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 pressed the phone to her ear, leaning against the sink as she waited for the call to connect. After three rings, Liza finally answered.


"Ashley, dear?" Liza's gentle voice came through the line. "Is everything okay?"


Ashley pursed her lips and nodded, even though Liza couldn't see her. "Yes, Auntie. I'm okay. I just wanted to check on you."


Liza chuckled lightly. "Well, I just buried an empty casket, and now Julio and I are flying back to your Uncle Tom. We should be there later tonight."


A brief silence followed before she added, "Ashley, I haven't seen you since the night of the funeral service. Are you sure everything is okay?"


Ashley lowered her head. "Yeah," she whispered. "Some things came up, and I couldn't put them off any longer. I'm sorry."


"Dear, why are you apologizing?" Liza sighed. "You and Lucian have already been such a big help. Without the two of you, I don't think I could've done any of this alone."


Chapter 492 - Know What To Do With The Bomb