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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty one
Sebastian’s WrathSebastian took a step forward, his usual calm demeanor shattering as it dawned on him what his father had just said. “Joint heir?” His voice was low, dangerous. “What are you saying?” Gabriel remained unshaken, his gaze locked on his son. “You heard me, Sebastian.” Sebastian’s fists clenched. “You’re giving him my birthright?” Gabriel’s tone didn’t waver. “I am securing the future of this family.” A few of the men exchanged wary glances. This was new. No one, not even Celeste, had expected Gabriel to go this far. Ashton, playing his role perfectly, tilted his head. “Sebastian, you sound disappointed.” Sebastian snapped his glare toward Ashton. “I don’t trust you.” Ashton smirked, folding his arms. “I can't see why.” Sebastian’s nostrils flared. “You think you can walk in here, win my sister’s heart, and suddenly you’re my equal? You haven’t bled for this family.” Gabriel’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Sebastian. Enough.” Sebastian’
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty two
A Way Out Ashton stood in the dimly lit hallway with a smile on his face. This was what he wanted. An accomplice. The pieces were coming together, but he needed to execute this perfectly. One wrong move and he would be trapped, married to a dangerous woman, forever entangled in the Monroe empire. That wasn’t an option. The prisoner, now his reluctant ally, had agreed to the deal. Now came the real challenge: getting Celeste to let him go. Because Nate wouldn't be able to help him if he didn't leave the tank and he wouldn't be able to leave the tank if he wasn't released by Celeste who had instructed to have him punished. Ashton found Celeste in one of the grand parlors, seated on an elegant velvet chaise. She was flipping through wedding catalogs, her eyes alight with excitement. “Darling!” she exclaimed as soon as she saw him. “Look at these invitations! Aren’t they divine?” Ashton forced a smile. “They’re perfect, sweetheart.” She giggled, clearly pleased. “I knew you’
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty three
The Eve of the WeddingFinally, it was the eve of the wedding. The morning sun bled through the grand windows of the Monroe mansion. Outside, the estate was alive with movement. Caterers hauled in crates of fine wines and gourmet delicacies, decorators scrambled to perfect every detail, and additional security patrolled the perimeter with sharp eyes and loaded weapons. The entire place was being transformed into the perfect wedding venue, an opulent prison that Ashton had no intention of staying in. As he stood in front of the mirror in the room he'd been given, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp white shirt, he took in the lavish decorations that filled the room. Red and gold silk drapes adorned the walls, an enormous crystal chandelier glowed above him, and the air smelled of fresh roses. Everything about this wedding screamed power and wealth, just another way for the Monroes to show the world they were untouchable. But Ashton wasn’t thinking about vows or celebrations. His mi
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty four
Extraction The roar of the helicopter filled the night as it descended, its powerful downdraft kicking up dust and debris around the compound. Everyone was shocked and some of the men dropped their guns in surprise while others rushed for shelter. Ashton shielded his eyes, heart hammering in his chest. The moment the chopper's wheels touched the ground, the entire Monroe courtyard erupted into chaos. Sebastian Monroe and the guards scattered instinctively, caught off guard by the unexpected arrival. "What have you done?" Sebastian shouted over the deafening noise, his voice thick with betrayal. “You brought invaders into the Monroe estate again!" And with that he turned to look at Nate. “You said he was going to leave with a van!" Nate was shocked. He'd just betrayed Ashton but little did he know that Ashton had a different plan. "I trusted you, Ashton!" Ashton didn't answer. He turned on his heel, ready to sprint towards the helicopter, but the guards were quicker. They
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty five
The Truth UnveiledThe rhythmic hum of the helicopter’s blades still echoed in Ashton’s ears as he sat in the grand drawing room of the Reed Estate. It was all over. The fight was over and he'd been rescued by his father. The opulence of the mansion contrasted the chaotic night he had just survived. His head throbbed from exhaustion. Frederick Reed, stood in front of him, arms crossed, his expression already sour. . “You had no right,” Frederick said, his voice controlled but edged with frustration. “You put yourself in danger, Ashton. Do you even understand what you just did?” Ashton scoffed, leaning back against the leather chair, his muscles still tense from the escape. “I had to find out the truth about the Monroe family. If you had been honest with me from the start, I wouldn’t have been caught in that nightmare.” Frederick exhaled sharply, his gaze hardening. “You’re not a spy, Ashton. If I needed a spy, I would have sent someone trained for this. You risked your life f
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty six
The Doppelganger Ashton Reed stood at the entrance of his home. The Reed estate. This was fast becoming his home and he prayed that he'd prove himself worthy of the responsibilities given to him. His father had said that Titanium was facing a crisis and he had to find who was behind it and eliminate them. Reese and Edward were both gone. That should have been it. His loyal secretary, Liam, had helped him find the mole in the company. But apparently it was a little more than that. There was more. “Sir, we're ready," a guard said to Ashton as he nodded, grabbed his suitcase and went into the car. After a few minutes, the sleek black car pulled up to the towering glass building of Titanium Incorporated. Ashton stepped out, adjusting his cuffs as he took in the imposing structure. The morning sun reflected off the windows, casting a blinding glare. This was his new battlefield. No guns, no kidnappings—just finding who wanted to sabotage the company yet again. As he strode into the
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty seven
A Twin, A Spy, and A Lifetime of Lies Ashton couldn’t breathe. The man in front of him, his exact reflection save for the scar on his temple, stood with an air of absolute confidence, as if he belonged here, as if he had every right to march into Titanium Inc. like he owned the place. And maybe he did. Ashton staggered back a step, his mind scrambling for logic. He had no siblings. No twin. He had been alone his entire life. Hadn’t he? The entire lobby was silent, filled with wide eyes and gaping mouths. The employees, the security guards, even Lila, everyone was frozen in stunned disbelief. The man, his twin? A doppelganger? An imposter? Ashton wasn't sure but the man smirked at him, as if enjoying the confusion and shock on his face. Finally, he arched a brow. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” His voice was smooth, composed, and filled with some kind of amusement. Ashton opened his mouth, but no words came. The twin stepped closer, utterly at ease. “I need access
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty eight
Burning Bridges and Unwelcome EncountersAshton’s fists clenched so tightly his nails practically dug into his palm. His father’s cold stare, his maddening indifference he demonstrated, it was all too much. “I don't know what you're talking about, Ashton, I told you all you needed to know." Ashton hissed, “So I don't deserve to know about my own brother?!" Frederick didn't speak, he just shrugged, “There are things that are better left unsaid." He couldn't believe what his own father was saying. Could this get any worse?The lies, the betrayals, the years of manipulation. How many more secrets was he supposed to swallow? How many more revelations before he lost his sanity entirely? “So that’s it, then? You’ll just stand there and act like none of this matters? Like none of your lies mean anything?” Frederick exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. “You’re overreacting, Ashton.” Ashton let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Overreacting? You just admitted that my entire life has been
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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
