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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty
Men in Black Ashton Reed wore a satisfied smirk as the police dragged Edward out of the property. Two corrupt men gone already and he was just a few days in. Reese was gone. Edward was gone. Daisy was gone. The board, which had nearly betrayed him, sat in stunned silence. He had played their own game and won. Turning to Liam, his secretary, the man who had saved him from complete disgrace, Ashton knew what he had to do. What he had promised him. "Liam," he announced boldly despite the murmurs in the room. "Effective immediately, you are the new manager of Titanium Incorporated." Loud gasps echoed through the boardroom. A few executives shot to their feet in protest. "This is absurd!" one of the senior members, Mr. Hargrove, exclaimed. “Manager? That position can't be casually filled!" Another stated. But in all this, Ashton remained silent. He knew he had the final say. "Liam is nothing more than a secretary. He pushes papers, takes notes, and schedules meetings. What do
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty one
Forgotten FlamesAshton exhaled sharply as he looked at the card on the floor. His patience was already wearing thin from the strange events of the day. First, the shocking betrayal of Edward and Daisy. Then the sudden arrival of unfamiliar men outside his company. Now, as he stood at the entrance of Titanium Incorporated, his instincts told him something was off. His security team was already alert as they watched the black car that had parked outside moments ago. They were making calls and taking down license plate numbers. Ashton turned to his head of security, the man he'd promoted himself. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man named Carter. "Who the hell were those men, Carter?" Ashton asked, his voice filled with irritation. Carter gave a small nod before responding. "Sir, that was the Monroe family’s men." Ashton’s brow furrowed. "Monroe family? Never heard of them." Carter’s eyes darkened. "I’m surprised, sir. The Monroe family is one of the most powerful crime syndi
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty two
The Alley Dog Zoe was kissing Liam on a bar right before his eyes. Zoe. His ex-girlfriend. “Hey, loser, I told Liam not to meet you today, I guess losers can't drink alone, can they?" Zoe scoffed with a mocking smile and leaned on the counter, swirling the cocktail that the bartender handed to her. Ashton’s eyes darkened as he took a step forward, his gaze locked onto Liam, who still sat at the bar with Zoe draped over his lap like she belonged there. The sight was infuriating, but not only was he angry, he felt utter disgust and betrayal at the sight. “What the hell are you doing with my ex-girlfriend?” Ashton asked, his voice low but sharp enough to tell Liam just how mad he was. Liam looked very uncomfortable. He sighed heavily but didn't say anything as he directed his gaze at the floor, unable to meet Ashton's eyes. “You disgust me," Ashton hissed. “Oh please!" Zoe snapped at him, “You're jealous." Ashton was stunned. Jealous? Why would he be jealous? He didn't want
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty three
The Devil in White Ashton slowly drifted back to consciousness. The first thing he noticed was that his head was pounding like some ancient African drum. He couldn't see anything but blackness. The cold metal beneath him vibrated with every bump in the road, jostling his already aching body. His arms were stiff, bound tightly behind his back, and when he tried to cry out, only a muffled groan escaped, his mouth had been gagged. He was in the back of a moving truck. Ashton struggled, twisting his wrists, but the more he struggled, it only hurt as the ropes dug into his skin. He exhaled sharply, trying to steady his breathing, but the frustration boiled inside him. Who would do this? Who would ambush and kidnap him? Somehow, his mind went to the threat he'd received earlier that day just outside the company. The man in suit who'd said his name was Sebastian. They were supposed to meet at Midnight at a certain hotel. If his math was right, it was about midnight now judging b
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty four
The White Vixen Ashton stared at the woman in white, his mind racing. Had he misheard her? Had he been drugged? There was no way he was betrothed to anyone, surely he would’ve remembered something like that. Yet, there she stood, gazing at him as if she had always belonged by his side and she was just stating the facts. “This is ridiculous,” he scoffed. “I don’t know who you are, but I can assure you, I’ve never been engaged to anyone.” Sebastian folded his arms, smirking. “Lying, just like your father. You've proven that you're indeed a true Reed to the end.” Ashton’s jaw tightened. “Don’t talk about my father,” he growled. “Ever.” Sebastian’s smirk deepened. “Or what?” He took a slow step forward. “Look around you, Ashton. You’re in my territory, my men brought you here, and your father? The great Frederick Reed? He did nothing to stop it.” His voice dripped with mockery. “So tell me, what makes you think he’ll even know where to find you?” Did he just question the Reed
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty five
A wounded Tiger Carter stepped into Frederick Reed’s office, his posture was a little tense. How could he tell the master what had just happened? For a second, he inhaled deeply and braced up as he pushed the door open. The heavy oak doors shut behind him with a soft thud, sealing him inside the grand but cold room. Frederick sat behind his massive mahogany desk, sifting through documents with a cold and indifferent look on his face. He wasn't a man that was easily riled up. He had his temper under control. But many knew that when Frederick Reed was ever angry, cities were crippled. The man was a titan in the business world, always calculating, always one step ahead. But right now, Carter needed him to focus on something far more important than a pile of contracts. He needed him to be a father. Carter took a deep breath. “Sir, we have been calling all night. We did some rounds in the estate but still nothing.” Frederick barely looked up from his work. “What are you saying,
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty six
A Family in the Making Ashton sat stiffly in the grand living room of the Monroe mansion, his fingers loosely clasped together as he listened to Celeste chatter excitedly about the wedding. He was in the Monroe mansion. Clearly, he was going to pass the night here. It was odd. It felt like being held captive. And in a way, it was true. The soft glow of the chandelier reflected off the polished marble floors, and the distant hum of security guards patrolling the estate provided a constant reminder of his captivity. Celeste perched on the arm of the couch beside him, flipping through a thick wedding planner. Her delicate fingers trailed over swatches of fabric as she debated between ivory and pearl for the table settings. "Oh, Ashton, I simply can't decide! Should we hold the ceremony in the main hall, or should we do it outside? I just planted the flowers last month, and they’ll be blooming in a few weeks. What do you think?" She turned to him with expectant eyes. Ashton barely
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty seven
The Head of the Family It was the next day after Ashton had been made to stay at the Monroe mansion. Ashton’s body ached as he stirred awake, a dull throb in his limbs reminding him of his captivity. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft golden light filtering through the heavy curtains. But it wasn’t the light that had roused him, it was the delicate touch of a hand gliding over his chest. His muscles tensed instantly. He shouldn't have anyone on his bed. Although Sebastian had shown him to his room and said clearly that he was staying the night, that didn't mean he had to sleep in anyone's room. He turned his head, coming face-to-face with Celeste Monroe. She lay beside him, her head propped on one hand as she gazed at him with an almost dreamlike affection. “I was trying to wake you up with an early morning kiss,” she purred, giggling as she traced her fingers along his jawline. Ashton forced a smile, masking the wave of unease creeping up his spine. Why was she
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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
Chapter Sixty five
A Mother's Heartthrob The speed on the motorbike was exceptional. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and red as the motorcycle tore through the streets. The cold night air bit at Ashton’s skin, but he barely noticed. His focus was locked on the darkened roads ahead, on the wind whipping past his face, and on the woman maneuvering the bike with impressive speed. Behind them, the men that pursued from the house had vanished into the distance, but Ashton didn’t let his guard down. He still had his gun in hand as he twisted his head slightly, scanning the streets. No headlights, no black vans. Had they really shaken them? Even if they seemed to be out of immediate danger, Rovan didn’t slow down. She weaved through the lonely road with the confidence of someone who had done this a hundred times before. Every sharp turn, every sudden swerve sent adrenaline coursing through Ashton’s veins. It was reckless. It was dangerous. But so far, Rovan seemed to know what she was
