The life of the underworld was something Ashley had dreamed of escaping all her life. Born as a bastard from an affair between an underworld kingpin and a prostitute, Ashley was meant to die even before she was born. The only reason she survived was that her father thought she was a boy.

From a young age, she understood that if she wanted to survive in this world of violence—on top of her father’s wife and daughter’s schemes—she had to be useful.

So, she made herself a promise: one day, she would escape this world.

Ashley almost succeeded… until her father found her again and thrust her into a marriage of convenience with his rival, Dominion, in his beloved daughter’s place.

Everyone in the underworld knew Dominion.

They were cruel, organized, and simply spawns of evil. And the man who stood above that power, Luciano, was said to be downright diabolical. Just their name alone could make anyone tremble.

And this organization was where Ashley now had to survive.

To make matters worse, the marriage also came with a child — Luciano’s mute heir.

Forced to become the wife of one of the most violent and powerful underworld organizations, and the mother of its future leader, Ashley made a vow.

“No matter what, I’ll escape this place!”

But she would soon realize it wouldn’t be as simple as that. Not when the feared members of Dominion clung to her feet, begging,

“Madam, don’t go!”

And when the mute stepson finally spoke, “Mommy, if you’re leaving, please take me with you.”

Finally, her diabolical, obsessive, and utterly territorial husband said,

“I’ve packed our things. Where should we go?”

***
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Betty's frown deepened as Ashley's laughter echoed.


"Madam!" she called through clenched teeth, her face already red. "Why are you laughing? This is not a laughing matter!"


"But it's so cute!" Ashley laughed, only to hiccup in surprise. "Huh? Am I getting drunk? The heck!?"


She picked up the wine bottle and examined it closely, as if trying to figure out how it could affect her. It shouldn't have—after all, it was just wine. Besides, Ashley could usually hold her liquor well, having been raised in an environment like the Di Carpios.


"Madam, aren't you worried about Miss Nicki?"


"Why would I worry about her?" Ashley shot her a disinterested glance. "It's way more fun listening to how you stood up to those people. Hehe… Betty, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm making a mental note of it."


Chapter 44 - Hug, Hug!