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Chapter 197
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Andrew's slap sent Finley flying, causing the latter to howl in pain. Finley clutched his face as blood mixed with shattered teeth sprayed across the floor. Yet, it was not the searing pain in his mouth that stung the most—it was the sheer audacity of this nobody daring to strike him, fully aware of his connections. Did this guy have a death wish? "If you were a reasonable man, then even if you were just some street vendor, I wouldn't stoop to hurting you," Andrew said calmly, watching Finley wail in pain as blood seeped through his fingers. "But since you won't listen to reason, I couldn't care less if you're from the mighty Hidden Dragons or their leader is your granduncle—I'll do whatever I want." His words weren't particularly loud, but they carried an undeniable power that left Lauren and Francesca momentarily stunned. They had not expected Andrew to resort to violence so quickly, leaving Finley crumpled on the ground, likely with a broken jaw. "How dare you hurt Mr
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 199
Atlas snorted, "You already know Mr. Moore's status, yet your pretty boy here had the audacity to attack him." He continued, "While I'm willing to overlook this for the sake of the Rhodes and Aickers families, the Hidden Dragons aren't known for taking insults lightly. If I hadn't arrived in time, they would have torn him to pieces!" Francesca protested angrily, "Mr. Giordano, Finley was the one who was crude and offensive first. He was bullying Andrew!" Atlas retorted arrogantly, "Right or wrong doesn't matter here. What matters is that Mr. Moore's granduncle is the leader of the Hidden Dragons. And what is this boy toy of yours? If it weren't for you ladies, he'd already be dead." Lauren stood firm. "I'd like to see anyone try to touch Dr. Lloyd." Atlas spoke gravely. "Ms. Rhodes, you come from a prestigious family with a bright future. Don't waste your reputation on some pretty face." He then turned to Andrew with contempt. "And you, Andrew Lloyd—I've heard of you. You'
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 200
The demolition and reconstruction of the Oakridge Club would take some time. Andre handed all the responsibilities to Lauren, leaving him free to enjoy a rare moment of leisure. By the time he returned to Moonlit Sanctuary, evening had fallen. Under the warm glow of the fading sunset, Andrew removed his shirt and began practicing his punches in the courtyard. An elderly man sat at a stone table under an old tree, sipping tea with a smile. "Prince Andrew, your technique has become more fluid and natural. I've only seen such mastery in His Majesty himself!" Andrew continued his practice without turning. "Marvin, when did you get here?" Marvin chuckled. "I just arrived a short while ago. I made myself some tea since you weren't around. I must say, everything here is of the finest quality!" Andrew faced the setting sun as his movements became more controlled yet powerful. "Marvin, I'm no longer a prince, so drop that title. Here in Jayrodale, we should just live our own lives qui
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 201
Among the items Andrew needed to regain his strength and break the seals were the Seventh-Heaven Quince from Mark and the Morlic Root from Cedric. "The Radiant Group is holding an auction soon, and this Celestial Nymphaea is one of the featured items," Marvin explained. He continued, "With my connections as the wealthiest man in Jayrodale, I could have purchased the Celestial Nymphaea directly, but apparently, someone else has already shown interest in it. "The Radiant Group is in a difficult position and doesn't dare to sell it privately, which is why I came to you." Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. Give me the time and location of the auction, and I'll handle it personally." Marvin replied, "It's the day after tomorrow at 8 pm sharp in Radiant Group's underground hall." In Jayrodale, Radiant Group was a heavyweight in the jewelry, antiques, and luxury goods industry. For them to offer something as rare as the Celestial Nymphaea did not surprise Andrew. After all, he
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 202
Leroy shrugged dismissively and said, "Christie, how much is the Stevens family's reputation really worth?" "You won't buy me a luxury car, and when I try to get one from someone who can afford it, you say I'm embarrassing you—I don't understand what you want." Christina's chest heaved with anger. Her pride could not bear watching her brother behave like a bootlicker in front of Andrew. Her voice trembled with anger and hurt as she growled, "You must be really enjoying this, aren't you, Andrew? Watching Leroy debase himself and making our family look like fools." "So you're saying it's wrong for me to drive a luxury car?" Andrew asked calmly. "Aren't you just showing off to provoke Leroy and get under my skin?" Christina accused. Andrew chuckled. "Christina, you're overestimating your importance and underestimating me at the same time. It's just a car— what's there to show off about?" Irene smirked. "Who knows what tricks you're trying to pull now? But it doesn't matter b
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 203
Christina was clearly affected by Andrew's words, but she said nothing. Over the past few days, she had felt increasingly uneasy as Harvey's true nature began to emerge. After all, it was vastly different from the gentleman and promising young man she thought she knew. Even so, her pride would not allow her to admit to Andrew that she had misjudged someone so completely. Finally, the night of the auction arrived. By 8 p.m., luxury cars filled the parking lot of the Radiant Group building as Jayrodale's elite gathered for the event. Among them were Michael and Harvey, both dressed in impeccable suits and projecting an air of elegance, with stunning women in their arms. "Harvey, long time no see! You look like you're living the high life—definitely more comfortable than I am!" Michael spoke first, casually glancing at Christina, who was standing next to Harvey. He had long admired Jayrodale's "Ice Queen CEO" himself, and though she was truly flawless in every way, he could on
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 204
Michael smirked, fanning the flames. "Mr. Moore, you're asking for trouble now. Everyone in Jayrodale knows that Christina is Harvey's true love." Finley opened his fan with a proud look. "They aren't married yet, so I still have a shot!" His two attendants glanced at Christina and smirked. "Pretty lady, catching Mr. Moore's eye is the luck of a lifetime. Be his, and you'll live a life of luxury and power—everything you desire will be within reach," one of them said. Christina remained silent, her face cold as ice. "Mr. Moore, I respect you as a guest from Hidden Dragons, so I'm showing restraint," Harvey said through gritted teeth. "But if you continue to be so disrespectful, I might have to teach you a lesson." Finley sneered. "Harvey, the Weller family has fallen so low they're selling off assets. Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous to act tough with me? Besides, why are you making such a fuss? I'm not interested in you—it's Ms. Stevens who's caught my eye." Finley'
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 205
Harvey felt the sting of humiliation but could only swallow his anger in silence. He was about to take over the Weller family, and he could not afford to make any mistakes now. Although Finley was a nuisance, Harvey knew that the Hidden Dragons had too much power for the Weller family to risk angering them. Michael stepped forward, playing peacemaker with fake sincerity. "Gentlemen, we're all respectable people here, and the auction is about to begin. Why don't we head inside?" "Fine, let's attend the auction first," Finley replied haughtily. "But my love for Ms. Stevens is as clear as day, and I won't rest until she's mine. Mr. Weller, you'd better do the right thing and step aside!" His arrogant words were another blatant insult. The onlookers silently noted that since Finley came from the martial arts clans of Gabo Creek, no one in Jayrodale would dare challenge his authority tonight. Just then, a Mercedes G-Wagon pulled up forcefully in front of the Radiant Group building
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1030
Zachary let out a cold snort. "You better make sure there isn't a next time. Everyone seated here has earned their place—except you. You're just a cheap nobody who doesn't belong at this table." He added, "Get on your knees and pour drinks for Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Stevens." Ruth stared at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking her to kneel now, all for Andrew? Was he really worth this level of humiliation? Ultimately, she gritted her teeth and dropped to her knees like a servant—silently pouring drinks as ordered. Aspen watched, wanting to say something but stopped herself. She could not help but shoot Andrew a look, annoyed he had not said a word to stop it. Letting someone kneel like that was seriously inhumane. However, Andrew just sipped his drink quietly, as if he had not seen anything. He had no intention of stepping in—not after how Ruth had acted earlier. If anything, this was just karma being served cold. Zachary downed half his glass and looked across the table
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1029
"Ms. Stevens, please have a seat," Zachary said warmly. Aspen was caught off guard but quickly sat beside Andrew, feeling like she had entered a surreal dream. Never in her life had she imagined someone like Zachary Fischer—a living legend in the southern martial arts world—would personally invite her to sit. "Ruth, go grab the two vintage bottles I've been saving," Zachary added, turning to her with a tone that left no room for negotiation. "Tonight, I'm going all out for Mr. Lloyd." Ruth's face tightened with resentment. Why was her man, always so powerful and untouchable, suddenly acting like a bootlicker? However, when Zachary's icy gaze locked onto her, she shuddered and hurried off to obey without another word. Andrew chuckled, clearly amused. "Zac, you're living large these days. And your woman? Man, she carries herself like she the damn queen." Zachary forced a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lloyd. Ruth's gotten spoiled by me. I'll discipline her better going forward
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1028
"Zac! Do it! What are you waiting for?!" Ruth shrieked, stamping her heel in a fury. Without a word, Zachary raised his hand and slapped her across the face hard. The force sent Ruth flying, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. Stunned, she clutched her cheek and stared at him in disbelief like she had just seen a ghost. "Why… Why the hell did you hit me?" she stammered. Around them, everyone froze in place. They all could not believe what had just happened, and they could not help but wonder if it was a mistake. After all, they all thought Andrew was the one who should have been hit. Andrew stared at Zachary, shocked. Then, he let out a low, amused laugh. He certainly had not expected to see a familiar face, of all things. Meanwhile, Zachary shuddered. From the moment Andrew had stepped into the light, he had been frozen, like some spell had locked his limbs in place. His legs were shaking as he stammered, "C-Captain, is it really you?" Andrew's lips curled int
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1027
Ruth was breathless, her chest rising and falling rapidly from the long-haired man's teasing touch. Still, she looked thrilled. After punching his chest a few times in mock protest, she giggled and purred, "You're the one who made the restaurant rules, remember? No violence on the premises. If we go after that punk now, aren't we just ruining our own reputation?" The long-haired man scoffed. "Those rules were made for others to follow, not me." Ruth laughed seductively, pressing her chest against him with a flirtatious smirk as they linked arms and headed downstairs. The moment they appeared, every guest in the restaurant stood up, rushing to greet them respectfully. The long-haired man returned each nod with a warm smile, walking with effortless dominance, radiating presence. Ruth, however, wore a wicked smile. Now that her man was involved, that little punk Andrew? He was dead meat. Someone exclaimed, "Look, look! Mr. Fischer's heading toward the private room! That kid's
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1026
Some guests watched on with smug amusement. Ruth bit down her rage and gave a chilling command to the man at her side. "Wait until they finish their meal and leave the restaurant. I want that punk's tongue." With that, she turned and walked away, the contempt on her face thick enough to cut through glass. What a joke—he actually thought he could touch her? Ruth was beautiful, yes, but she was also powerful. In a place like this, people did not just treat her with courtesy—they treated her with reverence. No one had ever dared to say something so disrespectful to her, and the reason was simple. Behind her stood a monster of a man, a silent force that kept Aroma Exchange untouchable. He was the one who made this restaurant sacred ground. … Back in the private suite, the food was served again, freshly plated. A new bottle of Celestial Reserve had also been opened. Andrew ate happily, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, Aspen sat stiff as a board, her face pale and tense, an
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"Let's go! What the hell are you doing? Move!" Aspen was so pale she looked like she might pass out, and she shoved Andrew hard—twice. She could not understand why he was being so reckless. Why could he not lower his ego and let this slide? After all, this was not Jayrodale. This was the capital, a place crawling with power players and hidden sharks. Even Seth had the sense to shut up, and back down in front of Ruth, yet Andrew was still out here picking a fight. Was he trying to get them killed? Andrew suddenly pulled her into his arms, his gaze sharp and cold. He said flatly, "Don't worry. I've got you tonight. If anything happens to you, I'll make sure this trash excuse of a restaurant gets wiped off the map." Aspen's mind went completely blank, and her body went numb. They were in trouble—deep, terrifying trouble. Ruth let out a slow, furious laugh and snapped, "You've got a sharp mouth for someone so young! Do you really think you're untouchable? One word from me, an
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1024
Ruth turned her head slightly, voice sharp and cool. "Mr. Haywood, is it true—what Ms. Aspen said? Did you barge in and stir things up first?" Seth growled, "I only said a few words. I never crossed the line! But that lunatic just snapped and attacked me out of nowhere! Ms. Sinclair, the Haywoods and your establishment have always had a good relationship. You have to stand up for me!" Aspen quickly countered, "Ms. Sinclair, that's not how it happened at all! He came into our private suite without permission and kept throwing insults at Andrew, calling him names over and over again. If you don't believe me, check the surveillance footage!" Seth sneered coldly. "Aspen, everything I did—I did for you. I was trying to save you from this nightmare, and this is how you repay me?" Aspen scoffed. "Mr. Haywood, are you really going to pretend your intentions were noble? Let's be honest—you had your own motives. I've told you before, I'm not one of those starry-eyed girls who fall for a
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1023
"Starting trouble at Aroma Exchange? Do you have a death wish?" A sharp, commanding voice sliced through the room. Striding in at the center of a group of men in fitted black suits was a tall woman in a crimson designer dress, a lit cigarette delicately balanced between her fingers. Her wavy hair and cold expression made her presence impossible to ignore. Behind her, the men stood like trained operatives—buzz cuts, sharp eyes, and temple veins slightly bulging—the kind of guys you just knew were professionals. Seth pointed at Andrew and barked, "Ms. Sinclair, I know the restaurant's rules! But I'm not the one who started anything—it was him, this crazy bastard! Just look at me! He beat me like an animal!" Ruth Sinclair's gaze darkened as she turned toward Andrew. "So you're the one who smashed Mr. Haywood's head open?" Before Andrew could respond, Aspen stepped in. "Ms. Sinclair, we were just having dinner when Seth barged into our private room and disrupted everything. As pe
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1022
Andrew started clapping slowly. He mocked, "Bravo. That was truly something. A full-on knight-in-shining-armor performance!" Aspen pleaded, "Andrew, please don't get mad. I'll make him leave right now!" Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Mad? I'm not mad at all. Actually, I'm happy for you." Aspen blinked in confusion. "Happy for me? Why?" Andrew gave her a chilling smile. "I mean, look at you—some heir to a powerful family wants to marry you, all head over heels, ready to rescue you from a so-called nightmare. That's gotta be something worth celebrating, right?" Aspen fell silent. She could not explain it, but something about that smile of his sent shivers down her spine. Seth tugged at his collar and looked down on Andrew with a smug grin. He said, "Kid, I know you've got a little something going on. Back in a small dump like Jayrodale, you might even pass for a big shot. "But this is the capital. It's a battleground full of real players. This isn't some backwater town you can
