ynn

vy in the air. The guards holding me stiffened, their heads snapping towards the entrance, their faces pale. Even Ashton looked startled, a flicker of genuine con

tly like Ashton's entrance, but with a violent

ng, framed by a phalanx of dark-s

his jaw set in a rigid line. But it was his eyes that truly terrified. They were twin pools of frozen fury, scanning the ro

rds holding me captive on my knees-a raw, guttural sound tore from his throat. It was a sound

ced with agony, yet sharp enough t

side me shattered. A sob tore from my chest, raw and uncontrollable, a sound I hadn't allowed

rds, momentarily paralyzed by Ason's terrifying aura, loose

. He simply extended his arm, and his men moved, silently, efficiently. The guards holding me were swiftly and expertly disarmed, their arms twisted behind their back

expensive cologne mixed with the subtle hint of old leather and power, was like a lifeline in a

ressed rage. He ran a gentle hand over my mangled hair, his fingers brushing against the raw ski

meter, their expressions grim. Inside the store, Ason's personal security detail, a group of ex-special forces operatives, moved with chilling efficiency, secur

, the sparkling showcases losing their luster under the weight of Ason's presence. Th

gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "That's

is men! This isn't just security. This is a privat

he situation. They knew Ason Kane's reputation. A man who could bankrupt empires with a mere flick of his wrist, wh

mposed, was a sickly shade of white. His eyes, wide with dawning realization, flickered between Ason and m

is eyes sweeping over my bruised face, my ruined hair. Hi

, barely above a whisper, yet it filled every corner of th

nnie finally found her voice, a small, terrified whimper. "Ason..

sent shivers down my spine. "You stand here, in this establishment, and allow my sister to be humiliated, assaulted, and d

ne, I... I didn't know... she said she was a stalker..

blow. "Ashton Avila, do you know the nam

e his head, his face a

the stunned silence. "This is Ashlynn Kane. Ashlynn Kane!

r. Glennie's face went from white to ashen, her eyes wide with a dawning, sickening realization. Ashton looke

ed the quiet girl who stood before him, unaware she carried the weight of an empire b

zation of his colossal, irreparable mistake washed over him, crushing

ton Avila. Every last cent. Every last share. Every last shred of your reputation." He turned to his men. "Acquire Avila Tech. Liqui

ly. He didn't even speak to her. One of his security personnel stepped forward, a grim ex

ing to pull away from Ashton. "No! Asht

uttering to himself, his eyes blank

ng fury remained. He gently tilted my chin, forcing me to look at him. "

eams echoing painfully through the salon. My earlier tears had dried,

ardening. No. I am n