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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eighty Nine
The Madness of Celeste MonroeAshton’s mouth hung open at the sight of her. “Well, well,” she said, slowly rising to her feet. “Hello, stranger. Are you shocked to see me?”Ashton adjusted his suit and offered her a professional smile. “Hello, Miss Monroe. I look forward to a productive meeting.”He gestured toward the chair opposite hers and calmly sat, Amanda hovered closely by his side. No doubt she thought he couldn't handle Celeste's craziness and she'd need to butt in and help at any moment. Amanda opened a folder and began distributing documents to the boardroom table. But Celeste had no interest in the meeting. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and contempt. Almost like she was here to fight rather than settle a business deal. She leaned forward and snapped, “What are you doing here? Last I checked, Frederick Reed kicked you out of his family. You’re no longer in charge of Titanium Incorporated. You’re nothing.”Ashton’s jaw tightened. He was right. She was still trouble.
The Rise of Ashton Chapter One
A Bitter AnniversaryAshton Reed had everything mapped out. A promising future, a degree from a prestigious college, and a girlfriend he’d been with for three years, Zoe Matthews. Today, of all days, was supposed to be the day it all came together.He was a step closer to landing his dream job in finance. But there was one glaring issue. Despite his intelligence, his hard work, his effort, he had failed every single job interview so far.He couldn’t figure it out. What was wrong? He knew he was qualified, more than qualified. The initial phone calls were full of promise but when it came time for the interviews, it all fell apart. Something wasn’t clicking. Each time he walked out of a corporate office, his hands were shaking. How could he give his girl the life she deserved? That morning had been no different. The hiring manager, a middle-aged man with cold eyes, barely glanced at Ashton’s resume. Instead, he skimmed through it with a sigh before firing off questions that had no
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Two
A Scorned Man Ashton’s heart pounded as his eyes locked onto the scene before him and in that moment, the reality of what he was witnessing shattered his entire world. Zoe, his girlfriend, the woman he had adored for the past three years, was entwined in the arms of another man. She wasn’t just in bed with him, she was naked, fully engaged, laughing and moaning in a way that felt like a slap in Ashton’s face.“When will your loser boyfriend be back?" The man asked, still not aware of his presence. Zoe moaned loudly, “Let's not talk about him." Ashton hissed. He'd seen enough. He'd heard enough. Zoe gasped at the sound of his voice, she looked over, and her eyes widened in shock when she saw Ashton standing there, frozen in the doorway with cake plastered on the floor. For a brief moment, everything seemed to pause and then, the panic set in. Zoe scrambled to cover herself with the sheets, her face pale as she threw the pillow on the naked man beside her. “Ashton… I can explain
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Three
A World Against Him The man laughed and leaned back against the headboard, completely at ease in Ashton’s presence. He looked as if he had already won. "You poor, clueless fool,” he said, shaking his head with amusement. "I’m rich. And that means I can take whatever I want, including your girlfriend." Ashton’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms, but the man continued to laugh. “You kept failing every job interview, didn't you? Kept wondering why nothing was going your way?" He let out another laugh, shaking his head. Ashton couldn't speak. He was speechless. The man seemed to know everything about him. Zoe had told him everything. "That wasn’t just bad luck. I made sure every company you applied to turned you down. Money opens doors, but it also closes them." Ashton’s entire body stiffened as the weight of the words sank in. His failures, his crushed dreams, hadn’t been his fault. This man, lounging comfortably in his bed with Zoe, had orchestrated it all.“Wh
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Four
A Shocking TruthAshton’s breath hitched. The old man stepping out of the sleek black car was someone he had known for years, a tall old man who lived just a house away. His neighbor, Mr. Coleman. But that didn’t make any sense. Mr. Coleman wasn’t rich. He was a frail, retired man who lived in a tiny, run-down apartment just a few doors away from Ashton’s. He used to complain about rising rent prices, used coupons for groceries, and always wore the same worn out coat in the winter. Yet here he was, stepping out of a luxury vehicle that looked like it belonged to royalty. “Mr Coleman?" He asked in surprise. He didn't know if it was pleasant or not. Ashton’s mind spun. He was confused. Everything today had already been absurd. First, he’d lost Zoe. Then, he’d found out someone had deliberately ruined his life by making him jobless. His college degree was now useless because Zoe's man toy decided to ruin his chances of getting hired. And now, his broke neighbor was stepping o
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Five
The MissionAshton’s head spun. He had spent the last few hours stumbling from one absurdity to another. A lot of weird things had happened within just one day, but this? This was something else entirely. His father. Sitting here. Speaking as if this was somehow normal. “Dad?" He asked, looking around the fancy house. His father smiled. Not a warm smile, not even a cruel one, just a knowing curve of his lips, like he had expected Ashton to ask that. Somehow, he looked very satisfied at Ashton's shock. “What's going on?" Ashton asked, “Why am I here, dad?" “Because, Ashton,” his father said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk, “it’s time you knew the truth.” The truth? Ashton felt his stomach drop. He was already overwhelmed with shocking truths for one day. “What truth?”His father motioned toward the empty seat across from him. “Sit.” Ashton didn’t move. “This is all so strange. What's Mr Coleman doing here? What are you doing here?” With a soft chuckle, his
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Six
Rags to Riches Ashton decided to head to the graduation party. He wasn't so excited about it before. But now, everything has changed. “I'm sure you're going to have fun, son,” Ashton's father had said as he handed him the card. Fun. That was a foreign concept to him. Ashton had been working all his life after college to get a job. Fun wasn't exactly on his list. "I guess I have what it takes to show up now,” Ashton murmured as he finally texted Liam that he was going to be at the party for sure. The gold card felt heavy in his pocket. He didn't have any limits. In fact, it felt like he'd been given a task. How could he spend so much money in one night?! He got dressed in an old suit, it wasn't anything expensive or grand but it was neat. “Where to?" The driver asked as the car rolled to a stop. “The biggest club in the city. We're having a party," he replied and the driver looked at him oddly through the rearview mirror.Clearly, Ashton didn't look like where he was going. The
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Seven
Rich or Not?Bella was shocked and Ashton didn't bother to tell her what he wanted the third time. Clearly, she's heard him, she was just surprised. “I…I haven't ever heard someone order so much drink at once,” she stuttered, avoiding his gaze. Ashton smirked, this was odd. But of course he had the money to pay and he would buy it. After all, he had a task to spend so much money. On hearing the drink that Ashton had ordered and how many bottles he needed, he suddenly hurried back to the counter. “Bella," he said with a frown, “don't you have something else to do inside? Something meant for low staff?" Bella blinked, a little lost and tried to explain what Ashton wanted. "Oh, don't worry, I'll attend to the gentleman, you shouldn't be serving important clients like him,” he said enthusiastically and nudged her aside. Bella stumbled a little, clutching her tray tightly as she glanced nervously between him and Ashton. “Hurry along," the bartender insisted and she nodded as she
Latest Chapter
Chapter Eighty Nine
The Madness of Celeste MonroeAshton’s mouth hung open at the sight of her. “Well, well,” she said, slowly rising to her feet. “Hello, stranger. Are you shocked to see me?”Ashton adjusted his suit and offered her a professional smile. “Hello, Miss Monroe. I look forward to a productive meeting.”He gestured toward the chair opposite hers and calmly sat, Amanda hovered closely by his side. No doubt she thought he couldn't handle Celeste's craziness and she'd need to butt in and help at any moment. Amanda opened a folder and began distributing documents to the boardroom table. But Celeste had no interest in the meeting. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and contempt. Almost like she was here to fight rather than settle a business deal. She leaned forward and snapped, “What are you doing here? Last I checked, Frederick Reed kicked you out of his family. You’re no longer in charge of Titanium Incorporated. You’re nothing.”Ashton’s jaw tightened. He was right. She was still trouble.
Chapter Eighty Eight
Who Called Them Crazy Girlies?! “Let her go!” Ashton’s voice sliced through the house fiercely. If he had to repeat himself then he was going to make sure they bloody well heard him! The guards paused, startled. One of them had a gash across his cheek, clearly from an earlier scuffle. The other grunted and kept pulling.Ashton stormed toward them. “I said let her go!”“But, sir," the taller one argued, not taking his hands off the girl. Ashton glowered at him and he swallowed nervously. “Sir,” one of the guards said, stiffening. “This girl, she’s dangerous. Master Marcel said she was to be taken back to the cell. She got violent again.”“Violent?” Ashton’s eyes darted to the girl’s face. Tears were still rolling down her cheeks and her eyes looked swollen. Her lower lip was split. She looked no older than nineteen. “Anyone who touches her again will have to go through me.”The guards exchanged a look, hesitating.Ashton knelt by the girl. She was trembling, eyes wide with disbel
Chapter Eighty Seven
The Mad GirlThe red letters glared back at Ashton from the mirror.DIE.A single word. But it was direct. Cruel. Enough to send chills down his skin. Written in thick streaks that looked too dark to be paint. Ashton froze where he stood, one hand still hovering near the sink. The steam from the warm shower filled the bathroom and he could almost hear his own heart thundering in his ears."What the hell..." he whispered in awe. A sickening wave of unease swept over him. He stumbled back a little, the tile cold under his bare feet, eyes still locked on the message. Then, adrenaline kicked in. Was someone in his room? Who's broken in? Was this a threat? He spun around and ran out of the bathroom and across the bedroom, nearly slipping on the hardwood floor in his haste. His hand clutched the doorknob to his suite, ready to throw it open and call for security but then he paused.No.A memory surfaced and that made him wait. He could vividly remember the finger that had been mail
Chapter Eighty Six
Brothers of Ash and IronAshton froze in the doorway of his office, his heart skipping a beat as he came face to face with someone he hadn’t expected to see again, Augustine.Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit with a Titanium Incorporated pin clipped to his lapel, Augustine stood at Ashton’s desk, fingers grazing the edge like he owned the place. The smug curve of his lips told Ashton he’d been waiting for him. He wanted him to see him there. He wanted to taunt him. “What the hell are you doing here?” Ashton demanded, he was already shaking with irritation. “How did you even get in here?”Augustine turned to face him, his eyes glinting with something between mockery and menace. “Did you really think you could just walk into Marcel’s world, become one of the Greens, forget everything else and then the Reed family would still need you?”Ashton’s fists clenched. “You’re one to talk,” he snapped. “You’re still clinging to Frederick like a leech. You’re nothing but a fucking cow
Chapter Eighty Five
Taking His Place A finger. A bloody boxed finger. Ashton hummed as he took a good look at it again. He was still waiting for the report from the forensic team. And he also had to make sure his so-called new father didn't get to know about it. “Sir, the reports are ready from the lab," Amanda said as she peeked into the office. *Okay, I'll be there shortly,” Ashton replied and slammed the box shut. He didn't want to upset her with the sight of blood. But the lab scientists could do that. It was literally their job. "Wait,” Ashton said as she was about to step out. Amanda looked back, "Sir, anything I can do for you?” She asked. Ashton nodded. "I was wondering if you could keep this between us.” He said, nodding at the box. “I would love it if no one else knew about this present." She looked uncertain for a minute but then she nodded weakly. "But the lab team knows and they'll ask questions.” Ashton smiled, it was a flat smile. "Don't worry about the lab team, let me take car
Chapter Eighty Four
The Boxed Flesh Ashton couldn't believe his eyes. Verena. The pretty Mallory heiress. He never thought he'd seen her so soon. And eigh Liam? It didn't make any sense. But he couldn't act shocked and so he schooled his expression and simply nodded at them both. Verena smirked at him as she sauntered into the office, arms folded and eyes glinting with mischief. “Hello, pretty boy,” she purred. “Never thought I'd see you again. Are you surprised to see me?” Before Ashton could register her words, Verena planted a soft kiss on Liam’s cheek. “Meet my man, Liam Johnson." Ashton’s mind raced. They were together? Like lovers. When did Liam become such a man? Ashton wondered, his thoughts veering into a painful territory. Just moments ago, Liam had been with Zoe after betraying him and making friends with his crazy ex girlfriend. They were fucking and it irked him. Looking at Liam, Ashton couldn’t help himself, he leaned in closely and whispered just so only Liam could hear him
Chapter Eighty Three
Once Again, An Heir. Ashton awoke to the soft chime of bells echoing from somewhere outside the large window. Golden sunlight poured into the room brightly and he had to squint to adjust to the light. When did he sleep? He'd barely had any sleep since the odd events of the previous night. The thoughts of the crazy girl and the idea of taking over Marvel's legacy. It was all too much. For a second, he forgot what time it was. He looked around his room and all he could see was pure luxury. His fingers sank into the silky sheets as he sat up slowly, a little still heavy from sleep. Across the room, a massive oak wardrobe stood to his right, and his dark suit from yesterday lay draped over a chair near the window. He needed to get ready for his day. He'd had his feelings looking through the house and frankly, he didn't think there was anything else to find. The door was locked and he was sure as hell that the key wasn't just going to lie around somewhere waiting for him to pick
Chapter Eighty Two
The Crazy Girl in the Mansion Marcel had money. That alone was certain. Ashton could only imagine how much he'd spent just to find them. For a second, he couldn't help but wonder if most of the attacks that he was facing were because he was looking for them. He didn't even know what to think. Was he being hunted or sought for? It didn't make sense. It had been hours after the dinner where Marcel poured out his heart. But still, he couldn't sleep. Ashton couldn’t sleep.The moonlight streamed through the wide balcony windows. Indeed, it was a beautiful scenery, romantic even, but his thoughts were too loud. Marcel’s words played on a loop in his mind. Every single word. .He needed air.Throwing on a hoodie, he slipped out of his bed, grabbed a glass of water from the cabinet and walked out of his suite into the long hallway. The mansion was quiet, too quiet, like it was holding its breath. He could still see some men strolling the grounds but they didn't come too close to the
Chapter Eighty One
The Mansion of MemoryThe ride to the mansion was silent.Ashton sat beside Veronica in the backseat of Marcel Green’s sleek black SUV. It was quiet. No one had words to say. Augustine had dropped off at a clinic after saying hello to Ashton and Veronica. But he was clearly still recovering. How has he survived? Ashton needed to speak with him, to ask him questions. It was a long ride and Ashton couldn’t stop glancing at the rearview mirror, watching Marcel, who sat upright in the front seat beside the driver calmly. His words, “I am your real father”, still echoed in Ashton’s skull like a distant, ringing bell. Could it be true? Could everything he had believed about his life be a lie?Veronica didn’t say much, but her fingers never left his sleeve. She held on lightly, like she was anchoring herself. He didn’t mind. He needed it too.Thirty minutes later, the SUV passed a tall iron gate. Beyond it, a private driveway wound between trees trimmed like artwork and golden lights h
