Chapter 8 New opportunities
“Is something wrong, Ashley?”
I turned to see William, his eyes briefly flicking to the sleek watch on his wrist as he sat in the driver’s seat of his glossy black Mercedes, the window rolled down.
“Do you need backup?” His voice was calm, but it carried a subtle edge–a quiet reminder of the many deals and negotiations he had orchestrated for the Martin family.
William might not possess the same ruthless instincts as Bradley or Jeff, but his loyalty to the family was unwavering. Even someone like him knew better than to challenge Bradley’s decisions. Yet, it was clear that Bradley’s presence had sparked something in him.
1/11
Chapter 8 New opportunities
+ 5 Ports
“No need, William,” I said, forcing steadiness into my voice.
He studied me for a moment longer, his eyes searching for something he didn’t find. After a beat, he nodded, easing back into his seat. “Alright, but if Bradley tries anything, call me. You know we’ve got your back.”
His words brought a brief, unexpected comfort, a flicker of warmth in the cold tension that had settled around me. Bradley Martin wasn’t just some mafia prince- he practically ruled the Martin syndicate. Anyone who dared defy him would be signing their own death warrant.
“I’ll manage. Thanks for the ride, William,” I replied, turning away from him to continue on my path.
2/11
Chapter 8 New opportunities
Puitits
As the Mercedes pulled away, I felt the weight of an unseen presence behind me, a sensation that crawled down my spine before I even turned around.
“Who was that?”
My heart lurched in my chest, the suddenness of his voice making me jump. Bradley was standing so close, his sharp gaze locking onto me, his expression as cold and calculating as ever.
“Bradley! What the hell? Do you always have to sneak up on people?”
His eyes darkened, a dangerous glint flickering beneath the surface. “I asked you a question, Ashley. Who was he?”
Before I could move, his hand shot out, gripping my shoulder with a force that left no
3/11
room for escape. His touch was sharp, like an unspoken reminder of his authority, as though he were one breath away from losing control.
“It’s none of your business,” I snapped, trying to pull away from him, but his presence was an immovable force, blocking my path. I felt the heat of frustration rise in my chest. “Bradley, let go.”
“You know I don’t like repeating myself,” he growled, the desperation in his voice nearly imperceptible.
I winced, feeling the pressure of his grip tighten. “Let go. You’re hurting me.”
For a moment, he hesitated, his jaw tightening as the internal struggle played out across his face. Then, with a frustrated exhale, he released me, running a hand
4/11
through his hair in a move that betrayed his
own agitation.
“You need to stop this, Bradley,” I said, rubbing my sore shoulder. “We’re done. We’ve been done for a while.”
Bradley’s eyes darkened, his voice hard and unwavering. “We’re not done, Ashley. I don’t care what you say, this isn’t over.”
“Right,” I retorted, sarcasm dripping from my words. “It isn’t over because you won’t let it be. You think ignoring our relationship for her was just nothing?”
“Ashley, I didn’t-”
What, Brad? What’s your next move?“! crossed my arms, staring him down. “Are you going to order me to stay by your side? Use your power to control me, just like you do
5/11
with everyone else?”
His jaw tightened, his lips pressed into a thin line. For the first time, Bradley, the man who always had control, seemed utterly lost for words.
I exhaled sharply, pushing past him. “I’m going inside.”
This time, he didn’t follow. But just as my hand reached the door, his phone rang, cutting through the thick silence. I glanced back, catching a glimpse of the caller ID: Hallie.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips. Of course.
Go a
answer it. It’s not like we have
anything left to say.” My voice was tight,
barely contained as I could feel the weight of
his gaze burning into my back.
6/11
Bradley hesitated, his phone still buzzing
in his hand, but I didn’t give him a chance to decide. I slipped inside, closing the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment as everything crashed down. The pain, the frustration, the utter sense of finality.
The next morning, the Martin Corporation headquarters was buzzing with energy, the usual hectic pace magnified by the pressure of the day. I barely made it past the entrance when a junior associate collided with me, spilling his coffee all over my blouse.
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Harris!” he stammered, his voice panicked and flustered.
Its fine,” I muttered, waving him off as I fought to keep myself together. Bradley was the last thing on my mind, yet I couldn’t seem to escape the knot of tension he left in
7/11
my chest.
I headed to the restroom to clean up, scrubbing at the coffee stain as best I could. As I changed into a fresh blouse, I overheard voices from the hallway.
“Did you see Hallie’s post last night?”
“Yeah, I saw it. She’s practically attached to Bradley these days.”
My fingers froze as their words bounced off the bathroom walls. No matter how hard I tried to distance myself from Bradley, he and Hallie always managed to worm their way back into my world.
“They’re perfect together, right? I mean, who else could handle being with the head of the Martin syndicate?”
8/11
“Isn’t Ashley Harris his ex?”
“Yeah, but I heard they’ve been over for weeks. She’s out of the picture now. It’s Hallie’s turn, I guess.”
I gripped the edge of the sink, forcing myself to stay calm. I couldn’t let their petty gossip get to me–not when I knew what was true.
They continued, blissfully unaware of my presence.
“I heard Hallie’s practically royal now. It’s only a matter of time before Bradley makes things official.”
“Right. I’ve heard from someone reliable that she’s been eyeing that spot since day one.”
“Well, if Bradley’s smart, he’ll choose her. The family’s future depends on it. Too bad for
9/11
Chapter 8 New opportunities
+ 5 Points
Jeff though–he used to be with her.”
“Yeah, but that was a lifetime ago. They’re not together anymore.”
I shook my head, fatigue washing over me. I had heard enough. Slipping out of the restroom, I headed back to my office, ignoring the curious stares of my colleagues as I passed by.
If Bradley wanted to play his little game with Hallie, fine. Let them. Let them battle it out for power and control. But I wasn’t going to be their pawn anymore.
I was done.
As for Jeff and Hallie… it was a shock, especially since Bradley had never
mentioned them as a couple.
10/11
Chapter 8 New opportunities
+5 Points
A thought crossed my mind–did Bradley even know?
I shook my head. It didn’t matter. This wasn’t my problem to solve.
11/11
