Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Seth glared at Andrew, his face twisted with hatred. He growled, "This isn't over, Andrew. I swear, one day, you'll be the one crawling at my feet!"

He had stormed in like a king, ready to crush his enemy, only to leave humiliated and powerless. The sting of defeat burned deep in his chest.

Chantelle glanced at Andrew and said coldly, "Mr. Lloyd, favors from Mr. McCormick aren't something you can just use at will. Let me give you a piece of advice: a man needs to be strong on his own.

"If you keep hiding behind connections, always clinging to others to survive, this little streak of good fortune you're enjoying will run out fast. Mr. McCormick is upright and fair. He takes care of his people.

"But if you turn out to be a spineless liability, someone who can't stand on his own... he'll lose patience with you sooner or later."

Aspen's expression shifted. She thought, 'What was that supposed to mean? Was Ms. Garcia calling Supreme Capital Group a burden?'

Andrew, however, smiled. "I actually agree with you, Ms. Garcia. If someone really is a useless coward, then of course Mr. McCormick would kick him to the curb

eventually."

Chantelle paused, caught off guard. Then, she gave a cold chuckle. "If you understand that, Mr. Lloyd, then why were you so desperate for me to come save you?"

Andrew shook his head. "That's where you're wrong, Ms. Garcia. I didn't ask Mr. McCormic for help because I needed saving. I only wanted someone to bear witness."

Chantelle did not understand what Andrew was getting at. She scoffed, "A witness? Wow, you really know how to dress up cowardice as nobility. How do you even manage that with a straight face?"

Even Aspen was confused. After all, the whole point of calling for Derek's support was supposedly to avoid this exact kind of trouble.

So, what the hell was Andrew up to now?

Andrew suddenly let out a cold laugh and stopped wasting words. He took two slow steps forward, walking straight toward Seth.

Seth sneered, "What now, you little mutt? Finally come to your senses? Ready to get on your knees and pay your dues? Hand over the girl and the company like a good little boy? Ms. Garcia, you're seeing this, right? He's the one admitting fault-it's not like the Haywoods were forcing him!"

He stood tall, smug, already striking a winner's pose, as if preparing to receive an ovation.

Suddenly, two brutal slaps landed square across Seth's face like thunder. The sound echoed across

the street, and in an instant, his six-foot, 200-pound frame flew

backward through the air.noveldrama

Blood burst from his mouth and nose as he hit the ground like a sack of bricks. He

screamed in pain and fury, "You son of a bitch! I'm gonna kill you!"

Aspen stood frozen, completely stunned.

Had Andrew just lost his mind?

They had finally gotten a lifeline with Chantelle being there, sent by Derek himself. Yet, this maniac had voluntarily lit the match again.

Was he begging for death?

Even Chantelle blinked in shock, visibly thrown off by the sheer savagery of Andrew's attack. Then

ssion turned cold again as

her

she said, "Well, at least you've got a spine. But what you just did? That's pure suicide."

Seth, helped up by his guards, staggered to his feet, his face a mess of blood and rage. "Andrew, I swear I'm gonna rip you apart! All of you-kill him! Tear this bastard into pieces!"