Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108

“Pending investigation, you are placed under suspension until further notice, Miss Knowles” Ashton said calmly, as though he we’re merely announcing a routine administrative matter.

No hesitation. No sympathy. Just finality. His gaze hardened as he continued.

“I will not allow any employee to claim privileges that are not stated in the company’s rules and policies. Everyone here is paid to perform their duties–not to abuse authority, delegate responsibilities to subordinates, and still collect a full salary… along with allowances.”

The faint curl of his lip was not quite a smile. It was a warning. 1

Mirriam felt her throat go dry under the weight of his scrutiny. Even Rima, who was rarely intimidated by anyone, felt a chill crawl up her spine.

“As it happens,” Ashton added casually, glancing at Rima, “your mother is already here. You may leave with her and proceed with your usual activities at this hour.”

His eyes returned to Mirriam, sharp and deliberate.

“Your suspension takes effect immediately upon receipt.”

He gave a slight nod to the HR staff behind him, who stepped forward with a receipt acknowledgment form.

Mirriam stared at the paper as if signing it would seal her humiliation in ink.

“CEO Pierce, you cannot do this to Mirriam!” Rima burst out, her composure finally breaking.

“She has sacrificed so much for this company. We are not just employees–we are the owners of this business!”

Ashton turned to her slowly. The look he gave her was calm. Too calm.

“As far as corporate records show,” he replied evenly, “Mr. Red Knowles and Madame Elvira Knowles hold a respectable percentage of shares.”

His eyes moved between mother and daughter.

“You, however, are employed to perform specific operational functions–functions that, based on my initial review after assuming office, have been… handled unscrupulously.” There was no attempt to soften the word.

Rima stiffened.Mirriam’s fingers tightened around the document.

“You may carry the company name,” Ashton continued, his tone almost conversational now, though the quiet mockery beneath it was unmistakable. “But that does not make you the owners.”

He took a step closer, his voice lowering slightly.

“You are employees. Contracted. Compensated.”

A brief pause.

“And I see no reason why company policies–policies that have been ignored for years–cannot now be properly enforced.”

Silence fell. Heavy. Suffocating.

This time, the Knowles name did not sound like power.

“No. this can’t be…”

Mirrtam shook her head repeatedly, her fingers crumpling the document as if denial alone could undo the words printed on it.

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“I was groomed to become the next CEO!” Her voice rose, sharp and trembling.

“I am a Knowles!”

The last words came out almost like a cry–less a declaration of authority and more a desperate grasp at the identity she felt slipping away,

Her composure shattered.

“You’re taking everything from us!” she shouted, stepping forward.

“Why are you doing this to us, Ashton? What have we ever done to you to deserve this?”

Around them, employees had slowed their steps. Some pretended to check their phones. Others stood frozen, caught between curiosity and fear. The hallway, moments ago filled with quiet corporate routine, had become an unwilling stage.

But Ashton did not react.

He stood there, calm and still, watching her the way one watches a storm exhaust itself.

And that indifference broke whatever restraint Mirriam had left.

“I loved you for years!” she cried, her voice cracking.

“And you kept pushing me away without even telling me why! Why?” Her words echoed, raw and unfiltered, no longer caring who heard.

“What am I to you, Ashton?” she demanded.

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