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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
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Sixty
Fractured Bonds The silence that followed was deafening. Ashton’s mind raced, each revelation hitting him harder than the last. A sister? Veronica? And their father had erased her from existence? And what exactly did vanish mean? He turned to Frederick, his heart hammering wildly. “Tell me the truth,” he demanded, his voice sharp. “What happened to her?” Frederick simply looked at him, his expression was still very calm. The man had always been impossible to decipher, but right now, his cold gaze felt even more impenetrable. Augustine stood beside Ashton, arms crossed, watching their father like a predator waiting for his prey to slip up. “Go on, Father,” he sneered. “Tell him. Tell your golden boy what happened to our dear sister. Or are you going to walk away, like you always do?” Frederick’s lips curved into a smirk, but there was no humor in it. “You’ve always had a flair for theatrics, Augustine. I would suggest that you don't start this.” “Answer the damn question
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Sixty one
A Run-in The moment Celeste stepped into the hall, the space became too small. Ashton might not have wanted her but confronting her was more of a burden. How do you tell a woman to unlove you. Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she approached, her expression was very calm. Even with her composed exterior, there was so much anger in her eyes. Ashton Reed did not flinch. He had faced deception, betrayal, and near-death more times than he could count. And yet, this was a confrontation he had never anticipated. Sebastian stood beside her, his jaw tight, his posture rigid, but it was clear even he was waiting for Celeste to speak first. She stopped just a few feet away from Ashton, her gaze scanning over him, as if searching for something, an answer, a regret, a hesitation. Instead, she found nothing but cold indifference. "You look well, Celeste," Ashton said mockingly, breaking the silence. "Did you finally move on? Or are you still clinging to the fanta
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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
Chapter Sixth eight
Trapped on the BridgeThe men didn't stop chasing them as they rushed into the car, finding a way to reverse out of the parking lot of the school. Ashton sprinted toward the abandoned lot. His legs burned, his breath came in ragged gasps, and behind him, the sound of rapid footsteps and gunfire echoed through the school’s quiet lot. Augustine was right behind him, and for once, neither of them had the time to argue. "Get to the car!" Augustine shouted. Ashton didn’t need to be told twice. His eyes locked onto the sleek black sedan they had driven in, parked near the rusting chain link fence. The engine was off, but the keys were still inside. They just had to get there. Another gunshot rang out. Ashton ducked, cursing under his breath. "Who the hell are these people?!" "No idea," Augustine grunted. "But they sure as hell aren’t here to say hi!" That alone was obvious and it made Ashton even more upset. How many times did he have to duck a bullet in one month? It was be
Chapter Sixty seven
The Forgotten YearsMemory lane? Ashton didn't know why that sounded oddly too familiar considering his circumstances. Did Augustine know how horribly confused he felt? Did he know anything more about Veronica than he was letting on? The car ride was long and silent, the hum of the engine the only sound filling the space between them. Ashton clenched his jaw, glancing at Augustine, who was focused on the road ahead, his expression giving nothing away. “Where are we going?” Ashton finally asked, breaking the silence. “You’ll see,” Augustine said simply. “That’s not an answer.” “It’s the only one you’re getting right now.” Ashton exhaled sharply and turned to the window, watching the landscape blur past. He wasn’t armed, and the realization left him on edge. But as he sized up Augustine, he reassured himself, if it came down to a fight, he could take him. Years of taekwondo and self-defense training weren’t for nothing. But he hoped he didn't have to fight his brother. H
Chapter Sixty six
BlankAshton stepped out of the Blackwell Hospital, his breath misting in the cold night air. His heart was still racing, though not from adrenaline anymore. It was the intensity of what he had just uncovered, all the lies, the betrayal, the lengths to which his father had gone to erase his mother from existence. “Wicked old goose!" He hissed as he got to the car park. He clenched his jaw, shoving his hands into his coat pockets as he made his way to his car. The truth had been there all along, just waiting for him to uncover it. His mother had been abandoned. Denied medical treatment. Left to suffer because Frederick Reed had deemed her unworthy. Ashton got into the car and slammed the door shut. Carter looked at him through the rearview mirror. “Where to, sir?" Ashton hissed, “home.x The ride was silent as they drove back to the Reed estate. Thankfully, Carter didn't ask questions. He wasn't ready to answer anyways. His mind was a storm, torn between anger and a cold reso
