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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Ashley sprinted as fast as she could before diving into a room, both hands clamped over her ears. Her back hit the wall hard.


Even after finding cover, the deafening explosion made her ears ring. She squeezed her eyes shut for only a moment—just long enough for the sharp ringing to fade. Once the last echoes subsided, she straightened.


Leaning against the broken doorway, Ashley peeked outside.


At the far end of the hallway, several shadows had come to a halt because of the explosion.


"What the—don't stop! Move!" someone shouted. 


Ashley pressed her back against the wall beside the shattered doorway. After taking a deep breath, she listened to the hurried footsteps rushing toward her.


When they were close enough, she stepped out.


The first row of soldiers charging toward her dropped before they could even process the woman who had suddenly emerged from one of the rooms.


The men behind them froze for a split second, stunned.


Chapter 469 - Dread Settling In