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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Sixty two
The Elevator Encounter Owen Griffin. The name rang in his head more often than he wanted it to. Ashton was breathing through his mouth, the rhythmic pounding of his feet against the treadmill was the only sound he focused on. The house gym was one of his favorite places in the Reed estate. Here, he could be alone. No conversations , no distractions. Just him alone with his frustration, and the steady thrum of his heartbeat as he pushed himself harder, trying to outrun the storm in his mind. Owen Griffin. His father. A tangled web of secrets and lies that he'd come to realize was his life. Ashton clenched his jaw, increasing the speed. He didn’t care if his legs ached. He welcomed the pain. It was better than the feeling of helplessness that threatened to overwhelm him as he thought about his circumstances. “How long will the old man keep lying to me?" He mouthed the words in anger. Then, the gym door opened. Someone stepped inside, and even without looking, Ashton knew
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Sixty three
A Messenger “Sir, we found out that the elevator was being tampered with," one of the security men said. Ashton sighed and shook his head. “I'm sure it's nothing, just make sure the lights don't go out again.” “Sir, you don't understand, you might have been in danger in there, I think we were breached." This was the part that he didn't want to deal with. He didn't want anyone snooping around just in case they found the Irish woman. She'd gone through so much stress to warn him. "Don't bother, I'm fine. Don't push it.” He warned sternly and then left them all stunned. As Ashton made his way toward the executive wing, a voice called out behind him. “Mr. Reed! Sir, if I could just have a moment of your time.” Ashton barely slowed down. He hoped no one would get nosey and ask about the elevator. He wasn't about to tell anyone what happened in there. A young man,no older than twenty-seven, hurried after him, his eyes were gleaming with enthusiasm. The ID clipped to his blazer re
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Sixty four
The Badass Rovan Ashton took the flash drive from Rovan’s outstretched hand, his fingers tightening around it as he studied her. The dim street light outside barely illuminated her face, but he could see the slight skepticism in her eyes, the kind of look that belonged to someone who had lived on the run for too long. “This isn’t enough,” he said flatly. “If you want me to believe you, I need more.” “You should be glad I'm giving this to you. You'd never be able to find out what happened to your sister otherwise." Ashton looked at her and then the flash in his hands, “Frankly, I don't care." Then he flipped the flash drive in his hands, “I need information and I know you have it." Rovan sighed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her dark coat. “We can’t talk here. It’s not safe.” “Then take me where we can talk." Rovan looked at him like he'd just lost his bloody mind. “I think you're missing something here. I'm helping you, you aren't in the right place to make demands
The Rise of Ashton 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
The Rise of Ashton 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
The Rise of Ashton 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
The Rise of Ashton 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
The Rise of Ashton 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
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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
Chapter Ninety Seven
A Missing Forest In just a few minutes, Ashton arrived at Swam Limited. It was magnificent, the sheer beauty of it still stunned him. But he knew this was all seeds of wickedness. “Goodness! No wonder they're friends," he hissed. Peter, the driver, looked at him through the rearview mirror and asked, “who are friends?" Ashton replied, "nothing.” Shortly they rolled into the parking lot and Ashton got out of the vehicle closing the door softly behind him. Ashton stepped into the elevator and adjusted the cuffs of his designer suit, preparing himself for yet another tiring day in this establishment. He had become a worker for both Frederick and Marcel, helping them build their empires even when he knew that they did not care about him. But it was all going to be to his advantage and one way or the other he would make them pay, both of them. As soon as he got inside his secretary, Amanda ran to his side, “Thank goodness you arrived on time, the meeting is set to start, sir." A
