Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Quinton had painted himself as the poor victim, skillfully drawing out sympathy

from the room. He had gone all in, dangling a massive investment as bait. He was convinced the power players of Jayrodale would be fired up. rally to his side, and join forces to crush Andrew completely

The more he thought about it, the more impressed he was with himself. After all, using others to do the dirty work and riding the wave of influence was downright masterful.noveldrama

Andrew thought he was untouchable, clinging to those two miracle medicines like a dragon hoarding treasure. However, once Quinton boxed him into a corner, left him begging for air, and drained every last drop of business out of him, he would see Andrew on his knees, pleading for mercy from the Wrights, just for a sip of water.

The fantasy alone made Quinton grin smugly. He half-expected applause at that moment, maybe some shouting. some outrage, someone grabbing their team and storming off to Moonlit Apothecary to cause trouble.

Yet, as Quinton looked around the room with a proud smile, he was hit with an awkward realization that not a single person had moved. Even Harvey, the loudest voice just moments ago, had gone completely silent, sitting stiffly like a statue.

The others who had been eagerly pledging their loyalty suddenly looked like they were trying to disappear into their chairs.

Quinton was baffled, wondering what the hell was going on Were these people just putting on a show to humor him earlier and only pretended to back him up?

Suddenly, a heavy-set man got up and turned to leave. "I'm sorry, Mr. Wright. Something urgent came up at home. I've got to head out."

The man's face looked tense and uneasy, maybe even a little scared. He was one of Jayrodale's wealthier businessmen, and Quinton vaguely remembered his name Raymond, something Chapman.

"Mr. Chapman, what's the meaning of this?" Quinton called after him, clearly annoyed. "This meeting has barely started. Is your family no longer interested in the investment?"

Raymond did not even look back. He shook his head and muttered, "Forget it. The Chapmans don't want any part of this. Give the money to someone else. We're not about to get rich by digging our own graves!"

He walked right out the door without another word. He did not even offer a proper goodbye.

Quinton scoffed. "Ungrateful idiot. Fine, walk out if you want. You don't want the Wrights' money? Trust me, plenty of others do!"

He shrugged it off and turned back to Harvey with a friendly grin. "Mr. Weller, I've always admired your

decisiveness. How about you lead the charge? Andrew dared to cross me. What do you think we should do about it?

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Harvey chuckled awkwardly and stammered, Well... um... about that... Maybe it's better to change the subject? Quinton's smile faded as his brow furrowed. "Change the subject? Andrew offended me. That is the subject. Tell you what-if you help me deal with Andrew properly, I'll invest half of my total funds directly into the Weller fily's

businesses. How does that sound?"

Quinton thought that offer was more

than generous. Even if Harvey was a coward, this should have been enough to make him stand up and fight.

However, before Harvey could speak, two of the Weller family's senior elders stepped forward and answered firmly, "Sorry, Mr. Wright. Investment is one thing-we're open to a win-win partnership. But now that we see

your real motive is to use us as your enforcers... we'll have to pass!"