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Chapter 320
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Andrew chuckled and said, "There's nothing strange about this. The antiques market has always been like this—full of counterfeits, knockoffs, and replicas with sky-high price tags. "If they find someone clueless, they'll rip them off hard. But when they're dealing with an expert, even a treasure from a king's vault could be marked down to the price of candy in a gumball machine." Elsie chuckled, her cheeks flushing as she gave Andrew a playful glare. "Mr. Lloyd, your analogy is pretty amusing, but you're spot on—that's exactly how it is." Francesca clenched her teeth and muttered, "These shameless crooks! If Ms. Santana hadn't been here, I'd probably have been scammed by that old man." After this little drama, her opinion of Elsie had clearly shifted for the better. Elsie led them around the plaza, where they continued browsing. Francesca was unfamiliar with antiques and mostly picked items based on appearance, gravitating toward colorful or uniquely shaped pieces. She fi
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 322
Orion's sharp words left Cedric furious. He raised the statue in his hand, ready to smash it, but Francesca and Elsie quickly grabbed him and calmed him down. Francesca asked anxiously, "Grandpa, why are you so upset?" Cedric's face turned red and pale in anger as he gritted his teeth. "Do you see this statue? Orion tricked me into buying it for ten million, only for me to find out it's a fake. That rotten old cheat!" Francesca was livid and stepped forward, ready to confront Orion, but Elsie held her back. "Ms. Aicker, you shouldn't," Elsie said, shaking her head. "Why not?" Francesca shot back. "Just because he's a big shot, he's allowed to scam people?" Elsie let out a small sigh. "That man is Orion Kelce, one of the top antique experts from Bridgefields. He's highly respected in the field." Francesca was not having it. "So what if he's an expert? Does that give him the right to cheat others?" Elsie replied with a wry smile, "Unfortunately, in the rules of this appra
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 323
Aspen smiled sweetly and said, "Mr. Kelce, back in Bridgefields, you're considered a legend in the antique world, always sharp with your words." She glanced around dramatically. "I see that even here in Jayrodale, you've kept your genuine style. I must say, I admire your consistency." Orion's face lit up with pride. "Ah, finally, someone who gets me! So many think I'm just showing off or looking down on others, but why would I need to pretend at my level? Like you said, this is just who I am—straightforward and honest. I never sugarcoat my words." Aspen's gaze shifted over the crowd before landing on Andrew, her smile turning icy. "Mr. Kelce, we Bridgefields folk like to let our skills and logic speak for themselves. However, some people here just can't seem to respect us, no matter what." Orion smirked. "Oh? And who's bold enough to disrespect us?" Aspen pointed directly at Andrew. "It's him, Mr. Kelce. His name's Andrew Lloyd. Ever since I arrived in Jayrodale, he hasn't m
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 324
Christina sighed, glancing at Andrew with a mix of helplessness and frustration. "Aspen, enough already," she said, tugging her cousin's arm lightly. "Let's just walk around. I want to find a couple of good pieces to bring home." Aspen chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention, and let Christina pull her away. "Sure, Christie, let's look around," she replied, her voice dripping with smugness. You know, back in Bridgefields, I was trained by the best since I was a kid. I've never been wrong about authenticity in antiques, not even once." Christina could not help but admire Aspen's confidence. They were cousins, and Aspen was just a year older. Yet, she always seemed so composed and capable. Whether it was her sharp instincts or commanding presence, Aspen had the kind of charm that Christina found hard to rival, even with her own pride. Just as the tension seemed to subside, a sharp, mocking voice broke through the hushed crowd. "Two strays from Bridgefields barking away, b
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 325
One of Orion's followers shouted, "Hey, Mr. Kelce is graciously lowering himself to challenge you in an appraisal contest, and you don't even have the guts to agree?" Another chimed in, "Calling us dogs? Kid, you're biting off more than you can chew. Words like that will get you into real trouble—if you don't crawl out of this appraisal event on all fours today, I'll take your last name!" A third laughed mockingly, "Even Jayrodale's antique experts wouldn't dare utter a word against Mr. Kelce, yet here you are, some nobody playing the hero. Didn't your mom ever teach you that sticking your neck out doesn't make you brave? It makes you reckless, and reckless fools tend to end up regretting it!" No one could believe that Andrew, who was not even part of the antique world, would dare provoke someone as influential as Orion. Christina snapped angrily, "Andrew, apologize to Mr. Kelce and Aspen right now!" Andrew replied nonchalantly, "Why should I apologize?" Gritting her teeth,
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Francesca voiced her concern, "Andrew, you don't know anything about antiques, let alone artifact authentication. Maybe we should bail—after all, this is Jayrodale, and even though we're dealing with Orion and Aspen, what's the worst they could do?" Andrew raised an eyebrow and replied, "Who told you I don't know about antiques?" He took the bronze statue from Cedric's hands, weighed it carefully, and turned to Orion. "Since you're letting me go first, I won't hold back. Now, why don't you authenticate this piece?" Orion was stunned for a moment before breaking into laughter. "You fool, this is nothing but a fake, and you dare test me with it? Listen carefully—this is a replica of the famous piece from the Hall of Faith. Unfortunately for you, the original was destroyed during the civil wars of the early 20th century." Several antique experts in the room nodded in agreement. "That's correct—this statue is just a replica," they chimed in. "The original was destroyed long ago.
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"Mr. Lloyd, is that a sacred relic in your hand?" Elsie gasped in disbelief. Andrew casually tossed it to her and said, "Have your Radiant Group experts verify it—that should clear things up right away." Elsie immediately took the pearl for authentication. Orion felt uneasy but still scoffed, "A sacred relic? Kid, you've got some nerves. Do you even know how precious these artifacts are?" "Of course I do," Andrew replied coolly. "When ancient spiritual masters passed away and were cremated, these relics remained. Scientifically speaking, they're just crystallized remains—but in the antiquities world, every authentic relic is priceless. I'm sure the experts here understand what I mean." Many nodded in agreement with Andrew's words. Indeed, any genuine sacred relic was one-of-a-kind, and while it might not have any special physical properties, its cultural and historical significance made it an absolute treasure in collectors' eyes. Seeing Orion's confidence falter, Aspen qui
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Andrew shook his head. "I'm no master—I just know a thing or two." Elsie could no longer take Andrew's modesty at face value. Earlier, she had confidently shown off her antique knowledge while guiding Andrew and Francesca through the collection, but now she felt embarrassed. It was like teaching calculus to a math professor. While some celebrated, others brooded. Orion's face had turned dark as he reached out his hand and demanded, "I don't trust these worthless Jayrodale experts. Give it to me—I need to examine it myself." "Dream on, Orion," Cedric pulled back protectively. Andrew intervened calmly, "Let him see it. Let's put his doubts to rest." Cedric reluctantly handed over the relic. Orion turned it over in his palm, examining it from every angle until his face went ashen gray, an uncontrollable glint of greed flickering in his eyes. "According to the auction rules, whoever authenticates a piece gets to keep it," Andrew said. "Mr. Kelce, you've handled it enough, and i
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 444
Suddenly, Ollie, who had been attacking fiercely, started panting and made a tactical retreat. The Madblade student's face broke into a mocking smile as he taunted, "What's wrong? Tired already?" The student changed his footwork pattern, rhythmically advancing toward Ollie before launching a series of quick, vicious strikes at his face. Ollie was startled and tried to defend with all his might, but his footwork became unstable and chaotic. Seizing the opportunity, the Madblade student whipped out a devastating leg sweep that connected with Ollie's thigh. As Ollie groaned in pain and lost his balance, his opponent showed no mercy and delivered a lightning-fast kick to his groin. There was a sickening crack that made even Andrew wince. Ollie's face drained of all color as he rolled around the ring, screaming in agony. The Rhodes family bodyguards stood speechless, completely caught off guard. Ollie had not only lost but had been brutally defeated—his groin likely shattered. "Ro
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 443
Andrew shook his head and warned, "Jerry, you're being too arrogant. "From what I can see, the head of Madblade Martial Academy doesn't even need to step in—that martial arts expert next to Rodney alone is enough to give you serious trouble." Jerry sneered. "What do you know about fighting levels? Do you think you can see something I can't? Young man, don't mistake ignorance for courage—it's truly foolish!" Ollie Keoghan, who had just been called up, mocked, "Andrew, why do you always have to run your mouth when you're around Ms. Rhodes? Jerry could probably take you down with just one finger." "Ollie is right—this guy's a nobody who talks too much," another guard chimed in. "Since we're having three matches, let's win the first two to secure victory. Then, we can let this punk go up for the last round and get beaten to a pulp by Madblade's fighters. Jerry's bodyguards all shot hostile looks at Andrew, joining in the criticism. Andrew just shook his head, noting how Jerry'
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 442
Rodney declared, "If my side loses, then you'll get their 60 million, handed over without question. But if you lose, I don't want anything else except…" At this point, Rodney suddenly stopped, his eyes gleaming with lust as he licked his lips in an incredibly vulgar manner. Behind him, his martial arts students joined in with sleazy snickers. Lauren felt goosebumps all over her body. She asked with disgust, "What do you want?" Rodney smiled. "Don't worry, my request isn't too outrageous. I just want your stockings, Lauren. And specifically, the ones you're wearing right now—I want them while they're still warm!" Then, he burst into laughter. Lauren's face turned slightly pale, clearly suppressing both rage and humiliation. She controlled her emotions well, though, and turned to look at Jerry. "Don't worry, Miss. I can defeat these petty thugs with one hand tied behind my back," Jerry said coldly. Lauren turned to Andrew, blushing slightly. "Dr. Lloyd, my stockings are on
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Rodney's lips curled into a mocking smile. He sneered, "Mr. Keoghan, you've got quite the attitude, showing off in front of my Madblade Martial Academy. What do you think this is, some kindergarten playground?" Jerry, being a renowned senior grandmaster for many years, carried himself with natural authority. "Mr. Sanford, if it were your father, Vince Sanford, I would show him proper respect. But you're still too young and inexperienced, so I advise you not to make any foolish decisions." Jerry continued, "Just hand over Dean and let Ms. Rhodes deal with him. If you do that, we can put this whole incident behind us." Lauren gave a cold smile and turned to Andrew. "Don't worry, Dr. Lloyd. Jerry is one of the top fighters in the Rhodes family. If Rodney wants to play rough, we're more than happy to oblige!" Andrew's expression showed traces of doubt. Jerry's power as a senior grandmaster was indeed undeniable. Even if he had only recently reached that level, it was still enough t
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 440
Rodney's words made the skilled fighters behind him burst into raucous laughter. The students stopped their practice to stare at Lauren with strange expressions. "Rodney, I told you years ago that I wasn't interested in you," Lauren said calmly, showing no sign of anger. "Your persistent pursuit might be romantic to some, but even if you offered me the entire Madblade Martial Academy, I wouldn't give you a second glance." Rodney's face darkened immediately. He had tried to embarrass Lauren, but her sharp tongue had turned the tables on him instead. A hulking man beside Rodney sneered, "Ms. Rhodes, if you're going to reject Mr. Sanford, why are you even here?" "For our money," Lauren replied curtly. Dean scoffed. "Atlas owed Rhodes Corporation money, not me. If you want it, go ask him in hell." Lauren smirked. "Atlas may be dead, but not all Northern District's people are gone. I know you cleaned out Atlas's accounts. Dean, are you really going to pretend you don't owe us?"
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 439
Inside Madblade Martial Academy, hundreds of students were practicing martial arts with loud shouts. They barely glanced at Lauren and Andrew's group before turning away, displaying obvious arrogance and dismissal. Lauren was unfazed by their attitude. She explained, "The students here are all from Jayrodale's wealthy families. Most of them are spoiled rich kids who couldn't succeed academically, so their families sent them here to learn martial arts. Over time, they've developed quite a superiority complex." Andrew did not mind. After all, it was natural for martial artists to have some attitude. Whether it was looking down on others or being arrogant, this kind of temperament came with this lifestyle. As long as they were not all talk and had no skill, he could tolerate their pride. A young man in casual clothes approached them with a smile, his pale complexion suggesting a life of extravagance. He was flanked by about four clearly skilled martial artists. As he passed the
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 438
Jake could not help but marvel at how a single conversation had completely changed his fate. His head was still spinning from the series of surprises. "Ms. Rhodes, should we head to Madblade Martial Academy now?" Andrew suggested. Lauren smirked playfully. "Dr. Lloyd, Natasha seemed quite different around you. Did something happen between you two?" Andrew shook his head. "She's West End's leader, a widow. What could possibly happen between us?" Lauren said suspiciously, "I don't believe you. The way she looked at you was exactly like a lonely woman gazing at her lover." Women's intuition was truly frightening. First Francesca, and now Lauren was just as perceptive. Andrew started the car and decided there was no point in hiding it. "Natasha wanted to be with me, but I turned her down because it didn't feel right." Instead of getting jealous or upset as Andrew expected, Lauren became excited. "Really? Natasha offered herself to you? That widow sure moves fast!" Andrew's
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Natasha chimed in and explained, "Dean Mayer was Atlas's senior apprentice from the same martial arts school and Northern District's second-in-command. He was known as 'Iron Palm'. However, his skills never matched Atlas', which is why Atlas always held the position of Northern District's leader." Andrew asked, "So you're saying most of Atlas' assets and personnel fell into Dean's hands?" Natasha shook her head. "In terms of manpower, Dean only took about seven elite fighters with him. However, he did make off with the majority of Northern District's wealth—Atlas' years of accumulated fortune." "Natasha, do you know where Dean is now?" Andrew frowned. "As my people previously informed Mr. Lloyd, some of Atlas' forces have regrouped," Natasha said gravely. "Dean is their leader, and they've aligned themselves with the Madblade Martial Academy." Andrew was shocked. "Madblade Martial Academy? You mean the place that calls itself Jayrodale's premier martial arts institution?"
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 436
"I'm here at Northern District's headquarters. One of your men is here, and I'm planning to get him promoted," Andrew spoke into the phone. "Of course, I'll be there in five minutes. Wait for me," Natasha replied urgently. As Andrew hung up, Jake shook his head. "Sir, this act isn't funny anymore. Don't tell me you actually have Madam Vostokoff's number?" "Of course I do," Andrew replied simply. "How else could I call her?" Jake did not bother responding and headed downstairs to hand out flyers, hoping to sell the abandoned building soon and get his promotion. He dismissed the supposed lunatic upstairs, remembering how he had only seen Natasha once since joining West End. Regular people never got close to someone of Natasha's status, let alone have her private number—unless this guy was her boy toy, he thought cynically. Minutes later, a convertible sports car screeched to a halt in front of the building. Jake, clutching a stack of flyers, stared in disbelief at the beauti
