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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The explosion came from far away, yet it sounded close enough to shake the ground beneath their feet.


Several prisoners flinched in surprise, their hearts pounding. The blast drowned out whatever Ashley had been about to say.


But when they turned toward the source, Red and Gin's reaction suddenly made perfect sense.


"That building..." Charm trailed off, his jaw dropping. "...isn't that where the armory is?"


In the distance, flames had completely engulfed the building.


That had been their destination before they stopped after spotting Ashley.


"W-What's going on?" another prisoner whispered. "The armory... it's... it's gone?"


For a long moment, no one could tear their eyes away from the inferno. Even from this distance, the thick scent of smoke drifted through the compound. The air had already been saturated with the smell of gunpowder, blood, and burning metal.


Chapter 473 - Carnage