Because of her condition , Ashley had little strength to resist . Her body felt weightless - anyone tugging her could drag her away . Grayson did exactly that , pulling her off without effort . Ashley was exasperated . " Grayson , don't tell me you also want to criticize me for working as a janitor ? For doing something so lowly and shameful ? " Grayson froze . " What did you just say ? You got a job ? As a janitor ? Ashley , did prison mess up your head ? You're the daughter of the Shanks family , Liam's mother . There's enough money in this family for you to spend for the rest of your life . What on earth are you working for ? " Ashley knew it - Grayson would never let her off either . His judgment was too easy , too predictable . So she threw it right back at him . " Yeah , maybe prison did ruin my head . And whose fault is that ? Who else but all of you ? " Since her release , not one person had apologized for Liam , not one person had spoken to her kindly . Instead , every single one of them stood on some self - righteous pedestal , condemning her , demanding things from her . She had been to prison , so she was tainted . Dirty . That was all they saw - that she was finished . The only path they left for her was obedience . Bear a child to save Liam . Hand her brilliant husband over to Yvonne , equally brilliant , equally polished . And she was supposed to live off their scraps , bow her head for leftovers , and thank them for the privilege of survival ? Grayson's expression faltered . For the first time , it seemed to hit him that Ashley had gone to prison because she had taken the fall . That flicker of guilt made him soften - slightly . But his anger still roared . " Ashley , when we were starting the business , you were capable , weren't you ? So now you think cleaning floors is beneath you ? How could you lower yourself like that ? " Ashley locked eyes with him . " What's wrong with cleaning floors ? When we first started , wasn't I the one doing the cleaning ? Grayson , is it me you're looking down on - or the work I did ? " " You- " Grayson's voice cut off . He shifted , snapping instead , " And what about you flirting with another man ? Do I even matter to you ? " Ashley understood now . He'd overheard . But where had this rumor even come from ? How had gossip about her and Sam traveled through the Shanks family so fast ? Flirting ? Her and Sam ? Back when they were teenagers , their friendship had been pure , untainted . And now , if anything , it was even cleaner than before . 1/3 09:54 Wed , Sep 17 Ashley gave a sharp , mocking laugh . " Grayson , whoever I flirt with has nothing to do with you . Don't tell me you never signed the divorce papers I sent you from prison a year ago . As far as I'm concerned , we've been over for a long time . " The color drained from his face . " What did you just say ? Divorce ? Ashley , you really are sick . Sick in the head . " He yanked her out of his car , shoved her aside , slammed the door , and sped off . Ashley stood there , furious . " Psycho . " He came storming in , caused a scene , and then left like some rabid dog . The rest of the Shanks family had followed outside . Tyson was long past caring , but Quinton still tried to be patient . Seeing Grayson abandon her without a backward glance , Quinton stepped forward to console her . " Ashley , don't worry . He's just a man . With your looks , you could have whoever you want . Grayson isn't worth it- just toss him aside and let someone else gnaw on the scraps . Ashley's brows drew tight . She looked straight at him . " Quinton , dogs gnaw on bones . " She turned and walked off . Quinton blinked , realizing too late how wrong his words had sounded . He scrambled after her . " Ashley , why don't you just move back home ? Isn't it better for a family to be together ? " She stopped in her tracks , her voice icy . " Family ? Do you even remember our mother is still alive ? " Quinton tried to reason with her . " Ashley , Mom's been insane for years . How could she live with Dad like that ? He's in his prime . Of course he needs a woman by his side . You're an adult now - how can you not understand ? And Yvonne has made the Shanks family a lot of money these past two years ." Ashley turned , meeting his gaze squarely . Her father and Tyson were too emotional when it came to her ; their view of her was always skewed . Quinton was calmer - if there was a chance to break through , it had to be with him . " Quinton , " she asked seriously , " if I made more money than Yvonne - so much more , many times more- would Dad , Tyson , and you kick her and Susan out of the Shanks family ? " Kick Yvonne and Susan out of the Shanks family ? The thought had never crossed Quinton's mind . It was unthinkable . Without hesitation , his answer came out flat . " Ashley , don't be childish . There's no way you could out - earn Yvonne . Not by that much . Making money isn't child's play . " 213 09:54 Wed , Sep 17 Not a Wife , Not a Mom : She's an IT Boss Now ! Title: Cooking My Way Back to Love Author: CrushReel Genre: Modern, Revenge, Drama Status: ongoing In "Cooking My Way Back to Love" by CrushReel, Chef Leon Kennedy, once renowned as the "King of Cooking," spirals into despair following his wife's tragic demise in a car accident. Plunged into homelessness, he clings to his loyal dog as his sole anchor amidst loss and desolation. Amidst the ruins of his former life, Leon grapples with profound grief and seeks solace in the art of cooking—the very passion that once defined him. As he navigates the shadows of his past, themes of resilience, redemption, and the unyielding power of love intertwine in this modern tale of heartache and rebirth. Set against a backdrop of culinary mastery and emotional turmoil, "Cooking My Way Back to Love" delves into the depths of human emotion with raw authenticity. CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that captures the essence of loss and the arduous journey toward healing in a world marked by tragedy and shattered dreams. Experience the transformative journey of Chef Leon Kennedy as he rediscovers his purpose through the alchemy of flavors and emotions. Available to read online at CrushReel, this gripping drama promises a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.