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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Seventy six
The Boogeyman Some men find their lives on the right track. Others have to find their own path through life. This was the case of the one known as the Boogeyman. Rain hissed off the black armored truck as it pulled into the glowing heart of the city. The engine purred like a restrained beast, barely audible over the hum of neon signs and the distant thrum of nightlife. The door opened, and out stepped a man whose presence demanded silence wherever he went. They called him Scorpion.Draped in sleek, matte-black armor that gleamed beneath the streetlights, his face hidden behind a helmet with a red-tinted visor, Scorpion looked like something born of shadow and vengeance. “Nothing like the rain to set the mood," he smirked cruelly as he stepped down. He took a slow glance around, reading every motion, every sound. He had to be in charge of his surroundings and be sure everything was just as he wanted. Then, his gloved hand raised, tapping a button on his ear comm. A female voic
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Seventy seven
The ReturnThe island was behind them now, the ocean winds blew against their skin as the trio made their way to the helipad. It wasn't a chase. The doctor had given them the best escape and they were out of the city before their pursuers could catch up. Ashton’s boots thudded against the damp ground as they arrived at the small town. Veronica was just a step behind him, while Rovan lagged slightly, watching behind them with alert eyes. The trees had thinned, giving way to an open field where the chopper awaited, its blades rotating slowly, ready to lift at any time. Michael led them slowly to the base of the chopper. He looked like he was ready to fight but whatever anger was on his face softened the moment he saw Veronica.A rare tenderness he rarely showed as he stepped forward and held her eyes. “Veronica,” he said quietly.She stopped a foot away from him. “You’re not coming?”Michael shook his head. “This is where I stay behind. There’s still clean-up to do in town. Those
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Seventy seven
A Scorpion's Sting “Run!" Rovan hollered again and most of the patrons rushed out of the cafe. The glasses were raining down and shards flew all around. Ashton saw a little boy standing by the door of the restroom, lost, confused. “Head out to the exit, now!" Rovan instructed him and Veronica but there was no way he was leaving that boy there. At once, he ran after the little boy. Rovan looked at him, confused. What was he doing? Couldn't he see the danger? “Ashton! What are you doing?" She called out but he was already by the doorway of the room and he grabbed the little boy. “I want my mummy!" The boy cried out. “Shhh…you'll find your mummy. First, I want you to tell me your name." His little lips wobbled as he replied, “Zion," and then began to cry. “Good, I need you to show me where your mummy is and I'll take you right to her, okay?" Zion nodded and began looking around. He found his mother standing by the exit of the cafe, panicked, begging everyone to find her son.
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Seventy nine
A Strange Father Rovan was out of the picture now until she reached out to them. Maybe, just maybe breaking off wasn't such a bad idea. They just had to get to a safe place and Ashton knew just one way to do that. He turned to Veronica as they stood by the graffiti-smeared wall of an abandoned subway entrance. “He’s sending someone,” Ashton said, slipping the phone into his jacket pocket. “We wait at the fountain by Eden’s Falls. That’s the extraction point.”Veronica narrowed her eyes. “Father said that?”“Yes. We’ll wait there. He said someone from the estate will recognize me and pick me up.”She folded her arms tightly across her chest. “And you believe that?”“We don’t have a choice.”Veronica’s voice dropped cold. “Ashton, that man wiped our memories. He’s not going to save us, he’s going to erase us all over again.”Ashton looked away, jaw tight. “He’s Frederick Reed. He has more security muscle in this city than the governor himself. If we want a chance to survive, we take
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eighty
Blood LiesHis children? Ashton froze. What was the old man talking about? He looked back at Frederick, some form of answer. But Frederick had turned pale.“Why are you looking so shocked, Freddy?" The man asked, smirking, “seen a ghost?"“You,” Frederick breathed, staggering back a step. “You’re supposed to be dead.”The stranger’s eyes remained on him. “Not dead, your men didn't do a good job,” he showed his teeth. Ashton couldn't breathe. Did Frederick send an assassin on him? He knew his father was dangerous alright. But what was the old man talking about? And why did he look like a hunter back to end Frederick? “I never forgot you, Frederick. Or what you did.” he stated coldly. Ashton blinked, turning to Veronica. “Do you know him?”She shook her head, her hand brushing his arm lightly. She was trembling in confusion and fear. For goodness sake, they were sandwiched between two cars with guns pointed in their face. “Move away from that madman!" Frederick said to Ashton.
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eighty One
The Mansion of MemoryThe ride to the mansion was silent.Ashton sat beside Veronica in the backseat of Marcel Green’s sleek black SUV. It was quiet. No one had words to say. Augustine had dropped off at a clinic after saying hello to Ashton and Veronica. But he was clearly still recovering. How has he survived? Ashton needed to speak with him, to ask him questions. It was a long ride and Ashton couldn’t stop glancing at the rearview mirror, watching Marcel, who sat upright in the front seat beside the driver calmly. His words, “I am your real father”, still echoed in Ashton’s skull like a distant, ringing bell. Could it be true? Could everything he had believed about his life be a lie?Veronica didn’t say much, but her fingers never left his sleeve. She held on lightly, like she was anchoring herself. He didn’t mind. He needed it too.Thirty minutes later, the SUV passed a tall iron gate. Beyond it, a private driveway wound between trees trimmed like artwork and golden lights h
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eighty Two
The Crazy Girl in the Mansion Marcel had money. That alone was certain. Ashton could only imagine how much he'd spent just to find them. For a second, he couldn't help but wonder if most of the attacks that he was facing were because he was looking for them. He didn't even know what to think. Was he being hunted or sought for? It didn't make sense. It had been hours after the dinner where Marcel poured out his heart. But still, he couldn't sleep. Ashton couldn’t sleep.The moonlight streamed through the wide balcony windows. Indeed, it was a beautiful scenery, romantic even, but his thoughts were too loud. Marcel’s words played on a loop in his mind. Every single word. .He needed air.Throwing on a hoodie, he slipped out of his bed, grabbed a glass of water from the cabinet and walked out of his suite into the long hallway. The mansion was quiet, too quiet, like it was holding its breath. He could still see some men strolling the grounds but they didn't come too close to the
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eighty Three
Once Again, An Heir. Ashton awoke to the soft chime of bells echoing from somewhere outside the large window. Golden sunlight poured into the room brightly and he had to squint to adjust to the light. When did he sleep? He'd barely had any sleep since the odd events of the previous night. The thoughts of the crazy girl and the idea of taking over Marvel's legacy. It was all too much. For a second, he forgot what time it was. He looked around his room and all he could see was pure luxury. His fingers sank into the silky sheets as he sat up slowly, a little still heavy from sleep. Across the room, a massive oak wardrobe stood to his right, and his dark suit from yesterday lay draped over a chair near the window. He needed to get ready for his day. He'd had his feelings looking through the house and frankly, he didn't think there was anything else to find. The door was locked and he was sure as hell that the key wasn't just going to lie around somewhere waiting for him to pick
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Chapter Hundred Six
Viola! Ashton stood at the corner of the first gate. They were expecting backup and he couldn't stop glancing at his wrist watch. They had just a few hours before the guards began to wake up. They had to act fast and they needed backup to get it done. “What the hell! Where's the bloody backup?’ he hissed under his breath. But just as Ashton rounded the gate and was about to head back to the mansion, he heard the rumbling of cars and he froze.“They're here," he mumbled. A pressed down on the security password that he'd memorized a dozen times and it hasn't changed. The gate buzzed and then began to slide open. Two vans drove in, both black and sleek. He was watched carefully as a man stepped out first from the driver's seat and two more from behind. “Augustine sent you?" He asked and they all nodded. “We don't have time. The place is so big it would take a whole day to go through it. But now, we will break into groups and comb through. I need—" Ashton froze as he saw the n
Chapter Hundred Five
Toast to DeceptionThey needed to come up with a plan. Veronica paced in Ashton’s suite, her arms folded tightly across her chest, while Augustine leaned against the windowsill, eyes fixed outside. “She’s somewhere in this house,” Veronica whispered. “He said it himself. Marcel has some crazy girl picked up like a specimen, and he’s planning to make her vanish the moment he gets what he wants.”“And we can’t wait for that moment to come,” Augustine agreed. “We need to act now.”“But how?” Veronica turned to them and rolled her eyes. “This place is crawling with security. They’re loyal to Marcel. They’ll never let us snoop around freely. If they catch on to what we’re doing, they’ll raise alarms or worse, hide her somewhere we’ll never find her.”Ashton had been quiet, seated in the corner of the room. His eyes suddenly lit up and he smirked. “Then we make sure they don’t catch on, we distract them,” he said.Veronica narrowed her eyes. “You have a plan?”He nodded slowly. “Yes. What
Chapter Hundred Four
The Drunken ConfessionTitanium Incorporated was all over the news later that evening. The air was oddly calm at the Green Mansion when the three siblings finally arrived home. It was a day indeed and they were exhausted. Veronica, Ashton, and Augustine sat across from one another, freshly changed out of their formal wear and disguises and back into their casual looks. No one mentioned the chaos that had created just hours ago.But suddenly, Marcel Green entered the room with a loud voice. “My children!” He called out. They all turned to see him. Marcel wore a deep green velvet robe over his black shirt, and for once, his cold expression was gone and he looked pleased.“Have you heard the news?” he asked with a smirk, pouring himself a glass of wine before any of them could answer.Veronica glanced at Ashton and Augustine, as if just now remembering their rehearsed story. “News?” she echoed innocently.“We were at a school reunion,” Augustine added casually. “You know how those g
Chapter Hundred Three
Mission Successful “He's a thief and you all should know this!" Veronica hissed loudly. A hush fell over the massive conference hall. “What is she talking about? Is this a comedy show?" Someone asked in the crowd. The crowd of shareholders, press, and corporate leaders had gathered for what was supposed to be a celebration of Titanium Incorporated’s monumental success but they were about to witness its downfall. They had no idea. Veronica’s voice rang out again. “You all deserve the truth. Titanium Incorporated is not what you think it is. Frederick Reed has built his empire on lies and fraud.”“Mrs Pam, what are you doing? If this is about the investment, we can talk it out!" Frederick snapped but Veronica didn't give him the time to talk. And of course, the spotlight was on her. She knew all she had to do was take the floor. Ashton stepped forward and handed thick manila folders to uniformed assistants who seemed very intrigued and began distributing them row by row. Each s
Chapter Hundred Two
Jericho Has Fallen The ride to Titanium incorporated wasn't quiet. Ashton and Augustine had to go through last minute plans and make sure Veronica fully understood what was required of her. Veronica adjusted her scarf in the mirror, her brown contact lenses hiding the green of her real eyes. Beside her, Ashton was now dressed in a charcoal gray suit, he kept checking his phone, keeping track of time and glancing at Augustine every now and then.The plan was dangerous, reckless and would get them in trouble. But it was to be done and Veronica had never been more excited over a thing. By the time they arrived at the company building where the press conference was scheduled, she was rightly dressed. Veronica clutched her handbag tighter, in it was all the evidence that could ruin Frederick Reed once and for all.Augustine opened the door first, stepping out in his tailored navy-blue suit that fit him like a second skin. His hair was slicked back neatly, and a pair of gold-rimmed g
Chapter Hundred One
The Day of Judgment The next morning, Ashton sat on the edge of the bed, tugging on the sleeves of a crisp white dress shirt, his face unusually stern Augustine stood by the mirror, fixing his red tie slowly, his brows furrowed.Neither of the brothers spoke for a long while. The silence was a little awkward but they all looked left in thought. Finally, Ashton spoke and when he did, his voice barely above a whisper despite his anger. He knew he had to keep it down. Marcel had ears and eyes everywhere. "Are you okay?" He asked. Augustine gave a short, dry laugh. "Define okay," he muttered, adjusting the knot at his throat.Ashton rose from the bed and crossed the room. "I mean after everything that happened last night with our mother, Marcel and Veronica."Augustine met his brother’s eyes in the mirror. "No," he admitted quietly. "I’m not okay. I don’t think any of this is okay."Then he pulled on a sleek black jacket, smoothing it down and staring at his reflection. It was perf
Chapter Hundred
A Mother Returns Ashton lost his breath as he stared at the woman standing before him.It couldn’t be.The last time he saw her, she had been wasting away in a hospital bed, her body frail and trembling, her cheeks hollowed out by sickness and years of neglect. He had fought to keep her alive, pulling every string he could, ensuring she received the best medical care money could buy. Frederick had tried to get rid of her by neglect but he stepped in right on time. Even though life had become chaotic and he was barely surviving himself, Ashton had never forgotten her. Never. He had made sure the nurses updated him weekly, sometimes daily, about her progress. He had sent gifts anonymously, upgraded her treatment plans, and ensured she lacked nothing when being nursed back to health. So what in fuck’s name was she doing here?He blinked once. Twice. But she remained standing there on the foyer. Her hair, once thin and matted, now slightly glistened under the fluorescent light. Sh
Chapter Ninety Nine
Blood of my Blood Ashton didn't have to wait for a reply before he ended the call and slipped through the iron gates of the Green estate and headed straight to the garden. Augustine was waiting there for him no doubt. He found his car parked behind a row of flowers, the engine still warm. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he saw Augustine with a black hoodie sitting in the confines of the car. Augustine pulled back the hoodie and spun around, the corners of his mouth lifting in a rare grin. “You made it,” he said. “I half-expected Marcel to intercept you.” Well, he wasn't lying. “Nearly got held up, thank goodness the driver stopped being so nosey.,” Ashton replied, allowing himself a laugh. “Yeap, I noticed when I first arrived that Marcel wanted to have me under lock and key. I had to break off in order to keep working at Titanium." Ashton nodded. Now it made sense why Augustine had decided to pretend to be a wayward boy just to get what he wanted. Being in the Green Mansion
Chapter Ninety Eight
A Ghost in the MirrorAshton sat there, stunned, staring at the name on the file. Lily Forrest.She was regarded as a ghost in the tabloid news. A missing heiress. A tragedy that had befallen a once great family. "How sure are you about this?" Ashton asked, still bewildered. Lancaster leaned back and sipped his coffee slowly. "One hundred percent. She was declared missing and then after spending a lot of money to find her, her family finally gave up and she's never been found." “She's the one then, if she's missing and her name is Lily then she could be the one. But how does this relate to Marcel? There could be a million missing Lily's in this city.” "Well, she's linked to Marcel somehow. The Forrest family knew the Green family for so long. So…there's a link somehow.” Ashton dragged a hand through his hair. trying his best to fit the pieces together. Marcel had been hiding a girl in his basement for how long? "If she's supposed to be dead," Ashton said slowly, "then how the
