2025-04-30 21:44:28The night at Lady Goodwin’s yacht was alive with an air of elegance, wealth, and exclusivity. The boat was buzzing with conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the low hum of private deals being made in the corners. The crowd of seventy elite guests was a mix of Hollywood’s high society, top-tier business moguls, and powerful political figures. Among them were the Reynolds brothers and their circle, and, of course, Stacy, Sonia’s closest friend.
Sonia, the birthday girl, glided through the crowd, a beacon of charm and grace. She greeted every guest with a smile and a warm thank you for attending her celebration. Despite the glamorous setting, Sonia’s humility stood out. Unlike many of her HU colleagues, she wasn't caught up in the opulence of it all. Instead, she exuded an easygoing nature that made her more relatable to those around her, despite the elite crowd she was a part of.
Beside her was Tyson Crook, his arm draped possessively around her shoulders. He was practically attached to her side, introducing himself to anyone who would listen as her boyfriend. He was loud and boisterous, clearly eager to prove his place in Sonia’s world. Sonia, on the other hand, was visibly uncomfortable with his display, her face flushed with embarrassment. His constant need to validate their relationship made her uneasy, but she couldn’t bring herself to confront him publicly. Instead, she put on a polite smile and silently endured his childish behavior.
As they made their way through the throng of guests, they eventually arrived at a corner where their parents were mingling. Sonia's parents were already deep in conversation about their plans to marry her off to Tyson. They embraced her and Tyson, congratulating them on their future together, speaking with passion about the family ties and business advantages such a union would bring. Sonia’s stomach churned at the thought, but she said nothing, choosing to endure rather than argue.
Tyson, feeling the weight of the discussion and sensing an opportunity to assert control, suddenly brought up the subject of Jamie. He raised his voice a little too loudly, clearly trying to make a point.
"Remember that lowlife Jamie from Momentuum Nightclub? The one Sonia defended like he was some kind of hero? You might want to ask your daughter if she has any feelings for him."
He turned to Sonia’s parents, his tone dripping with disdain. "I’ve done my research. That kid has nothing to his name, and he’s only a stepbrother to the Reynolds family—exiled after his mother’s death. He’s a nobody."
Sonia flushed, mortified by his words. She quickly responded, trying to keep her composure. "Tyson, it’s not like that. I only felt sorry for him after everything he’s been through. He's not a bad person. He’s actually quite good, unlike you."
Tyson scoffed at her response, clearly displeased. "Good? A guy with nothing? Who’s always in trouble? Please. You’ve got it wrong."
Her parents, sensing the tension in the air, quickly intervened, reminding Sonia of the family’s expectations. They cautioned her to not get too attached to someone of Jamie's background.
"Tyson is a good match for you, Sonia. This marriage will be beneficial for both families, and you need to think about your future, not some misguided compassion for a boy with no prospects."
At another corner of the yacht, the Reynolds brothers were enjoying a selection of the finest champagne money could buy. Jonathan and Nathan were laughing, carefree and animated, while Amanda and Olivia chatted in quieter voices. The mood quickly shifted, however, when they spotted their sister, Stacy, walking towards them. She was distracted, her eyes scanning the crowd nervously.
Jonathan called out to her, but there was something off about her demeanor tonight. She wasn’t dressed to the nines like she usually was. Her accessories were missing, and her outfit seemed incomplete.
"Stacy, what’s with the missing accessories? You always look perfect," Jonathan remarked, his voice tinged with concern but also judgment.
Stacy didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she looked over her shoulder, scanning the party. Her mind was clearly elsewhere. "I’ve been worried about Jamie," she admitted, her voice quiet and shaky. "He’s not been answering my calls, and I heard about what happened with you guys at Momentuum Nightclub. I don’t know what’s going on now, but I just want to know he’s okay."
Jonathan rolled his eyes, scoffing at his sister’s concern. "You’re seriously worried about that loser?" He glanced at Nathan, both brothers smirking.
"What did you even see in him? A stepbrother to the Reynolds family, exiled after his mother’s death. He’s got nothing, Stacy. Nothing at all."
Stacy’s face flushed with anger. "Don’t talk about him like that. You have no idea what he’s been through. And don’t forget, Jamie’s mother was the one who took care of us when Mom left." Her voice cracked, but she held firm.
Jonathan sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Your precious Jamie and his dead whore of a mother, right? You really want to stand by them? You’ve got a lot of nerve."
The slap Stacy delivered across Jonathan’s face was loud, resounding across the crowded deck, instantly silencing the group. Everyone turned to watch, eyes wide in shock. Stacy’s chest heaved with emotion, but she didn’t regret what she had just done.
“Don’t you ever dare talk about her like that!” He warned with venomous breath.
Sonia rushed to her side, concern etching her face as she inquired about the situation. Amanda, who had witnessed everything, quickly filled in the details, explaining that Stacy had slapped Jonathan for insulting Jamie and his late mother.
Sonia, who had been standing at a distance, immediately sided with Stacy. "You had no right to say that about Jamie, Jonathan. He’s been through enough, and you know it."
Tyson, overhearing the confrontation, stormed over, his anger now fully on display. "Oh, so now you’re defending him too? Again at this party, even in his absence. What’s next, Sonia? Are you going to tell me you’ve got feelings for that lowlife? Just admit it." His voice was loud and filled with venom.
Sonia’s father, Mr. Goodwin, noticed the escalating tension and immediately intervened. "Enough!" he snapped, his voice commanding silence. "This nonsense ends now."
He turned to the group, his gaze stern. "We are here to celebrate, not argue over some kid. Let’s focus on what’s important tonight. A powerful subordinate of the Ashfords is in attendance, and we need to behave accordingly."
The mention of the Ashford family instantly silenced everyone. The name Ashford carried weight—tremendous weight. Mr. Goodwin, never one to be undermined, warned the group that any further disruptions would not be tolerated. "The Ashfords do not tolerate nonsense. So, you’d better behave."
He went on to educate everyone on how much he had labored to get the Ashford to at least send a subordinate to the party. All the strings he pulled, the financial investments, and months and months of follow-up. He wasn’t going to tolerate anyone ruining this opportunity for him and his family.
“I swear on my life that I will throw you overboard if you so much as make a noise that slightly interrupts my special guest. All of you, better be warned…”
As if on cue, the yacht’s captain announced that a helicopter registered under "Ashford Private Airlines" was making its way to the helipad. The crowd held its collective breath, their eyes now fixed on the sky.
Mr. Goodwin’s voice grew urgent. "This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. This guest is someone special. No one disrupts this event. Not tonight."
The tension was palpable as the helicopter descended, its rotors cutting through the air in a steady rhythm. As it landed, the security team rushed forward, preparing to escort the guest. The crowd watched in rapt attention. There was only one person who could use an Ashford aircraft—the Ashford family themselves. This meant only one thing to Mr. Goodwin who knew more about the Ashfords than anyone else at the party…
“This is no subordinate of the Ashfords. Only a born Ashford can use an aircraft registered under the Ashford Private Airlines.” His demeanor changed from excitement and anticipation to one of fear and reverence, compelling everyone to go down on their knees in a bow.
The door of the helicopter swung open, and to everyone’s shock, it was Jamie who stepped out first.
Dressed in an immaculate tuxedo, his shoes gleaming with diamonds, Jamie exuded an air of authority that stunned everyone in his path. The entire crowd was frozen in disbelief, staring at the figure who had once been a nobody in their eyes. He was unrecognizable in his new attire, his presence commanding attention.
For a full minute, no one spoke but remained on their knees. Then, murmurs began to ripple through the crowd as the truth began to sink in. Was this really Jamie? The same Jamie they had dismissed and ridiculed? The same boy who had been exiled and looked down upon? What’s going on? Were they dreaming or something?
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 1
The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the hospital room like an unwelcome guest. Jamie Reynold sat quietly by his mother’s bedside, his fingers lightly curled around her frail hand. Tubes and beeping monitors surrounded her like mechanical vultures, ticking down the moments she had left. Her skin had turned pale and parchment-thin, and each shallow breath she took rattled like a fading whisper. But to Jamie, she was still the strongest woman he'd ever known.He hadn’t slept in over a day. The nurses had offered to relieve him, to let him rest in the waiting room, but he refused. He wanted to be present for every second she had left. He wanted her to feel him beside her when she slipped away—not a stranger in white scrubs. He wanted her to feel loved.His phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated, glanced at his mother’s face—eyes shut, chest barely rising—then slowly stepped into the corridor. The name Amanda lit up his screen in soft white letters. He answered.“Amanda,” he said, his
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 2
Jamie stepped out of the hospital into the gray morning, his mind spinning with grief, confusion, and a gnawing dread he couldn’t quite place. His mother’s final words played on repeat in his head, and though they should’ve comforted him, they only left him with more questions. “You’re not a nobody… You matter more than anyone else in this world.”He didn’t feel that way now.At the entrance to the hospital, two familiar figures stood waiting: Billy Carson, his best friend since sophomore year, and Stacy Reynold, his stepsister. They rushed to him as soon as they saw his slumped shoulders and red eyes.“Jamie…” Stacy said softly, stepping forward with outstretched arms.He collapsed into her embrace, his body trembling. She held him like a sister should—not bound by blood, but by shared struggle.“I’m so sorry we’re late,” Billy said, voice quiet. “We were trying to finish your final essays and those lab reports. You know, to keep your grades intact. Thought it’d give you more time wi
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 3
Jamie couldn’t afford to lose his job—not now. Not when everything else had crumbled around him like an ancient ruin left to the mercy of wind and time. His mother was gone. His home—the only one he had ever known, however cold and cruel—was now a memory erased in a single night. The Reynolds, as vile as they had been, at least gave him a roof to sleep under and two meals a day. That roof was now gone. That allowance of $500, which came with bitterness and humiliation, had vanished along with any hope of financial reprieve.Still reeling from the sting of Ben Reynold’s cruelty, Jamie sprinted through the city’s busy streets, the dried tears on his face cracked by the wind, his mind cluttered with grief. His clothes still smelled faintly of the hospital room where his mother had died. But there was no time to mourn properly. Life in Hollywood never waited for the broken or the poor. It only moved for the rich and powerful, and Jamie knew all too well he was neither.He reached Momentuu
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 4
Jamie stood at the far end of the winery, clutching the chilled bottle of champagne like it was the last thing tying him to this world. His hands trembled—not from the cold, but from the chaos boiling inside him. The warehouse-like backroom was dim, humid, and reeked of stale liquor and broken dreams. Echoes of laughter and music boomed from the club, the sound of a world he wasn’t invited to.He leaned against a rack of dusty Merlots, staring at nothing. It had been only a few hours since his mother’s passing, and everything was crumbling. He couldn’t afford the hospital bills, the funeral, or even a quiet moment to grieve. He had nowhere to go and no one left. His stepbrothers had made sure of that. His body still smelled faintly of the alley he slept in last night. His shirt clung to his skin, stained and stiff. His eyes stung from lack of sleep and too many tears.A roar of cheers erupted from the main floor, a distant storm he couldn’t muster the energy to care about. All he want
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 5
Jamie had spent the entire night dancing in the rain — soaked, cold, and mad with euphoria — on the same bridge he had nearly jumped off hours ago. His limbs ached from the wildness of his movements, but his soul, for the first time in years, felt alive. He twirled and spun and laughed like a man who had just wrestled with the gods and won. He sang aloud, arms flung wide to the heavens, the rain hiding his tears — both the old ones of grief and the new ones of redemption.Eventually, sometime before dawn, he slumped down on a wooden bench nearby, exhausted and half-conscious. The rain had stopped. His eyes fluttered open only when the early morning sun pierced the cloudy sky and kissed his wet face with golden warmth. Jamie groaned softly and sat up. His neck ached, his clothes clung to his body like damp rags, and he was shivering, but he had one thing on his mind.He fumbled into his pocket and pulled out his phone.With trembling fingers, he unlocked it and stared at the banking ap
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 6
Jamie and everyone else stood in stunned silence, the kind that presses down like a sudden snowfall—quiet, cold, and impossible to ignore. Dr. Jason Trein, the same man who had arrogantly called the guards just moments ago, was now trembling, his phone clattering to the floor like it had burned his palm. His knees buckled beneath him, and before anyone could register what was happening, he collapsed onto all fours like a man struck by divine lightning.“Please... forgive me,” he whispered, his voice raw with desperation. “I had no idea... I didn’t know...”Jamie took a step back, genuinely puzzled and more than a little unsettled. Was this a prank? Some cruel hospital hazing ritual? But one look at the man’s face told him everything—this wasn’t performance. This was pure, undiluted fear.“What are you doing?” Jamie asked, narrowing his eyes.Dr. Trein lifted his tear-streaked face, lips quivering. “Sir, I just received a call from the president of our hospital chain at the headquarter
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 7
Clandestine Fashion was a name that echoed opulence across every elite corner of the country. With a valuation of $2 billion, it wasn’t just a fashion brand—it was a symbol. Its Hollywood University branch, located within the most luxurious plaza near campus, was where the city’s young elite came to flaunt their privilege and burn money on imported Italian leather, silk scarves, and designer accessories. The chandeliers glittered like stardust, and the air inside was chilled to a precise 19°C, diffused with a fragrance that cost more than some students' tuition.And yet, in that glimmering temple of vanity, stood Jamie.Dusty, worn, and bruised from life’s most unforgiving trials, he held several shopping bags filled with clothes he intended to buy—if they’d let him. But his mere presence was causing tremors. The air changed the moment Olivia Feng made that call.The manager emerged moments later—Ms. Tricia Monteverde, the iron-clad guardian of Clandestine Fashion. She was a vision in
Rise of the Rich and Powerful Jamie Ashford Chapter 8
The phone call was unlike anything Ray Fenix had experienced. He'd been in the presence of powerful men, criminals, and gangsters, but this—this was a game-changer. The name that appeared on his phone's screen was one he'd heard only in hushed whispers: Don Atorro, the head of AS99's North America operations.Don Atorro was an enigma, a near-legendary figure within the organization, a six-star general of the mafia world. Ray Fenix, by comparison, was nothing more than a mere captain, a foot soldier commanding a few hundred men, with dreams of one day rising through the ranks—he was four levels away from gaining his first star in the organization’s ranking. But Atorro? He was three levels away from the apex, from the true rulers of AS99. The 99-Degree Supreme Lords, who are nine in number—the ones whose mere presence could command entire continents—were the legends, and the Ashford clan, rumored to be their true masters, controlled it all. Only a born Ashford can be the Supreme Leader
Latest Chapter
Chapter 10
The night at Lady Goodwin’s yacht was alive with an air of elegance, wealth, and exclusivity. The boat was buzzing with conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the low hum of private deals being made in the corners. The crowd of seventy elite guests was a mix of Hollywood’s high society, top-tier business moguls, and powerful political figures. Among them were the Reynolds brothers and their circle, and, of course, Stacy, Sonia’s closest friend.Sonia, the birthday girl, glided through the crowd, a beacon of charm and grace. She greeted every guest with a smile and a warm thank you for attending her celebration. Despite the glamorous setting, Sonia’s humility stood out. Unlike many of her HU colleagues, she wasn't caught up in the opulence of it all. Instead, she exuded an easygoing nature that made her more relatable to those around her, despite the elite crowd she was a part of.Beside her was Tyson Crook, his arm draped possessively around her shoulders. He was practically attac
Chapter 9
Ray motioned for his men, and they moved swiftly, stepping out and clearing everyone outside the store with military precision. The manager, Ms. Tricia, returned, her face pale with fear. She trembled as she approached Jamie, but there was no longer any hint of defiance in her gaze—just an overwhelming dread."Please, Mr. Jamie," she begged, her voice shaking. "Let me settle this with you. You can pay for what you took... and I am sorry for my misconduct earlier and those of the girls."Jamie didn't even blink as he swiped his card, clearing the five million-dollar bill without hesitation. Ms. Tricia stared at the receipt in disbelief, but there was nothing she could do. Her hands trembled as she handed Jamie his purchases, and with a nod, he turned and walked out of the store. Questions filled her head to ask but she wouldn’t dare, Ray Fenix was very clear with his instructions, the consequences of disobedience would be dire. He lingered at the plaza’s gate, the sun glinting off his
Chapter 8
The phone call was unlike anything Ray Fenix had experienced. He'd been in the presence of powerful men, criminals, and gangsters, but this—this was a game-changer. The name that appeared on his phone's screen was one he'd heard only in hushed whispers: Don Atorro, the head of AS99's North America operations.Don Atorro was an enigma, a near-legendary figure within the organization, a six-star general of the mafia world. Ray Fenix, by comparison, was nothing more than a mere captain, a foot soldier commanding a few hundred men, with dreams of one day rising through the ranks—he was four levels away from gaining his first star in the organization’s ranking. But Atorro? He was three levels away from the apex, from the true rulers of AS99. The 99-Degree Supreme Lords, who are nine in number—the ones whose mere presence could command entire continents—were the legends, and the Ashford clan, rumored to be their true masters, controlled it all. Only a born Ashford can be the Supreme Leader
Chapter 7
Clandestine Fashion was a name that echoed opulence across every elite corner of the country. With a valuation of $2 billion, it wasn’t just a fashion brand—it was a symbol. Its Hollywood University branch, located within the most luxurious plaza near campus, was where the city’s young elite came to flaunt their privilege and burn money on imported Italian leather, silk scarves, and designer accessories. The chandeliers glittered like stardust, and the air inside was chilled to a precise 19°C, diffused with a fragrance that cost more than some students' tuition.And yet, in that glimmering temple of vanity, stood Jamie.Dusty, worn, and bruised from life’s most unforgiving trials, he held several shopping bags filled with clothes he intended to buy—if they’d let him. But his mere presence was causing tremors. The air changed the moment Olivia Feng made that call.The manager emerged moments later—Ms. Tricia Monteverde, the iron-clad guardian of Clandestine Fashion. She was a vision in
Chapter 6
Jamie and everyone else stood in stunned silence, the kind that presses down like a sudden snowfall—quiet, cold, and impossible to ignore. Dr. Jason Trein, the same man who had arrogantly called the guards just moments ago, was now trembling, his phone clattering to the floor like it had burned his palm. His knees buckled beneath him, and before anyone could register what was happening, he collapsed onto all fours like a man struck by divine lightning.“Please... forgive me,” he whispered, his voice raw with desperation. “I had no idea... I didn’t know...”Jamie took a step back, genuinely puzzled and more than a little unsettled. Was this a prank? Some cruel hospital hazing ritual? But one look at the man’s face told him everything—this wasn’t performance. This was pure, undiluted fear.“What are you doing?” Jamie asked, narrowing his eyes.Dr. Trein lifted his tear-streaked face, lips quivering. “Sir, I just received a call from the president of our hospital chain at the headquarter
Chapter 5
Jamie had spent the entire night dancing in the rain — soaked, cold, and mad with euphoria — on the same bridge he had nearly jumped off hours ago. His limbs ached from the wildness of his movements, but his soul, for the first time in years, felt alive. He twirled and spun and laughed like a man who had just wrestled with the gods and won. He sang aloud, arms flung wide to the heavens, the rain hiding his tears — both the old ones of grief and the new ones of redemption.Eventually, sometime before dawn, he slumped down on a wooden bench nearby, exhausted and half-conscious. The rain had stopped. His eyes fluttered open only when the early morning sun pierced the cloudy sky and kissed his wet face with golden warmth. Jamie groaned softly and sat up. His neck ached, his clothes clung to his body like damp rags, and he was shivering, but he had one thing on his mind.He fumbled into his pocket and pulled out his phone.With trembling fingers, he unlocked it and stared at the banking ap
Chapter 4
Jamie stood at the far end of the winery, clutching the chilled bottle of champagne like it was the last thing tying him to this world. His hands trembled—not from the cold, but from the chaos boiling inside him. The warehouse-like backroom was dim, humid, and reeked of stale liquor and broken dreams. Echoes of laughter and music boomed from the club, the sound of a world he wasn’t invited to.He leaned against a rack of dusty Merlots, staring at nothing. It had been only a few hours since his mother’s passing, and everything was crumbling. He couldn’t afford the hospital bills, the funeral, or even a quiet moment to grieve. He had nowhere to go and no one left. His stepbrothers had made sure of that. His body still smelled faintly of the alley he slept in last night. His shirt clung to his skin, stained and stiff. His eyes stung from lack of sleep and too many tears.A roar of cheers erupted from the main floor, a distant storm he couldn’t muster the energy to care about. All he want
Chapter 3
Jamie couldn’t afford to lose his job—not now. Not when everything else had crumbled around him like an ancient ruin left to the mercy of wind and time. His mother was gone. His home—the only one he had ever known, however cold and cruel—was now a memory erased in a single night. The Reynolds, as vile as they had been, at least gave him a roof to sleep under and two meals a day. That roof was now gone. That allowance of $500, which came with bitterness and humiliation, had vanished along with any hope of financial reprieve.Still reeling from the sting of Ben Reynold’s cruelty, Jamie sprinted through the city’s busy streets, the dried tears on his face cracked by the wind, his mind cluttered with grief. His clothes still smelled faintly of the hospital room where his mother had died. But there was no time to mourn properly. Life in Hollywood never waited for the broken or the poor. It only moved for the rich and powerful, and Jamie knew all too well he was neither.He reached Momentuu
Chapter 2
Jamie stepped out of the hospital into the gray morning, his mind spinning with grief, confusion, and a gnawing dread he couldn’t quite place. His mother’s final words played on repeat in his head, and though they should’ve comforted him, they only left him with more questions. “You’re not a nobody… You matter more than anyone else in this world.”He didn’t feel that way now.At the entrance to the hospital, two familiar figures stood waiting: Billy Carson, his best friend since sophomore year, and Stacy Reynold, his stepsister. They rushed to him as soon as they saw his slumped shoulders and red eyes.“Jamie…” Stacy said softly, stepping forward with outstretched arms.He collapsed into her embrace, his body trembling. She held him like a sister should—not bound by blood, but by shared struggle.“I’m so sorry we’re late,” Billy said, voice quiet. “We were trying to finish your final essays and those lab reports. You know, to keep your grades intact. Thought it’d give you more time wi
