I see you twisted the law of retributive justice to suit your sick psychotic behavior, so why froth at the mouth when I'm returning your vibes? Isn't it aura for aura again?” Lucian asked, his voice a bit raised. He shrugged when she didn't reply. Then he walked up to trace the lines around her face. She shuddered, trying to push him back, but his fingers dug deeper. When he saw her wince, he released her and w
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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
