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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Carmella paled as she reached Isabella. Her eyes widened at the sight of blood on Isabella's palm before her face flushed as red as it.


"You!" she roared, turning on Ashley. "How could you do this to her?!"


"Mom…" Isabella reached weakly for her mother's dress. "I'm fine. I just… it's my fault. I spilled wine on her accidentally. It's my fault for being clumsy."


That only fueled Carmella's anger. "Your fault? Look at you! No matter what you did, it's not enough for her to push you and hurt you like this!"


The people around them nodded, their gazes darting between the two sides.


Ashley stood motionless, staring at the mother and daughter with quiet coldness. Her expression remained distant, her eyes unreadable—which only made it easier for others to paint her as the villain of this story.


Chapter 102 - Apologize NOW!