CHAPTER 8
Author: LADY E
last update2025-04-15 19:58:20

Jason Stewart who was always looking for ways to stand out and to win everyone in the Thornton household's heart, felt this was the right time to save face after being embarrassed by the thugs earlier, he stood up and arranged his outfit.

Picked up his phone and dialed a number, in no time, the call was answered.

“Dad! There is a problem that I need your influence to solve.”

“I am listening!” The other voice uttered.

On hearing this, June was excited that her choice for her daughter was not some coward and he has influence. She focused on him waiting intently on waiting for

Luca on the other hand, was eavesdropping on Jason's phone, unbeknownst to any of them, he has a keen exceptionally sharp hearing, thus he was able to listen to their conversations.

“What did you say? You fool, how could you get yourself involved in this?” The voice yelled from the other end of the call.

Thankfully his phone wasn't on speaker else his ego would have been crushed and reduced to nothing in the sight of the Thornton's, which was something he dreads.

“Dad what happened?” He asked, still keeping his composure.

“You idiot!” his father bellowed. “Do you even know what you’ve done? You and your petty grievances are nothing compared to the real storm brewing beneath the surface! Iron Hand has betrayed Wilson! He’s already sided with Mad Tiger!”

Jason’s face paled, his bravado crumbling as sweat beaded on his forehead. “M-Mad Tiger?” he stammered.

“Yes! If he has set his eyes on Amelia, not even the warrior goddess Marina could save her! You and I both know what that means, come home right now and stay away from this, this is above us.”

Jason’s legs turned to jelly. His heart pounded like a war drum, his fingers trembling as he struggled to maintain composure. He felt his blood run cold, the name, Mad Tiger alone was enough to send a chill down his spine.

He had heard the horrifying rumors of how Mad Tiger was a monster in human form, a man who thrived on destruction.

Even the legendary warrior goddess, Marina, was said to have fallen before his might.

Even after all this he couldn't just show his weakness, his pride wouldn’t allow him to show vulnerability, not here, not in front of June, Amelia, and the others.

“Aunt June, I have to go now, something very important came up, I have an urgent matter to take care of…”

“What happened Jason? Talk to me!”

Jason forced a smile and said; “I will keep you informed, I need to deal with this issue concerning Amelia, I need to eradicate any form of danger that might come up, this is for her safety.”

Upon hearing this, June began laughing and said; “Okay I believe you.” she then sarcastically uttered; “And what is Luca going to do now? Nothing!”

She looked towards where Luca was standing but he wasn't there. Jason, on the other hand, walked away. He needed to go home to his father and stay away from all this drama under the pretense of helping.

Noticing Luca wasn't around, made June even more furious.

“Where the hell is he now? Coward! He left simply because he is scared, disgraceful.”

Amelia uttered; “He was just here…”

Leon who has been quiet all this while said;

“Luca isn't like that, he is brave and would do anything to keep us safe! Didn't you see how he fought them off!”

“Oh really, then where is he now, why isn't he here then? Fighting off those thugs doesn't mean a thing, he only does that to catch your attention nothing more.”

“June, that's enough!” he uttered with furrowed brows “Luca isn't one to run away, I am sure of it.”

June scoffed. “Oh, come on. The moment things got serious, he vanished! Face it, Luca is nothing but a joke!”

Amelia’s heart sank. Her fingers curled into trembling fists as disappointment washed over her.

She had hoped somewhere deep down that Luca would prove her wrong, that he wasn’t just a coward.

But with this, his sudden disappearance made her disappointed in him.

Meanwhile, Luca Ashford left after eavesdropping on Jason's phone call, he heard everything he needed to know, and decided he would get to it immediately.

He left without saying goodbye as he was already furious about the whole situation, he needed to know what was going on.

So, from what he could decipher from Jason's phone call, Iron Hand had betrayed Wilson. And Mad Tiger… was making his move.

He needed to know more, Luca walked with measured steps, his expression unreadable.

Without wasting another second, he pulled out his phone and called Wilson.

The line connected instantly.

“Wilson,” Luca said, his voice calm and cutting. “Is it true? Did Iron hand betray you?”

Wilson’s growl rumbled through the receiver. “Damn that traitorous dog, Iron Hand! Yes, he turned against me. The most annoying thing is that that bastard teamed up with Mad Tiger!”

“How did you let this happen? He was your right hand man!”

“He chose his own fate and to me, his fate is sealed. I will tear that bastard limb to limb.”

Luca’s expression remained unreadable. “And this Mad Tiger?”

Wilson hesitated, then exhaled sharply. “He is a beast. He is beyond reason. If he has set his sights on Amelia, things will really get ugly.”

Luca’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “I’ll handle Mad Tiger. You just deal with your traitor, Iron Hand.”

Wilson was momentarily stunned and then recalled that he wasn't just talking to anyone. This was Luca Ashford the owner and ruler of Grimstone Quarry.

So he (Luca) saying he would deal with someone like Mad tiger who is beyond everyone's reach was normal. He didn't say a word in hesitancy, instead he uttered;

“Of course Luca, I trust you to deal with that bastard, I am sure in no time, he will be a …”

“Dead man walking,” Luca interrupted, his voice deadly. “Give me his location and he won’t see the sunrise, just half an hour and the threat will be neutralised, I assure you.”

Wilson swallowed hard, and a shiver ran down his spine at the absolute certainty in Luca’s tone, he was sure Luca wasn't bluffing.

“Alright,” he murmured. “Sending the address to you now. I am certain you can do this, I can't wait to see the look on Iron Hand's face when he hears that his supposed safe haven has been crushed… besides, when you deal with this, you won’t just be a legend. You’ll be a nightmare to anyone who crosses you, that I am certain.”

Luca ended the call and a moment later, his phone pinged with the address and all he needed to know about him.

"Mad Tiger, huh! Let's see if you're really as fearsome as they say."

He turned toward the night, his eyes filled with determination, in other words, lethal intent.

Half an hour was all he needed, and then, this so-called mysterious Mad Tiger would be nothing more than a bad memory.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan the code to download the app

Related Chapters

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 9

    Luca arrived at Mad Tiger's hideout, according to the address he had obtained from Wilson Brown. He had imagined that it would be a quiet and silent infiltration, instead the scene before him was a mess. The entire place was swarming with military personnel, it was surrounded. Dozens of heavily armed soldiers were stationed outside, their faces dark with frustration. Their rifles trained on the seemingly impenetrable structure ahead. Spotlights illuminated the building, their beams slicing through the darkness like blades. A few vehicles were riddled with bullet holes, and the tension in the air was suffocating. At the forefront stood Marina, her sharp gaze fixed on the dilapidated mansion in front of them. Her subordinates shifted uneasily as she clenched her fists. "Four hours," one of them reported grimly. "We've been attacking for four hours, but we've made zero progress. The bastard's defenses are impenetrable." Marina exhaled sharply, her patience hanging by a thread

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 1

    The Grimstone Quarry was a land of exiles, a place where men were discarded like trash, left to rot under the merciless sun. Thieves, traitors, murderers and all sorts of filth found its way here. Some had lost everything, others had never had anything to begin with. Still yet there were those like Elliot Grant who were once powerful but now reduced to nothing. Elliot, once one of the wealthiest businessmen in Cinderfall City, now stood, his head bowed before a towering figure, his knees covered in dust. His expensive suits were long gone, replaced with rags that reeked of sweat and shame. “Lord Luca Ashford ,” he whispered, his voice trembling as he spoke, “I have completed my punishment. The quarry’s toilets… I scrubbed them all, my Lord, please, have mercy, forgive me.” The man he spoke to was none other than Luca Ashford, he sat in an old chair carved from stone, one leg lazily crossed over the other. His piercing gaze locked on Elliot with cold amusement, the mere sig

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 2

    Luca Ashford knowing fully well that he was about to leave the Quarry to carry out the task given to him by his father, Dorian, decided it was time to announce his departure. Few minutes later after reading the letter he stood proud and tall at the center of Grimstone Quarry, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered workers all of whom were his subordinates. The air was thick with dust, the scent of earth and sweat clinging to the bodies of the men who toiled under his leadership. He had built this place into something formidable, a sanctuary for those who had been cast aside by society. The men stood in silence, their eyes filled with respect and unwavering loyalty. Luca had earned their trust through strength, wisdom, and an unshakable will. Now, he was about to leave them for a time. “I’ll be away for a while,” Luca announced, his voice calm but firm. “I trust that no one will cause trouble in my absence.” A murmur rippled through the crowd before one of the men, a burl

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 3

    Marina took a deep breath and, without looking at Luca Ashford, she whispered under her breath, “I’ll distract them, while you move around and take out the bomber.”Luca Ashford tilted his head slightly, as if considering. Then, to Marina’s irritation, he chuckled. A deck of playing cards had somehow appeared in his hands, and he began shuffling them leisurely.“You really think an ordinary guy like me can pull that off?” His voice dripped with mockery. “Aren’t you supposed to be the great warrior here?”Marina gritted her teeth. “You coward.”But she had no time to argue, lifting her hands, she slowly stepped forward. The thugs' eyes lit up as they recognized her.“Well, well, well,” one of them sneered. “The famous Marina, the city's most famous warrior. I bet you don't remember us. You took our boss down, didn’t you?”The other thugs were alarmed as they pointed their guns at Marina, who stared intently at the madman strapped with explosives. Without him, she could have easily ta

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 4

    The airport buzzed with hushed conversations as a fleet of luxury cars lined up at the entrance, their polished surfaces gleaming under the afternoon sun. The sight alone was enough to make travelers stare and pause in curiosity."Who do these belong to?" someone murmured."Look at that convoy… it’s not just any rich businessman," another whispered. "That’s Wilson Brown’s fleet!"At the mention of Wilson Brown, the city's most feared and untouchable mafia boss, the murmurs turned into gasps of disbelief. Wilson rarely made public appearances, and yet here he was, personally leading the convoy.Just as people were still digesting this revelation, the airport doors slid open.A tall man with an imposing aura strode out, his dark eyes scanning the area lazily, as if he owned the very ground he walked on. He was dressed in a fitted black suit, his presence commanding respect without him even uttering a single word.This dashing man was none other than Luca Ashford himself.The air seeme

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 5

    “That’s enough, June!!,” Mr Leon snapped at his wife, his voice firm and unrestrained, “Ever since he got here you haven't said anything positive. Don't belittle the young man.”Margaret huffed, crossing her arms. “What’s there to speak positively about? A man who disappeared for years and came back empty handed, is a big joke.”They both had no idea what Luca and his father Dorian Ashford had accomplished over the years, but Leon was doing this to retain Luca's dignity as a man.He ignored his nagging wife and turned to Luca with a warm smile he said; “Come inside son.” “Thank you uncle.”Luca Ashford followed him into the villa, his expression unreadable.As he walked into the lavish sitting room, he could recall the way he used to play around as it didn't change much. There were still some traces of his childhood memories filled with laughter, more like nothing changed. The only thing different was that, the warmth that once filled the room was gone.On one of the couches was se

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 6

    The moment the name Brown Gang was uttered, Leon’s face drained off color and a sharp gasp escaped his lips, in an instant, his fear turned into obsequiousness (submissive). He forced a smile, nodding quickly agreeing to everything the gang leader said.“Ahh yes, yes! I did borrow $10 million from the Brown Group.” Leon admitted, sweat beads had formed on his forehead. “But the loan isn't due for another six months. I–I have it invested right now! I can’t just pull it out overnight, you know?”The gang leader’s expression darkened like a storm rolling in. He grabbed Leon by the collar and yanked him close, his voice a low growl.“Oh, are you teaching me the law of investment right now? The boss wants the money now!” His fingers tightened, almost choking the old man, “You don’t get to decide when to pay. If the Brown Gang says it’s due today, then it’s due today!”June was trembling and feeling embarrassed that today of all days, that Jason Stewart was here in her home, something like

  • THE EXILED LORD    CHAPTER 7

    Luca Ashford stepped forward and held the thug's hands mid-way. “Are you asking for death? How dare you touch me, you filthy thing?” The thug uttered. Hearing this, June was scared and felt she needed to act fast, so she decided to throw Luca under the bus as he was inviting more trouble to the Thornton family. “Please kind sir, this man is not part of this household, do whatever you want with him.” She uttered, pointing towards Luca. “Boys, attack!” They all charged forward and amid the chaos, Jason Stewart crawled behind a cupboard, he still hasn't recovered yet from the pain. Amelia yelled, and bent down covering her ears in fear. As for June she hid behind her husband, her hands were trembling as she watched the fight. 'I hope you get killed, you are nothing but a worthless bastard, you deserve to die. Trying to be the hero.’ She thought. As the thug’s subordinates charged towards Luca with all their might. Luca Ashford began to fight, he kicked one in his belly; “Ahh!

Latest Chapter

  • CHAPTER 9

    Luca arrived at Mad Tiger's hideout, according to the address he had obtained from Wilson Brown. He had imagined that it would be a quiet and silent infiltration, instead the scene before him was a mess. The entire place was swarming with military personnel, it was surrounded. Dozens of heavily armed soldiers were stationed outside, their faces dark with frustration. Their rifles trained on the seemingly impenetrable structure ahead. Spotlights illuminated the building, their beams slicing through the darkness like blades. A few vehicles were riddled with bullet holes, and the tension in the air was suffocating. At the forefront stood Marina, her sharp gaze fixed on the dilapidated mansion in front of them. Her subordinates shifted uneasily as she clenched her fists. "Four hours," one of them reported grimly. "We've been attacking for four hours, but we've made zero progress. The bastard's defenses are impenetrable." Marina exhaled sharply, her patience hanging by a thread

  • CHAPTER 8

    Jason Stewart who was always looking for ways to stand out and to win everyone in the Thornton household's heart, felt this was the right time to save face after being embarrassed by the thugs earlier, he stood up and arranged his outfit. Picked up his phone and dialed a number, in no time, the call was answered. “Dad! There is a problem that I need your influence to solve.” “I am listening!” The other voice uttered. On hearing this, June was excited that her choice for her daughter was not some coward and he has influence. She focused on him waiting intently on waiting for Luca on the other hand, was eavesdropping on Jason's phone, unbeknownst to any of them, he has a keen exceptionally sharp hearing, thus he was able to listen to their conversations. “What did you say? You fool, how could you get yourself involved in this?” The voice yelled from the other end of the call. Thankfully his phone wasn't on speaker else his ego would have been crushed and reduced to nothing in t

  • CHAPTER 7

    Luca Ashford stepped forward and held the thug's hands mid-way. “Are you asking for death? How dare you touch me, you filthy thing?” The thug uttered. Hearing this, June was scared and felt she needed to act fast, so she decided to throw Luca under the bus as he was inviting more trouble to the Thornton family. “Please kind sir, this man is not part of this household, do whatever you want with him.” She uttered, pointing towards Luca. “Boys, attack!” They all charged forward and amid the chaos, Jason Stewart crawled behind a cupboard, he still hasn't recovered yet from the pain. Amelia yelled, and bent down covering her ears in fear. As for June she hid behind her husband, her hands were trembling as she watched the fight. 'I hope you get killed, you are nothing but a worthless bastard, you deserve to die. Trying to be the hero.’ She thought. As the thug’s subordinates charged towards Luca with all their might. Luca Ashford began to fight, he kicked one in his belly; “Ahh!

  • CHAPTER 6

    The moment the name Brown Gang was uttered, Leon’s face drained off color and a sharp gasp escaped his lips, in an instant, his fear turned into obsequiousness (submissive). He forced a smile, nodding quickly agreeing to everything the gang leader said.“Ahh yes, yes! I did borrow $10 million from the Brown Group.” Leon admitted, sweat beads had formed on his forehead. “But the loan isn't due for another six months. I–I have it invested right now! I can’t just pull it out overnight, you know?”The gang leader’s expression darkened like a storm rolling in. He grabbed Leon by the collar and yanked him close, his voice a low growl.“Oh, are you teaching me the law of investment right now? The boss wants the money now!” His fingers tightened, almost choking the old man, “You don’t get to decide when to pay. If the Brown Gang says it’s due today, then it’s due today!”June was trembling and feeling embarrassed that today of all days, that Jason Stewart was here in her home, something like

  • CHAPTER 5

    “That’s enough, June!!,” Mr Leon snapped at his wife, his voice firm and unrestrained, “Ever since he got here you haven't said anything positive. Don't belittle the young man.”Margaret huffed, crossing her arms. “What’s there to speak positively about? A man who disappeared for years and came back empty handed, is a big joke.”They both had no idea what Luca and his father Dorian Ashford had accomplished over the years, but Leon was doing this to retain Luca's dignity as a man.He ignored his nagging wife and turned to Luca with a warm smile he said; “Come inside son.” “Thank you uncle.”Luca Ashford followed him into the villa, his expression unreadable.As he walked into the lavish sitting room, he could recall the way he used to play around as it didn't change much. There were still some traces of his childhood memories filled with laughter, more like nothing changed. The only thing different was that, the warmth that once filled the room was gone.On one of the couches was se

  • CHAPTER 4

    The airport buzzed with hushed conversations as a fleet of luxury cars lined up at the entrance, their polished surfaces gleaming under the afternoon sun. The sight alone was enough to make travelers stare and pause in curiosity."Who do these belong to?" someone murmured."Look at that convoy… it’s not just any rich businessman," another whispered. "That’s Wilson Brown’s fleet!"At the mention of Wilson Brown, the city's most feared and untouchable mafia boss, the murmurs turned into gasps of disbelief. Wilson rarely made public appearances, and yet here he was, personally leading the convoy.Just as people were still digesting this revelation, the airport doors slid open.A tall man with an imposing aura strode out, his dark eyes scanning the area lazily, as if he owned the very ground he walked on. He was dressed in a fitted black suit, his presence commanding respect without him even uttering a single word.This dashing man was none other than Luca Ashford himself.The air seeme

  • CHAPTER 3

    Marina took a deep breath and, without looking at Luca Ashford, she whispered under her breath, “I’ll distract them, while you move around and take out the bomber.”Luca Ashford tilted his head slightly, as if considering. Then, to Marina’s irritation, he chuckled. A deck of playing cards had somehow appeared in his hands, and he began shuffling them leisurely.“You really think an ordinary guy like me can pull that off?” His voice dripped with mockery. “Aren’t you supposed to be the great warrior here?”Marina gritted her teeth. “You coward.”But she had no time to argue, lifting her hands, she slowly stepped forward. The thugs' eyes lit up as they recognized her.“Well, well, well,” one of them sneered. “The famous Marina, the city's most famous warrior. I bet you don't remember us. You took our boss down, didn’t you?”The other thugs were alarmed as they pointed their guns at Marina, who stared intently at the madman strapped with explosives. Without him, she could have easily ta

  • CHAPTER 2

    Luca Ashford knowing fully well that he was about to leave the Quarry to carry out the task given to him by his father, Dorian, decided it was time to announce his departure. Few minutes later after reading the letter he stood proud and tall at the center of Grimstone Quarry, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered workers all of whom were his subordinates. The air was thick with dust, the scent of earth and sweat clinging to the bodies of the men who toiled under his leadership. He had built this place into something formidable, a sanctuary for those who had been cast aside by society. The men stood in silence, their eyes filled with respect and unwavering loyalty. Luca had earned their trust through strength, wisdom, and an unshakable will. Now, he was about to leave them for a time. “I’ll be away for a while,” Luca announced, his voice calm but firm. “I trust that no one will cause trouble in my absence.” A murmur rippled through the crowd before one of the men, a burl

  • CHAPTER 1

    The Grimstone Quarry was a land of exiles, a place where men were discarded like trash, left to rot under the merciless sun. Thieves, traitors, murderers and all sorts of filth found its way here. Some had lost everything, others had never had anything to begin with. Still yet there were those like Elliot Grant who were once powerful but now reduced to nothing. Elliot, once one of the wealthiest businessmen in Cinderfall City, now stood, his head bowed before a towering figure, his knees covered in dust. His expensive suits were long gone, replaced with rags that reeked of sweat and shame. “Lord Luca Ashford ,” he whispered, his voice trembling as he spoke, “I have completed my punishment. The quarry’s toilets… I scrubbed them all, my Lord, please, have mercy, forgive me.” The man he spoke to was none other than Luca Ashford, he sat in an old chair carved from stone, one leg lazily crossed over the other. His piercing gaze locked on Elliot with cold amusement, the mere sig

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
Scan code to read on App