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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A brief moment of silence fell over their small group, the ladies darting their gazes between the two (Ashley and Isabella). There was nothing—physically—that made them resemble each other. If no one said it, no one would know.


"Really?" one of the ladies remarked. "Like, sister-sisters?


Isabella smiled brightly before a flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Yes—oh, is that Le Roux from the Imperatrix collection?"


"Huh?" The lady raised her brows, instinctively touching the earring dangling from her ear. "You recognized this?"


"Oh my gosh!" Isabella excitedly stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Of course! Who wouldn't? They say the Imperatrix collection isn't that great, but only those with a keen eye would know it's actually one of their best."


As Isabella demonstrated her knowledge of the brand, the lady softened, smiling in satisfaction. She nodded, clearly pleased that someone shared her opinion.


Chapter 101 - Three, two, one