Ashley crossed her arms, her smirk widening as she observed Azriel's reaction. Would her brother actually kneel and beg? She doubted it. Knowing the two of them, neither would ever stoop to please the other. It was their unspoken dynamic—a silent, relentless battle for dominance.
She scoffed, breaking the silence. "You want the president's position that badly, don't you, Az?" Her voice was laced with mockery as she eyed her brother. "Well, go ahead. Don't be shy—kneel. Beg me to give it to you. Who knows? If you're convincing enough, I might just hand it over."
Azriel's jaw tightened, his fists clenching as he took a step forward, towering over her.
Ashley glanced at her wristwatch, clearly unimpressed. "Still waiting, Az," she said, gesturing toward the board of directors seated around them. "Let's not waste everyone's time here. After all, we're putting on quite the show, aren't we?"
"You're insane, Ash," Azriel said, his voice low and sharp, though it trembled with barely concealed anger.
Ashley rolled her eyes dramatically before reaching up to tap his cheek lightly. "Az," she began, her tone dripping with condescension, "if you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. But if you want to act like a bitch, don't expect me to hold back. I can outmatch you at every turn." She leaned closer, her gaze unflinching. "Living on my own, away from this family, taught me how to handle snakes like you. So don't think your empty words or hollow threats will rattle me."
Azriel clicked his tongue in frustration, leaning forward as if trying to intimidate her. "I told you to stop this, Ash," he muttered under his breath. "This is public. You're dragging all of us down. Our names—our family—will be ruined."
Ashley's laughter erupted suddenly, echoing through the conference room. She covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to contain herself. When she finally stopped, her expression shifted—her eyes locking onto Azriel with a deathly glare that made him swallow hard.
"You think you can outsmart me, Az? Or overpower me?" she sneered. "Let me enlighten you. In the business world, there's only one thing more dangerous than a humiliated man—and that's me. A woman who plays dirty and plays to win."
Azriel's defiance faltered. His shoulders slumped, and slowly, he sank to his knees. "Stop this, Ash," he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ashley grinned triumphantly, reaching down to pat his head as though he were a child. "Everyone," she announced, her voice ringing with authority, "as the president of Aegis Global Solutions' Zurich headquarters, I hereby call for a vote. Those in favor of removing Azriel Fletcher-Amosa as CEO, please cast your votes."
Azriel's head snapped up, his face contorted in shock. "What?! What the hell are you doing?" he demanded, rising to his feet.
Ashley smiled sweetly, but her words cut like a blade. "Don't act like I don't know the truth, Az." She stepped closer, her tone colder now. "You've been siphoning funds from the company, creating capital shortages, and forcing layoffs—all while padding your own bank account. Did you really think you could keep that hidden?" She shook her head, letting out a bitter laugh. "That's quite the game you've been playing, brother."
The room was silent, tension thick in the air as Ashley raised her hand. "And one more thing," she continued, turning to the assembled group. "Allow me to introduce Vika Sione—not as my so-called fiancée but as Azriel's biological sister."
Gasps rippled through the room. Ashley turned her gaze to her father, Manu, her smirk widening. "Did you know, Father?" she taunted. "The paternity test results you thought were genuine? They were manipulated. Turns out the woman you believed you impregnated lied. Azriel isn't even your son—he's from the Sione clan. Vika's his sister."
Manu's face turned ashen, his body stiffening as Ashley exposed the buried secrets. But she wasn't done yet.
"And while we're at it," she said, her voice firm and unyielding, "let's talk about you, Manu Amosa. Manipulator. Molester." Her words sliced through the murmurs, silencing the board of directors as their collective shock hung in the air.
"Enough!" Manu roared, slamming his fist on the table. His face was red with fury, but his voice cracked with panic.
Ashley waved dismissively, her tone almost playful. "Relax, Father," she said, flashing him a mocking smile. "Don't you want to hear the rest of the story? Things are just starting to get interesting."
Ashley and her father locked eyes, neither backing down. Her calm demeanor betrayed the storm brewing beneath, her gaze battling against his fiery, fuming stare. She smirked, tilting her head with calculated defiance.
"Are we having a staring contest, Father?" she asked with a sly smile. "Because if we are, let's make it interesting," she added, her tone sharpening. "For starters, let's address the truth. I'm adopted, aren't I? Born to the twin sister of my adopted mother, Elena Fletcher. My biological mother—your victim."
"Ashley, that's enough!" Manu bellowed, his face darkening with rage.
"Nope." Ashley shook her head, her voice steady as steel. "You don't get to silence me anymore, Father. Not after everything you've done."
She turned toward the boardroom filled with spectators, her voice ringing out with a commanding presence. "Everyone, allow me to introduce you to the so-called honorable leader of the Samoan high-rank family—Manu Amosa. A man who molested my biological mother, his sister-in-law. When the truth came to light, my mother, overwhelmed by the horror of his crime, took her own life."
Gasps rippled through the room, but Ashley stood firm, unshaken. "Elena Fletcher, my adopted mother, learned the truth and took action long before Manu ever considered facing his sins. And now, as her daughter and heir, I, Ashley Fletcher-Amosa, reclaim my rightful place as the president of Aegis Global Solutions. This company will return to its rightful guardians—the Fletcher family."
"You can't do this!" Azriel shouted, lunging toward her.
But security intercepted him before he could get close.
Ashley smirked, her confidence unyielding. "Oh, but I can, Az. And I have. Check the screen." She gestured to the massive monitor displaying the board's unanimous vote. "The directors have spoken. You're out. And while you're at it, pack your bags for prison. You'll be joining your father there soon enough."
Her gaze flicked to Vika Sione, who sat frozen in shock. "And you, Vika," Ashley continued, her grin sharp as a blade. "Don't think I've forgotten about you. Tampering with my life was your first mistake. Underestimating me? That was your last."
The room was silent except for the clinking of handcuffs as authorities restrained Manu, Azriel, and Vika. Ashley clapped her hands mockingly, the sound echoing in the tension-filled space. "To the board, thank you for your trust and support. Meeting adjourned. Have a lovely day." She waved at the disgraced trio. "And I'll see you all... in court."
Once outside the building, Ashley headed toward the parking lot, her steps lighter, though her resolve remained firm. Elena's voice called out, accompanied by Alysse.
"Mother," Ashley greeted, tilting her head with a small smile.
Elena pulled her into a tight embrace, her relief palpable. "Oh, Ashley, I'm so proud of you. You're finally back to yourself," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Ashley chuckled softly, resting her head against her mother's shoulder. "You told me I'd pull through, didn't you?"
"Are you two seriously ignoring me?" Alysse teased, crossing her arms.
Ashley laughed, pulling her younger sister into their embrace. "Come here, you brat. You'll always be my little sister, no matter what," she said, planting a kiss on Alysse's head.
"And you'll always be my daughters," Elena added, tightening her hold on both of them.
Alysse laughed, her voice bright. "I'm so lucky to have you two. And Ashley, I'm so glad you're okay."
Their moment was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Ashley!" Mia called out, her tone filled with relief and warmth.
Ashley pulled back, a grin spreading across her face.
"Looks like your future wife is here," Elena teased, chuckling softly.
Ashley turned toward Mia, laughing. "Oh, God." She shook her head, waving at her approaching fiancée. "Mom, Aly, it's time to meet her parents."
"Which one is her parent?" Alysse asked, squinting as Mia arrived with four people in tow.
Ashley burst out laughing. "All four of them," she said, waving as Mia's family joined their little reunion, pulling her into a heartfelt hug.