All Chapters of Rise From Ashes: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

The wheels of the commercial airliner slammed onto the tarmac with a violent judder, the hydraulic screech of the brakes signaling her arrival. Victoria Vance drew a slow, deliberate breath. Even the air inside the cabin felt different now—heavy, sharp, and laced with the familiar scent of a homeland she had been forced to flee five years ago.She wasn't the broken, pregnant girl who had been carted off to a Philadelphia asylum anymore. Underneath her layered, oversized tailored jacket, her posture was rigid and controlled. She grabbed her leather duffel bag, her gloved fingers tightening around the strap.Stepping out into the bustling terminal of the airport, Victoria scanned the crowd. Amidst the sea of rushing strangers, her eyes locked onto a short, plump woman waving frantically."Vicky! Over here!"Anna’s voice pierced through the ambient noise of the airport. Before Victoria could even set her bag down, Anna collided with her, throwing her arms around Victoria’s neck in a fier

Both women worked executive roles in her father's entertainment industry. Maria was Cordelia's personal manager—a ruthless woman who had helped orchestrate the golden child's rise—and Luisa was nothing more than a pathetic dog blindly following her master's footsteps."Well, look who decided to crawl back," Maria started, her voice dripping with venom as she arrogantly sized Victoria up from head to toe, taking in her slim, athletic new silhouette."I honestly thought you were dead," Luisa followed up, a disgusting, smug smirk spreading across her face. She leaned in closer, her eyes scanning Victoria’s refined facial features. "So, you went abroad and did plastic surgery, huh? Trying to look pretty?"Victoria’s hands subtly clenched into fists inside her pockets. Every ounce of her mafia training screamed at her to break their jaws right here in the lobby, but she knew better. She couldn't fight them in public. Doing so would expose her presence to her father and Cordelia before her

Lucas Blackwood stared down at the fragile woman who looked entirely confused by his sudden presence. He adjusted the cuff of his dark charcoal suit, his tone remaining businesslike and absolute. "Name your price for saving my son," he repeated, his deep voice carrying a heavy, transactional weight that left no room for sentiment.Victoria blinked, staring up at the billionaire tycoon in sheer disbelief before looking around the sterile luxury of the room. She forced her throat to relax, keeping her voice even. "No, Mr. Blackwood, I think there has been a misunderstanding. I just happened to be locked in the same room as your son," she said, her defensive guards firmly sliding back into place. She didn't want his money. She wanted her anonymity. "Okay, just pay my hospital bills," she added flatly.Lucas didn't argue. He gave her a single, curt nod, scooped his son back up into his arms, and turned on his heel. Without a single backward glance, his broad shoulders squared as he strode

Standing by the side of the road, Victoria spotted the little boy from the other day.What is that puppy doing out here alone? she thought.She decided to mind her own business, but it was too late. The boy had already spotted her, waving his tiny hands enthusiastically.Victoria couldn't help but smile. How can a child be this adorable?As she walked over, the boy held up his arms, asking to be picked up. She lifted him into her arms and pinched his chubby cheeks. “Where is your father?” she asked.She was tempted to kiss his cheeks, but stopped when the little guy pouted and held up his small writing tablet.I got lost, he had written.“Oh, no. Have you eaten yet?”The boy shook his head.“Okay, let’s go eat. We’ll find your father after.”Across from the building, she found a restaurant, walked in, and set him gently into a chair before ordering noodles and vegetables.“What’s your name, baby?” she asked, leaning in.He scribbled on his tablet and turned it toward her with a bright