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 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

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

A Test of LoyaltyThis is a test. Ashton quickly told himself. It didn't matter how he felt. All he had to do was play along. But this was harder than just games. This was taking a life. Ashton had never killed before. He'd only ever held a gun once in his life. He didn't know what it felt like to watch another suffer. But he had to believe that the ruthless Reed blood flowed through his veins. The weight of the gun in Ashton’s hand felt heavier than it should have. A cold silence settled over the room as he held the gun and every eye fixated on him wearily. They were all waiting for his answer. They were all waiting to test how loyal he would be to the family. Gabriel Monroe leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes shining with what seemed like expectation. Beside him, Sebastian folded his arms, an amused smirk playing on his lips, but his stare was almost judging. Like he was watching Ashton for any sign of weakness. “Ashton,” Sebastian finally said, breaking the silence

The Point of No ReturnFrederick Reed stood frozen, his gun still raised, his expression filled with shock. The weight of his son’s declaration hung was enough to make him stumble. But he had to act like he was fine. Ashton, standing beside the Monroe family. Ashton, choosing them. Gabriel Monroe, ever the opportunist, stepped forward, his lips curling into a triumphant smile. “You heard him, Frederick. Even your own son has denied you.” His voice was laced with amusement, but beneath it was something deeper, somehow it sounded like victory. Frederick’s grip on the gun trembled slightly, but he steadied himself. “This is madness,” he said, his voice quieter now, as if trying to reason with a child lost in the dark. “You’re my son, Ashton. You’re a Reed. Do you even know what you’re saying?” Ashton’s jaw clenched. He could feel Celeste gripping his arm, but he didn’t turn to her. His gaze remained locked on his father. “If you pull that trigger,” Ashton said slowly, deliberatel