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FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 5: A Slap In The Face.
“What the hell are you doing?!” Ryan hissed, almost forgetting that he was in a public place.“What does it look like I'm doing? You called for the president, so here am I. Allow me to give my speech,” Adrian replied calmly. Ryan blinked once in surprise, then twice in anger. His eyes shifted to the audience and he could see their inquisitive eyes. He swallowed nervously, feeling like a fool.His hands curled beside him as horror spread over his face. What the hell was happening? No, he scoffed. This had to be a joke.“I'm going to give you two seconds to get yourself down from this stage, you delusional fool. You want to ruin my event, don't you?” Ryan said, but his voice came out weaker than expected.“I won't entertain any insulting words from you, Mr Ryan. Learn to address me properly since it is obvious we're not on the same level,” Adrian scolded, but Ryan could hear the mockery in his words. It was enough to piss him off.“Security!” Ryan yelled. “Throw this worthless fellow o
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 6: Cornered.
“Arggggh!! Fuck hell!” Ryan yelled, throwing a glass of wine against the wall and watching with satisfaction as it smashed into pieces. “How…how did he get out of jail. He was supposed to fucking rot in there!” He heaved, his chest rising up and down. “Damn it, but I paid those stupid wardens enough money to make his life miserable. Now he's out?”Ryan scoffed in disbelief, his mind refusing to erase the picture of how embarrassed he felt at yesterday's party. Not only had Adrian managed to get himself out of jail, he had also paraded himself like a king. Like someone untouchable.He…looked different, like a fucking royalty.“Fuck…! How could I not have known?!”“Sir…here's the report,” A scared voice broke into his reverie and he turned around with a hiss to find his secretary shaking like a leaf in the winter.It irritated him more. “What is it, Rita? You've been standing there like a goddamn piece of paper for the past three minutes. Have you lost your tongue?!”“The investors h
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 7: You Have To Learn Manners.
“I have an appointment with the president. Is he in?” Ryan placed a hand on the counter while directing a curious look at the secretary.“What's your name, sir?” The lady asked and as Ryan said his name, she made a quick call before directing him to the office where he was to meet with the president.Ryan expelled a shallow sigh as he walked. If everything went well and he convinced the president of Nilean Group, then his company would gain back its reputation.Not only that, Adrian would be labeled the instigator of the fight that day and even if he were to report the video of his assault to the police, nobody was going to believe him.They were only going to accuse him of trying to shift blames.He was an ex convict after all.A sly smile danced at the corners of his lips as he knocked on the broad oak door. Upon permission to enter, he stepped into the fully furnished office and for some reason, goosebumps arrested his entire body. He swallowed nervously, feeling cold.The presiden
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 8: Unexpected News.
Layla squeezed the glass in her hands so hard that it cracked under the pressure. Her brows quirked, and she inhaled the cigarette in her left hand before hissing out a puff of smoke.“What the fuck did you say Adrian did to you?”“How many times do I need to say it? You're beginning to annoy me,” Ryan said, his jaws clenched.Layla poured more brandy into the cup and gulped it down. The alcohol produced a tingling sensation in her throat causing her to bite down on her lower lips. “That son of a bitch,”“President Milan ordered his bail. They are connected somehow,” Ryan said, tapping his knuckles. He looked up with a scared look in his eyes. “We're doomed,”“If anyone is doomed, it's Adrian,” Layla replied, trying to shake off the odd feeling that enveloped her.Ryan chuckled bitterly. “His cooperation with my company has been cut off. The other partners are also threatening to withdraw if I don't restore my image within a week,”A dry scoff escaped his lips. “Now, Adrian has a copy
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 9: The Loss Of A Legend.
“Wh– what are you talking about? I…I have a sister?”Milan's eyes widened in determination. “You must find her, Adrian,”“But…”“One more thing Adrian, locate a secret safe in my private study and sign the documents there. You'll recognize it once you see it. The password is your birthday,”Adrian struggled to process what he just heard. First, he had an unknown sister and now his grandfather was asking him to sign some documents? His thoughts were distracted by the sound of his grandfather's hard cough. “Careful Pa,” he said, handing him a glass of water.“How was my sister kidnapped, and why don't I know anything about her?” “You were two years at that time and too young to understand anything,”“No information about the kidnapper?”Milan shook his head sadly. “I'm afraid, nothing,”Milan grunted, squeezing Adrian's hand in his warmly. “You're strong. You're a warrior. A survivor. You can do anything despite the challenges and obstacles faced. I believe in you,”Panic set in at th
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 10: Foul Play
Adrian cleared his throat. “Officers, there seems to be a misunderstanding and if you don't mind, I'd like us to resolve the issue amicably,” He sighed. “Not at the station. I have a lot of things to take care of around here,”“There’s no explanation to justify your shamelessness. Move it,” The head officer frowned, waving the document in his face.The act irked Adrian and he narrowed a brow in warning. “I won't have you speak to me negligently,” He paused to make sure his warning sank in, then continued. “Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to take a look at the will you claimed to be my grandfather's,”The lawyer hesitated for a minute, then he shook his head. “Let's talk at the station if you have any complaints,”Adrian scoffed without a word. He sensed foul play, but beneath his amusement, there was this deep anger lurking somewhere, threatening to explode. His eyes darted until they landed on Ryan. How did this jerk know anything about his inheritance? Was he responsible for his
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. CHAPTER 11: Plans In Motion
“Sir, you have a visitor,” Adrian lifted his head slowly with a small wave of the hand. From the look on his secretary's face, there was trouble and he wasn't in the mood for any sort of trouble today. “What is it, Rose? All appointments this morning are canceled. Do I need to repeat that?” “No sir, that's not it. You have a guest…” “What guest?” Adrian cut her off in an impatient tone. Yes, he was a bit cranky and he knew that but for some reason, he couldn't shake off the feeling, not even a week after his grandfather's burial. It was like he was still in denial of what had happened. “Don't lay another finger on me, you uncultured fools!” The door pushed open and a woman barged inside. She was dressed in a green silk gown that exposed and accentuated her rich status. Without warning, she stamped a furious hand on Adrian's desk, causing the files he was working on to float away. The sight seemed to please her because she smirked and leaned back, looking like the perfect villa
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
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Chapter 47: Ryan Gets Played.
What?!Ryan could hear his chest explode in dread as his stomach clenched. His frown grew even deeper as he looked at the police men in total disbelief. He scoffed. Were they fucking kidding him?! Embezzlement? Fraud? What the hell?!“Officers, are you out of it? You cannot just walk in here and accuse me of something this heavy. This is a private room and —”“It's best you compile with the arrest as we have enough evidence to prove that you're involved in the mentioned crimes,” The head officer cut him short as he ordered this men. “Cuff him!"“What the fuck do you mean cuff me?” Ryan tried to resist, but the officers grabbed his hands, tightening the cuffs around him. “I've never embezzled, neither have I committed any of the crimes you're talking about!”“Shut up and move it!” The officer yelled, pushing him roughly.Layla stood up with a wild gasp as her hands flew to cover her mouth. She blinked rapidly. Was she dreaming? Maybe this was an hallucination that she'll soon wake up f
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
