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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Forty eight
Into the DepthsOne plunge and the world faded into darkness. Cold. Black. Cold. Black. That's all he felt as he dived into the rushing river. The icy water swallowed Ashton whole, numbing his body instantly as he fought the urge to breathe. The current was stronger than he expected, pulling at his limbs as he fought to surface. Behind him, he heard the distant splash of Lancaster hitting the water, followed by the muffled roar of gunfire. The attackers weren’t giving up. “Find him!" One of them bellowed over the rushing of the river. This was Ashton’s warning to not break the surface. He had to remain underneath in order to not give off his location in the water. With all the strength that remained in his wet and numb muscles, he continued to fight against the currents until he was far off from the attackers. He could still hear the distant and muffled sound of gunshots and the drop of bullets in the river. Finally, after a few minutes of struggling, he broke the surface, g
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Forty nine
A Missing Past The night was slowly brightening up at dawn. Ashton walked in silence beside Lancaster, their soaked clothes clinging to their skin as they trudged along the empty road. The danger was over. At least most of it. No doubt the attackers had lost track of them with all the fake trails that they created in the forest. The cold night air bit at his exposed skin, but the pain in his side was a sharp reminder of everything that had gone wrong. “You better have a plan,” Ashton muttered. Lancaster pulled out his phone, thankfully it was slightly wet from the plastic casing. He risned it out and tapped a few buttons before bringing it to his ear. “I do.” Ashton exhaled sharply, hugging himself against the chill. He was soaked to the bones and he felt like he'd freeze any minute now. A few seconds later, Lancaster spoke into the phone, his voice low. “Yeah, it’s me. We need a pickup. Discreet. No questions asked.” A pause. “Fifteen minutes? Fine.” He hung up and turned
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty
A House DividedThe thoughts roused him after a restless sleep. He couldn't get the images out of his head. The attack at the old warehouse. The fact that his father just might have been behind it. It was all too overwhelming. Ashton’s eyes snapped open and he groomed as he rolled over and then his ears picked up the distant sound of raised voices echoing through the halls of the Reed mansion. His body ached all over, the wounds from the previous night’s attack at the warehouse still fresh. His arm was wrapped tightly in a bandage, the pain dull but persistent. The doctor had done a good job patching him up. For a moment, he lay still, trying to make sense of what had awakened him. Then another sharp noise, something slamming against a hard surface, sent a jolt of adrenaline through his veins. His father’s voice could be heard loudly in the distance. And then it was followed by another voice, one he recognized just as easily. “Augustine,” Ashton whispered and rolled his eyes
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Fifty one
Kiss and Tell For a long moment, Ashton could only stare. Augustine and Verena Mallory. Together. His mind refused to process it. Of all the things he’d expected when she walked through that door, this wasn’t one of them. Verena had always been a mystery since he wiggled off her grip that fateful day. He did his search and found out that she was a woman of power and influence. But now, seeing her wrapped in Augustine’s arms, it felt like the universe had just played a cruel joke on him. The disbelief must have been evident on his face, because as soon as Verena’s gaze landed on him, she froze. Her striking blue eyes widened, her body stiffening against Augustine’s hold. “Oh,” The gasp slipped from her lips before she could stop it. She took a quick step back, her hands pressing against Augustine’s chest to create distance. But Augustine, oblivious, or perhaps intentionally ignoring her discomfort, tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her closer. “Darling,” he
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
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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
