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FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. 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,”
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. 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
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 1: Kicked Out.
"I'm sorry to bother you sir, but if you don't want to order something else, I suggest you leave. This table needs to be cleared for another customer,"Adrian looked up from his glass of wine to the waitress who was trying so hard to maintain a smile. He exhaled deeply, trying to recollect his thoughts."Sir…"Adrian didn't reply, instead, his eyes shifted to the papers in his slightly shaky hands. It was divorce papers that his wife, Layla had persisted him to sign for a week now.One might think that he should be grateful for an opportunity to finally get out of a toxic marriage where he wasn't receiving any peace of mind. But Adrian felt different. He felt that it was still possible for Layla to change the way she felt towards him.To Layla, their marriage was just a business merger between their families. He was not even the husband she was supposed to marry. She was supposed to marry his handsome, perfect brother, Ryan, but when he disappeared on the day of their wedding, she had
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 2: Grand Betrayal
Adrian opened his eyes slowly to find himself in a hospital room. Pain slithered through his forehead and he released a gentle groan.He tried to sit up, but waves of pain shot through his body and he groaned again. He stared down at his hand and noticed they were handcuffed to the bed."How did I end up here?" He winced, his question directed to no one in particular."I see you're awake, you son of a bitch. Next time you pull a trick like this on us, I promise we'll take you to a mortuary and deposit your useless body there," A police officer who stood by the side of the bed said harshly.And that was when the painful memories of how he had fainted began to click. Daily, the police would take him to a dark room and beat him up, urging him to confess to crimes he didn't commit.They'd tie him up, maltreat, and abuse him without waiting to listen to his pleas of innocence. In the end, when his body couldn't take the pain anymore, he passed out in the dark room and they brought him here
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 3: Fresh Start.
Adrian didn't know what he was thinking when he decided to enter a car with a total stranger. What if this was a plot by Ryan and Layla to kidnap him? Those two could go through hell just to make his life miserable.He scoffed.He was such a fool to have believed that they had a heart like normal people.From the corner of his eyes, he saw Felix look at him through the mirror with an emotion that suggested pity. He didn't like it when people pitied him."It's been ten years since you left home, young Master. A lot has happened since then. Now, your grandfather wants you home for good," Felix said, initiating a conversation.Adrian straightened in his seat with a curious brow. "G–randfather Milan?""Yes," Felix nodded."What's your relationship with him?” Adrian frowned. "And what does he want with me? He drove me out of his life like I meant nothing to him. Now he wants me back? Amuse me,"Felix was silent for a minute. "He's dying,""What?" "Stage four cancer," Felix replied. "He ha
FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS. Chapter 4: A Feeling Of Ice.
The cold evening air slapped Adrian's hair back and forth as he walked inside the hall. The place was filled with wealthy people drinking and sharing jokes amongst themselves.Adrian allowed his eyes to wander, taking in the festive mood that dominated the atmosphere. Ryan and Layla had put so much effort in organizing this party, evident from the heavy decorations and the majestic display of expensive dishes and drinks.A surge of air escaped from his mouth as he released a gentle chuckle. Were those two really serious about moving on with their lives after what they did to him?Did they really not care?The only crime he had committed was getting married to Layla. Did he deserve to be nailed to the cross, suffer the most inhumane punishment, and betrayed because of that?“Adrian?! What the fuck, you worthless piece of shit. Is that you?!” A feminine voice suddenly sounded behind him and he turned around with a frown.Speak of the devil.It was Layla. She was dressed in a beautiful g
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
Latest Chapter
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
