Grayson's eyes flicked first to Yvonne . Only when she gave the faintest nod did he turn back to Ashley . He seized her hand , pulling her toward the door . " Ashley , let's talk outside . " She yanked her hand free . " Why bother ? Everyone already knows . What's the point of whispering in private ? " Seeing she wouldn't move , Grayson said to Yvonne , " Take Liam upstairs . " Yvonne obeyed without hesitation , leading the boy away . Grayson wasted no more pretense . " Liam is sick . He needs cord blood . Ashley , we need to have another child to save him ." The words struck her like a whip . Though Liam had pushed her away , though he had begged for another woman to be his mother , he was still her son - flesh of her flesh . And now the only way to save him was to conceive again ? But her body - how could she endure pregnancy in its state ? Ashley trembled , pain written across her face . Susan stepped forward , assuming the gentle tone of an elder . " Ashley , are you all right ? Don't upset yourself . You'll ruin your health . You still need to have another child . Liam is young - he didn't mean what he said . Don't take it to heart . We didn't pull you out of prison just to use you . He's your son . He needs you . No one else can save him . You wouldn't let your own child die , would you ? " Her words dripped with manipulation , cloaked in concern . Then Morgan , her father , cut in coldly . " Ashley , Liam is the future of both the Shanks and Holmes families . He will inherit everything . I indulged you when you were willful before , but not this time . You must bear another child . You will save Liam . " Two blows at once - her own failing body and her son's illness - shattered her heart into pieces . She had expected Susan to play her hand , but never her father . The man who once treated her as his jewel now barked orders , urgent and harsh . Her brothers came forward as well , looking as though to persuade . Ashley clenched her fists inside her sleeves , nails cutting into her palms without her even feeling it . She refused to hear another word dressed up as righteousness . " Enough ! You wanted me to go to prison in Yvonne's place - I went . You wanted me freed - I came out . Now you want me to have a child with Grayson under Liam's name , and I'm supposed to obey too ? What is he but a child ? I can provide the egg . Whoever wants to carry it , can carry it . As for me , I don't belong here anymore . I'll live elsewhere . " She turned and left . 1/2 09:51 Wed , Sep 17 The physician studied her chart , then looked up , startled . " Ms. Ashley , this isn't a joke . In your condition , pregnancy could kill you . You need treatment . Take your medication faithfully . That's what matters now . " Ashley pressed on . " But if I did ... by chance ... could it work ? " The doctor's brows drew tight . " Even if you force conception , there's no guarantee the child would be healthy . And even if a miracle happened and you carried to term - do you want to leave behind a newborn with no mother ? Isn't that too cruel ? " Ashley's chest seized . Yes . Cruel beyond words . Even if she gave her life to bring forth that child , what future would await it ? If she died , Grayson would likely end up with Yvonne . They would have their own children . What kind of life would a child born only to save its brother endure in Yvonne's care ? And yet if she didn't ... what of Liam ? Ashley swallowed back her tears . " I still want to try . IVF , whatever it takes . My child is waiting for that cord blood . I can't abandon him . " The doctor sighed . " Ms. Ashley , even with IVF , the odds are slim . " Ashley's eyes burned , but her voice was firm . " Even if there's only one chance in ten thousand , I won't give up on my son . " Send Gifts 10 2/2 09:51 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.