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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty two
Lines We Shouldn’t CrossFor a moment, neither of them moved. Ashton wasn’t sure if he’d heard her right. But Verena didn’t back down. She stood before him, her chin tilted up, eyes locked on his with a challenge. There was no nervousness, no hesitation. Just that same look she always wore when she wanted something. And damn it, he hated that it was working. He exhaled slowly, trying to ignore the way her perfume curled around him, a mix of jasmine and something darker, something seductive and dangerous. “You’re joking,” he said, but his voice was rougher than he intended.Verena was a very attractive woman and he'd be a terrible liar to say he wasn't tempted to do as she'd asked. Verena’s lips curved into something dangerously close to a smirk. “Am I?” She stepped even closer, the space between them vanishing until Ashton could feel the warmth of her body through the thin silk of her dress. His jaw tightened. This was a game. It had to be. Verena Mallory didn’t d
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty three
The Spy’s Revelation Ashton couldn't control the adrenaline rush as he stepped out of the building. The sudden revelation that Benjamin, the elusive spy he had been hunting, was finally within reach sent a cold shiver down his spine. Carter stood a few feet away, looking uneasy as he watched a hooded figure leaning on the car. The individual wore an oversized black hoodie, the fabric loose enough to conceal any defining features. Their face was angled downward, partially obscured by the dim streetlights. Ashton frowned. Something felt off. He turned to Carter and lowered his voice. “I thought you said Benjamin was here.” Carter nodded. “He is.” Ashton’s gaze sharpened as he took a step closer, scanning the figure before him. Something wasn’t right. The silhouette, the slight curve at the chest, she looked like a woman. “What kind of joke is this?” Ashton muttered. “This is a woman.” At that moment, the hooded figure lifted their head just enough for Ashton to see a g
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty four
The Dream and the DrawerA bitter wind howled through the darkness, carrying snowflakes that swirled like ghostly whispers around. Ashton shivered. It was very cold. Too old for a child to be out there. He was small, no older than a child, and his body ached from the cold. A woman clutched him tightly against her chest, her arms trembling as she trudged through knee-high snow. Her ragged clothing barely shielded her from the elements, and her breath came in sharp, desperate gasps. “Hold on, my darling, I'll find shelter soon.” she whispered, her voice raw with pain. Ashton blinked up at her. Her face was blurry, her features softened by the veil of snow and darkness, but he could hear her sobs, deep, broken cries that sent tremors through her frail body. She was crying for him. The wind blew coldly against them and the woman stumbled, nearly falling, but she didn’t let go of him. Ashton buried his tiny face against her chest. He could hear the frantic pounding of her hea
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty five
The ChaseThe cold morning air bit at Ashton’s skin as he stepped outside the Reed estate. If nothing, after the conversation with Carter, he needed that jog even more. The sky was still a dark shade of blue, the first hints of dawn barely creeping over the horizon. The entire world felt still, as if it were holding its breath. Ashton exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the crisp air. He adjusted his hoodie, slipped his phone into his pocket, and began stretching. His mind was still tangled in the remnants of the dream and what Carter had said. And perhaps, what he hadn't said. Shaking his head, he focused on the run ahead. He needed to clear his thoughts, push aside the weight of everything, his father’s secrets, Benjamin’s warnings, Carter’s suspicious behavior. A good run would help. But just as he took his first step down the grand stone pathway leading away from the estate, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He hesitated for a second before pulling it out. Unknown Call
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty six
A Blood Confession A dull, throbbing pain pulsed through Ashton’s head as he slowly drifted back into consciousness. His body felt heavy, every muscle aching from the brutal fight in the forest. He groaned, partly in pain and then in irritation. How many times would he get banged up? His mind was foggy, the last thing he remembered was the masked men. The gunshots. Augustine. His eyes fluttered open. The ceiling above him wasn’t familiar. The room was dimly lit, with deep mahogany walls and minimal decor. A single lamp sat on a nightstand beside the bed. Heavy curtains covered the windows, blocking out any indication of time. The scent of aged wood and faint traces of cologne clung to the air. Where the hell was he? Ashton sat up abruptly, his body protesting the movement. His heart pounded as he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings. This wasn’t his room for sure. Maybe it was some room in the Reed estate. Possibly some storehouse or something equally old and damp. Or p
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty seven
A FaThe boardroom of Titanium Incorporated was filled with a quiet sound of conversation as foreign investors and top executives settled into their seats. The atmosphere was a little tense and reasonably so. After all, the two brothers were meeting again and they weren't known for friendliness. At the head of the long mahogany table, Ashton Reed sat with a composed yet commanding presence. His finely tailored navy-blue suit was impeccable, and his demeanor exuded confidence. Just across from him, Augustine was seated, his expression calm with the tiniest but of smile on his face. For the first time in years, the Reed brothers weren’t at each other’s throats. Their cooperation, however temporary, was an unexpected development, and some of the executives couldn’t hide their surprise. Ashton caught more than a few glances exchanged across the room, silent questions lingering in their eyes. Was this really happening? The Reed brothers had been known for their rivalry for as lo
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty eight
The Rooftop DealThere was soft music playing in the interior of a large luxurious penthouse. The dim light could barely make out the faces of the women there. Three women, sitting in the living area, each nursing a glass of Martini and laughing at something the maid said. It was a perfect evening, almost too peaceful. But right outside was a different story entirely. Two men fought for their lives, one overpowering the other. “I know who sent you!" The man on the floor yelled out, fear clearly written on his face. But the assailant didn't wait, he pulled out a gun and strained it right on his forehead. “Any last words?" He asked. The man on the floor began to shake. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to end here with his wife and her friends just in the living room above. “Please, take what you want, please. My wife is pregnant, she just found out last week. I'm going to be a father soon, please." This information should have meant something. But it didn't. The masked man
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty nine
Brothers in TurmoilLater that evening, in the Reed's estate, the night outside was eerily silent, but inside Ashton’s bedroom, there was a storm waiting to explode. The executive meeting earlier that day left both brothers riled up. What was Frederick getting at? What was his plan? Ashton sat on the edge of his bed, hands clasped together, his expression both irritated and confused. He had every reason to be upset. But still, he felt a little lost, like he didn't fully grasp what had happened earlier. Across from him, Augustine paced like a caged animal, his steps quick, sharp, and restless. His jaw was clenched so tightly that Ashton thought he might actually crack a tooth. Augustine’s rage was obvious. His breathing was uneven, his movements erratic. And Ashton? He was angry, sure, but nothing compared to what he was witnessing in his older brother. “Are you okay?" Ashton couldn't help but ask. And who would have thought. Just days ago, he wouldn't have cared less. But no
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Chapter Seventy seven
The ReturnThe island was behind them now, the ocean winds blew against their skin as the trio made their way to the helipad. It wasn't a chase. The doctor had given them the best escape and they were out of the city before their pursuers could catch up. Ashton’s boots thudded against the damp ground as they arrived at the small town. Veronica was just a step behind him, while Rovan lagged slightly, watching behind them with alert eyes. The trees had thinned, giving way to an open field where the chopper awaited, its blades rotating slowly, ready to lift at any time. Michael led them slowly to the base of the chopper. He looked like he was ready to fight but whatever anger was on his face softened the moment he saw Veronica.A rare tenderness he rarely showed as he stepped forward and held her eyes. “Veronica,” he said quietly.She stopped a foot away from him. “You’re not coming?”Michael shook his head. “This is where I stay behind. There’s still clean-up to do in town. Those
Chapter Seventy six
The Boogeyman Some men find their lives on the right track. Others have to find their own path through life. This was the case of the one known as the Boogeyman. Rain hissed off the black armored truck as it pulled into the glowing heart of the city. The engine purred like a restrained beast, barely audible over the hum of neon signs and the distant thrum of nightlife. The door opened, and out stepped a man whose presence demanded silence wherever he went. They called him Scorpion.Draped in sleek, matte-black armor that gleamed beneath the streetlights, his face hidden behind a helmet with a red-tinted visor, Scorpion looked like something born of shadow and vengeance. “Nothing like the rain to set the mood," he smirked cruelly as he stepped down. He took a slow glance around, reading every motion, every sound. He had to be in charge of his surroundings and be sure everything was just as he wanted. Then, his gloved hand raised, tapping a button on his ear comm. A female voic
Chapter Seventy five
A Rebound The room buzzed with a low hum, monitors flickering softly as data streamed across their screens. But for a second, everywhere was silent. Ashton lay motionless beneath the helmet, its cords glowing faintly blue. His body was tense, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Veronica paced a few feet away from the table where Ashton laid. Her eyes locked on her brother, while Rovan stood close to her, his arms crossed and jaw tight.The doctor stood a few feet away with his thin-rimmed glasses and steady hands, hovered near the console, monitoring Ashton’s vitals.“He looks like he's in pain," "He’s fine,” he said, more to himself than to them. “His brain is just remembering.”“But he screamed,” Veronica snapped. “That didn’t sound like remembering. That sounded like he's hurt.”“Trauma,” the doctor cut in gently. “Yes. Because memories taken by force leave scars. If we want him to regain them, he must pass through the pain that erased them. If we pull him out now, we
Chapter Seventy four
Unlocking the ShadowsThe tent was tattered. Its fabric flapped lazily in the wind, the faded colors doing little to inspire confidence. Ashton looked around, his brow furrowed. The inside was dim, lit only by a few flickering lamps hung from crooked hooks. Dust floated in the stale air, and the scent of old herbs and engine oil filled his nose. It didn’t look like a place where any real medical or psychological breakthrough could happen.“This is the place?” Ashton asked, glancing over at Veronica.She nodded slowly, a soft smile on her lips. “I know it doesn’t look like much. But trust me, this man helped me remember everything. Without him, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have found you.”Ashton crossed his arms. “You sure he’s not just another charlatan? This doesn’t exactly scream ‘professional.’”Veronica stepped closer and touched his arm gently. “I know how it looks. I had the same doubts. But when I started getting flashes, those strange dreams, broken memories, I thought I w
Chapter Seventy three
The Man in the Tent The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean as the helicopter descended onto a small landing pad on the edge of a secluded island town. Ashton squinted against the bright sunlight as the turquoise waters shimmered beneath them. From above, the town was a picturesque scene, with small buildings, white walls and terracotta roofs. There were narrow cobblestone streets winding through bustling marketplaces, and fishing boats swaying gently in the harbor.“Smells like my childhood," Rovan laughed as the helicopter began to descend. Ashton smirked. But he couldn't relate to that. He barely had any memory of his childhood. As soon as they stepped onto solid ground, the heat wrapped around them like a thick blanket. The town was alive with activity. People dressed in casual summer outfits wandered through the market, vendors called out their wares, and the sound of seagulls could be heard from the shores. “It's warm," Ashton noted as he kicked at the sand and tr
Chapter Seventy Two
In Memory Life Ashton felt his pulse pounding in his ears as he held onto Veronica. This felt surreal. He was holding my sister right in my arms. It felt like a dream he couldn't fathom. The wind from the helicopter's blades whipped around them, but for a moment, all he could focus on was the sister he thought he’d lost forever.A sister he never even knew he had until a few video clips ago. “I never thought I'd see you again," she purred and held onto him tightly. Ashton knew that she was crying as he could hear the hiccups as she held onto him. Then, Rovan’s firm voice cut through the moment. “We need to go,” she smiled, "Enough of the lovey dovey, we need to leave, now.”Ashton swallowed down the storm of emotions threatening to consume him and gave a sharp nod. He pulled back from Veronica, studying her face. She looked the same as she had in the pictures he had seen, the same soft brown eyes, same strong tilt to her jaw. But there was something different about her now. T
Chapter Seventy one
The Reunion The elevator hummed softly as it descended, the low mechanical whirr barely masking the hammering in Ashton's chest. He kept his posture relaxed, his fingers resting lightly against his hip where his newly acquired gun was tucked beneath his jacket.The blonde in the sun hat maintained her gaze, an almost lazy amusement in her expression as she took him in.Ashton knew what she was. But he had to play along, the lobby was filled with eyes and he didn't want to endanger anyone. "Nice day for a stroll, don’t you think?" she mused, tilting her head slightly as she drew closed to him. Ashton remained silent. He didn’t like playing with ladies. He was well trained to respect women. The two men flanking the women shifted subtly, positioning themselves to box him in.He noticed when they slowly surrounded him but still, he wasn't alarmed. He forced himself to exhale evenly, calming his expression. If he reacted too soon, they'd have him. If he waited too long, he’d be dead.
Chapter Seventy
Marked for DeathMorning came slow. The night that passed was the longest of Ashton's life. Every time he woke up, he could almost hear his brother's voice right in the hotel room. His dreams were plagued with his face. Was he dead? Was his ghost now haunting him? “Bloody hell!" He swore as he slammed his hands down on the alarm clock and jerked up. What was the alarm for anyway? He couldn't even recall. Sighing, he padded out of bed and went to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. Celeste and Carter had both left him yesterday with more questions than answers. But the good thing was that they offered to help him. Or at least that's how he understood it. Celeste was convinced that they had a common enemy and he didn't know why. But so far, he knew how influential the Monroe family was and that they could help him. So, he was in. After getting his coffee, Ashton sat in the dim motel room, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts all over the place. The events of the past 24 hou
Chapter Sixty nine
Breaking Point"Stay with me," Ashton growled, shaking him. "Stay with me, damn it!" Augustine coughed, blood flecking his lips. His fingers weakly grasped at Ashton’s sleeve. "I’m fine," he muttered, though his voice was barely above a whisper. "Just...a scratch..." A scratch? That was a goddamn bullet wound, and Augustine was slipping away. Before Ashton could react, the masked men snapped into action. "Move! Take them!" Ashton watched in shock as the men got out of the van and tried to grab him and Augustine. Ashton fought with all he had. Punches. Kicks, blows, everything he had. But he was outnumbered sixteen to one. The odds were against him on every side. "We're taking him now!" the man barked, holding Ashton off despite how much he fought. Two men rushed forward lifting Augustine’s limp body from Ashton’s grasp. "Don’t take him!" Ashton snapped, his voice raw, "you cowards!”At this same time, the roar of new engines added to the chaos on the bridge. Headlights s
