Novels by Ree Ali

Nowhere to Hide Ashton turned sharply at the sound. Even before he saw who it was, he knew. It could only be one person who'd be so pleased at this chaos. Augustine. The snake. The man who had taken his trust and crushed it into a billion pieces. A man who wasn't worthy of being called his brother. Ashton turned around, his jaw tightening as he met Augustine’s smug, triumphant smile. “Well, well,” Augustine drawled, descending the steps dramatically. “Look at the prodigal son, finally standing up for himself.”Ashton’s heart thudded, not from fear, but from clarity. The way Marcel looked at him, the venom in his voice, the accusations, it all made sense now.Augustine was using the same words he'd used many months ago when he took over Titanium Incorporated. The prodigal son. “You told him,” Ashton said, his voice was low but steady.“Of course he did,” Marcel spat, shoving Ashton back a step. “How else would I have known that you’ve been scheming behind my back like a treac

The Line in the SandAs soon as Ashton saw the next, he knew all hell was about to break loose. But he wasn't going to flee like a coward, no. That was not his style. If indeed, Marcel had discovered what they did, he was going to face him like the man he was. Going back into the hospital, he simply smiled as Veronica asked him who he was on the phone with. “Lancaster, I'm getting him to bring the guards over real soon," he replied with a nod. She didn't seem to doubt him because she exhaled in relief. “I think we should head back to the estate before Marcel asks questions." Right. He'd already asked. More than questions actually, he had found them out. But Ashton didn't want to say that. Veronica needed some rest. She'd been too involved in everything and despite wanting to help, he knew it was taking a toll on her. “Hey, how about you stay with mother until Lancaster and his men arrive, huh?” Veronica looked at the frail woman on the bed and she seemed like she really needed

Her Old Self The hospital was quiet that morning and the scent of antiseptic hung in the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of lilies on the bedside table. Veronica sat at one end of the bed, her hands gently clasping their mother’s. Lily stood by the window, gazing down at the hospital garden below, lost in thought. The door creaked open, and in walked Ashton with a bouquet of wildflowers in one hand and a small box of chocolate and candy in the other."Good morning," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion as he stepped inside.Their mother turned toward him, her once-clouded eyes now clear and warm. "Ashton? Is that really you?"His chest tightened. He hadn’t heard her say his name with such clarity since they met. He nodded, swallowing hard as he walked closer and handed her the flowers."It's me, Ma. I brought these for you."Tears welled in her eyes as she reached for the bouquet. "Oh, my beautiful boy. I've wanted to see you for so long."He furrowed his brow. "But

Green snakes. Green Grasses Augustine stood tall at the podium, looking very handsome in a crisp navy-blue suit. He had just grabbed the microphone from the host of the show and he looked like a had a ton to say. Ashton knew he had to stop him at once before he muttered a word. Right beside him was Frederick, forlorn and with a frown on his hard face. He also was flanked by security guards.“My friends,” Augustine said, voice smooth like oil. “It is with a heavy heart that I speak about the great fall of this once-mighty company. A fall engineered by our worst enemies. People we once loved and called family.” Ashton knew he had to get to him before this spun out of control. He was right. His suspicions were true. He pushed past the guards at the front door and thankfully no one recognized him. At least not yet. All the men at the door seemed to be new. Possibly because they needed extra security on such a big day. Ashton kept his head low and slowly weaved his way into the cro

Right On TimeLily looked between them, clearly confused. “What plans? Your brother?" She asked. Ashton nodded. "Peter said he mentioned Frederick and I,” he replied. “So what?" Veronica asked, confused, “We have to think of getting mother to the island and back before Marcel notices our absence. He won't be glad if he finds out about this." Lily shook her head, “No, he can't find out, he would kill me. He'd kill us all." "I know. But this is important. Damn it! How could I forget that today was Frederick's conference.” "It is?” Veronica asked and he nodded. "I guess if Augustine really has any strings to pull, it's now.” Veronica scoffed, "Do you really think he'd do something stupid?” "Well, you're the one who clearly said we couldn't trust him.” He reminded her. Veronica nodded. "Yeah, Augustine has always been a sucker for Frederick.” "Then I have a bad feeling about that conference.” “Are you sure?" Veronica asked. "It could be casual.” Ashton nodded, “I don't know f

Mothering Insanity “Your mother isn't herself. He has played with her memories." “What?!" Ashton asked as Lily said those words. Lily shrugged, “I'm sorry, but I heard what I heard and I know that Marcel has played with your mother's memories." “Are you saying my mother is mad?" He asked. Lily looked down but she shrugged, “It's pleasant but it's the truth. He played with her mind, that's what he does.” Ashton hissed under his breath. “This is absurd! She came to the mansion and said she is still married to him, she said it herself." Veronica scoffed, “He made her day it. Don't you get it? He is manipulating her.” Lily cleared her throat, "I don't just mean manipulation, I mean he had her memories wiped off and she's not herself.” "That's unbelievable,” Ashton replied. He refused to believe that his mother was suffering. “Why?" Veronica asked him, “what's so hard to believe? Frederick was his friend. They all know how to erase minds.” "I know you don't like Marcel but I don