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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty eight
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 Rise of Ashton Chapter Twenty nine
A Father's WrathDarkness swallowed the room in an instant. And a split second later, chaos erupted. A loud crash shattered the silence, a gunshot rang out loudly, followed by a strangled scream. Someone stumbled, colliding with furniture and almost throwing Ashton to the ground. The bound man wailed in panic, his chair scraping against the floor. “Let me go!" He cried out helplessly, trying to free himself. A gunshot roared through the dark again. Twice now. Nobody knew who took the shot or who was being targeted. “Ashton, get down!” a voice commanded. Ashton barely had time to process before someone slammed into him, shoving him aside. His shoulder hit the cold marble floor as more gunfire erupted. “Take cover!" That was Sebastian's unmistaken scream and at once, he grabbed Celeste and ducked behind a metal door. Then suddenly, the emergency lights flickered on, bathing the room in an eerie red glow. The scene before Ashton was absolute carnage. Men in sleek, tailor
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty
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
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty one
Sebastian’s WrathSebastian took a step forward, his usual calm demeanor shattering as it dawned on him what his father had just said. “Joint heir?” His voice was low, dangerous. “What are you saying?” Gabriel remained unshaken, his gaze locked on his son. “You heard me, Sebastian.” Sebastian’s fists clenched. “You’re giving him my birthright?” Gabriel’s tone didn’t waver. “I am securing the future of this family.” A few of the men exchanged wary glances. This was new. No one, not even Celeste, had expected Gabriel to go this far. Ashton, playing his role perfectly, tilted his head. “Sebastian, you sound disappointed.” Sebastian snapped his glare toward Ashton. “I don’t trust you.” Ashton smirked, folding his arms. “I can't see why.” Sebastian’s nostrils flared. “You think you can walk in here, win my sister’s heart, and suddenly you’re my equal? You haven’t bled for this family.” Gabriel’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Sebastian. Enough.” Sebastian’
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty two
A Way Out Ashton stood in the dimly lit hallway with a smile on his face. This was what he wanted. An accomplice. The pieces were coming together, but he needed to execute this perfectly. One wrong move and he would be trapped, married to a dangerous woman, forever entangled in the Monroe empire. That wasn’t an option. The prisoner, now his reluctant ally, had agreed to the deal. Now came the real challenge: getting Celeste to let him go. Because Nate wouldn't be able to help him if he didn't leave the tank and he wouldn't be able to leave the tank if he wasn't released by Celeste who had instructed to have him punished. Ashton found Celeste in one of the grand parlors, seated on an elegant velvet chaise. She was flipping through wedding catalogs, her eyes alight with excitement. “Darling!” she exclaimed as soon as she saw him. “Look at these invitations! Aren’t they divine?” Ashton forced a smile. “They’re perfect, sweetheart.” She giggled, clearly pleased. “I knew you’
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty three
The Eve of the WeddingFinally, it was the eve of the wedding. The morning sun bled through the grand windows of the Monroe mansion. Outside, the estate was alive with movement. Caterers hauled in crates of fine wines and gourmet delicacies, decorators scrambled to perfect every detail, and additional security patrolled the perimeter with sharp eyes and loaded weapons. The entire place was being transformed into the perfect wedding venue, an opulent prison that Ashton had no intention of staying in. As he stood in front of the mirror in the room he'd been given, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp white shirt, he took in the lavish decorations that filled the room. Red and gold silk drapes adorned the walls, an enormous crystal chandelier glowed above him, and the air smelled of fresh roses. Everything about this wedding screamed power and wealth, just another way for the Monroes to show the world they were untouchable. But Ashton wasn’t thinking about vows or celebrations. His mi
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty four
Extraction The roar of the helicopter filled the night as it descended, its powerful downdraft kicking up dust and debris around the compound. Everyone was shocked and some of the men dropped their guns in surprise while others rushed for shelter. Ashton shielded his eyes, heart hammering in his chest. The moment the chopper's wheels touched the ground, the entire Monroe courtyard erupted into chaos. Sebastian Monroe and the guards scattered instinctively, caught off guard by the unexpected arrival. "What have you done?" Sebastian shouted over the deafening noise, his voice thick with betrayal. “You brought invaders into the Monroe estate again!" And with that he turned to look at Nate. “You said he was going to leave with a van!" Nate was shocked. He'd just betrayed Ashton but little did he know that Ashton had a different plan. "I trusted you, Ashton!" Ashton didn't answer. He turned on his heel, ready to sprint towards the helicopter, but the guards were quicker. They
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Thirty five
The Truth UnveiledThe rhythmic hum of the helicopter’s blades still echoed in Ashton’s ears as he sat in the grand drawing room of the Reed Estate. It was all over. The fight was over and he'd been rescued by his father. The opulence of the mansion contrasted the chaotic night he had just survived. His head throbbed from exhaustion. Frederick Reed, stood in front of him, arms crossed, his expression already sour. . “You had no right,” Frederick said, his voice controlled but edged with frustration. “You put yourself in danger, Ashton. Do you even understand what you just did?” Ashton scoffed, leaning back against the leather chair, his muscles still tense from the escape. “I had to find out the truth about the Monroe family. If you had been honest with me from the start, I wouldn’t have been caught in that nightmare.” Frederick exhaled sharply, his gaze hardening. “You’re not a spy, Ashton. If I needed a spy, I would have sent someone trained for this. You risked your life f
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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
