Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The moment Quinton said that, several people in the room erupted in outrage.

Dominic, the head of the Goth family, slammed his hand on the table and declared, "Mr. Wright, you're an honored guest from Blumedale, bringing billions to help revitalize Jayrodale!

"We're beyond grateful you'd even consider investing here and yet someone actually had the nerve to offend you? Mr. Wright, if you just say the word, the Goth family will be the first to deal with whoever that bastard is!"

Harvey was not about to fall behind and quickly chimed in, Mr. Wright, you're our meal ticket-our livelihood depends on you. Who the hell was blind enough to cross you? The Weller family would walk through fire for you, no hesitation!" Everyone else immediately jumped in, each one eager to win Quinton's favor.

"Mr. Wright, just tell us-who was it? Which family or which group pissed you off? Whoever it was, we'll drag them out and make them get on their knees in front of you and beg for forgiveness!"

"Seriously, are they stupid or what? When someone like Mr Wright shows up-a walking jackpot-you roll out the red carpet, not insult him!"

However, not everyone joined in on the outrage.

Rodney, Dylan, Natasha, and Stephen all stayed seated, watching the scene unfold like it was just another show. They were curious about what Quinton was really playing at.

As Quinton glanced around the room, he was filled with disdain and silent laughter. With just a few loaded words, these small-time players were falling over themselves, ready to die for him.

That was the power of the Wright family name-the effect of being that guy.

His eyes briefly lingered on Christina, and he noticed that she seemed affected by his presence. That filled him with even more smug satisfaction-though part of him also started feeling bored.

He loved the thrill of the hunt, especially when the prize was something rare and untouchable. However, once the prize came too easily and lost its challenge, it also lost its flavor.

He just hoped Christina would not fall for him too quickly if she held out a little longer, the game would stay exciting.

"Alright," Quinton finally said, sighing dramatically. "Since so many of you insist on knowing, I won't hide it

anymore.noveldrama

"I came to Jayrodale with good

intentions, but I didn't expect to bump into someone so

unreasonable right off the bat. I've always believed that bullying the weak isn't the mark of a true gentleman, so I tried to let it go.

"But if I'm going to invest in this city, I need to do some cleaning first. So, unfortunately, I have no choice but to name him and let everyone judge for themselves."

Harvey's face darkened as he said, "Mr. Wright, just say the name. If this guy dares retaliate, the Weller family will crush him first."

Quinton shook his head with a heavy sigh as if the whole thing pained him deeply. He said slowly, "Some of you in this room probably know him already. His name is Andrew Lloyd, and he runs the Moonlit Apothecary.

"For some reason, he seems to have a major problem with me. He's been opposing me at every turn. When I looked into it, I discovered that Andrew actually has ambitions of taking over Jayrodale.

"And suddenly, everything made sense. This guy has a serious appetite-too ambitious for his own good. My arrival in Jayrodale probably threatened his personal interests. That's why he's targeting me instead of seeing the bigger picture."

After smearing Andrew with that long-winded, twisted version of events, Quinton finally fell silent.

Of course, he did not mention that he had first gone to the Moonlit Apothecary,

trying to snatch up two of their most valuable medicines—and stirred up trouble when they refused.

*250*