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Chapter 330
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 331
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. They could not understand why Andrew had wasted time asking such obvious questions about the bowls' value. "Are you done wasting time? Can you tell which is real now?" Orion asked impatiently. Without answering, Andrew casually tossed the bowl in his left hand into the air. Aspen shouted angrily, "Andrew, what are you doing? Can you afford to replace a million-dollar piece?" Before she finished speaking, the bowl crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces. The spectators stared in disbelief, wondering if the pressure had made him lose his mind. Elsie was overwhelmed and could only manage to stutter, "Mr. Lloyd, you—" "If it were real, I'd have to pay for it, right?" Andrew asked calmly. "Well, that's obvious," Elsie replied, distressed. Andrew let out a relieved sigh. "Good thing I broke the fake one." The crowd was stunned. Some whispered about Andrew's unorthodox authentication method, while others bet he was just bluffing
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 332
"Andrew, Mr. Kelce is a master appraiser. You're getting too cocky challenging him," Aspen taunted. "Let's leave, Andrew. We shouldn't play with these shameless people," Francesca urged. However, Andrew patted her shoulder with a smile. "Don't worry, Fran. I'm definitely making this old man get on his knees today." Andrew raised the remaining bowl high. "Everyone, please witness this! If I can authenticate this bowl, Orion has to kneel and beg me, isn't that right?" The crowd cheered encouragingly. Someone shouted, "Exactly!" "Good luck, kid! We're rooting for you!" "Even if you misidentify the last bowl, you won't lose, because Orion's previous appraisal also ended in failure." "Yes, it's a draw at best. You're already impressive to have tied with Orion, handsome boy." Orion fumed. "Kid, no matter how lucky you get, you'll never figure out if this last bowl is real or fake."' Andrew studied the remaining bowl thoughtfully. Suddenly, he made a motion as if to smash
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 333
When Andrew approached Orion, the latter thought he was ready to give up. Orion said smugly, "Kid, it's time to learn your lesson." Andrew simply replied, "I know whether it's real or fake. Get ready to kneel before me," Orion retorted, "Then prove it. Is it real or fake? Announce it." "Andrew, it's real! This old fox is playing mind games. He wants you to overthink it!" The experts in the crowd agreed. They had faced Orion before and knew his tricky methods. Since the fake was already revealed, they reasoned, this had to be authentic. However, Andrew suddenly smashed the second bowl to pieces. The crowd stood frozen in shock, wondering how he could destroy what might have been a million-dollar piece. "You fell for Orion's trap," Elsie muttered in dismay. Francesca was extremely disappointed. If she had known, she would have tried to dissuade Andrew. Cedric grumbled, "Orion, you're so cruel." Aspen emerged from the crowd, smirking. "Andrew, reaching a tie with Mr. Kel
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 334
In stark contrast, Orion, Aspen, and his followers stood there, furious yet helpless. Meanwhile, Christina stared at Andrew in disbelief. She wondered if he really emerged victorious again. Orion was furious and growled, "How did you know they were fakes? What tricks did you use?" Francesca scoffed. "What a loser—he can't even accept his defeat graciously!" Andrew shrugged. "Does it matter how I knew? What matters is I was right about both bowls, which means you lost. Time to kneel before me." The crowd was shocked by Andrew's unexpected victory. His triumph brought pride to Jayrodale's antique community, and they relished seeing the arrogant Orion get his comeuppance. "You're always talking about rules, Orion," Cedric beamed, finally getting his revenge. "Well, a bet's a bet—kneel!" "Exactly, Mr. Kelce! Are you going back on your words now?" "Mr. Kelce, this is Jayrodale, not Bridgefields. I told you to be less arrogant, but you didn't listen. Now you're being punis
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 335
The crowd, stirred up by Aspen's accusations, began to eye Andrew again with suspicion. If he had really cheated by colluding with the owner, it would be a scandal of epic proportions. Andrew remained unfazed and responded calmly, "I thanked the owner, but not because he told me which piece was genuine." "In fact, I don't even know this man," he continued, his tone light yet firm. "If anything, I'd say this seller is more likely to be Mr. Kelce's acquaintance." Orion's face darkened, his teeth clenched tightly as he stayed silent. Aspen's heart skipped a beat. Could Andrew's claim be true? Was the owner actually on Orion's side? If that were the case, her earlier accusations would make no sense. After all, there was no reason for someone to align with Orion to help Andrew cheat. Elsie stepped forward with a calm but serious expression. "Mr. Cooper, as one of the event organizers, we have access to your background. "You're from Bridgefields, correct? And from what we know,
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 336
"However—" Andrew began. Just then, Christina cut in excitedly. "While everyone was nervous, Mr. Cooper remained completely calm! That's how you knew both bowls were fake. He would have been panicking about their safety if they were real." "Exactly." Andrew nodded with approval. Christina felt conflicted. She was smart enough to run Jayrodale as CEO, but she would never have thought of such a brilliantly simple method. It seemed that her intelligence was nothing compared to Andrew's. The crowd erupted in amazement as the mystery was solved. "Incredible! He used psychology to authenticate antiques. Mr. Lloyd, you're truly the best!" Another expert claimed, "This is pure genius! I've been authenticating pieces for 20 years, but today's lesson has shown me I've still got more to learn!" "There's no doubt that Mr. Kelce has lost!" Aspen desperately searched for another angle to refute Andrew's claims but found none. She thought bitterly, 'He really beat Mr. Kelce. As fel
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 337
Aspen's face darkened, and she could not help but step in. "Andrew, let it go. Think about it—Mr. Kelce is someone of his age and stature, and you're… well, you're not. Forcing him to kneel is just risking your own life." Andrew's tone was calm as he replied, "I'm not worried. I'm built tough. I'd gladly accept it if he kneels and begs before me." Aspen clenched her fists in anger and retorted, "Andrew, do you realize what you're risking? Mr. Kelce commands the loyalty of thousands in Bridgefields. Not only is he respected in the antique community there, but he also has powerful connections in martial arts circles. Are you ready for the retaliation that's bound to come your way if you force him to kneel today?" Andrew let out a cold laugh. "Aspen, I see what you're trying to do. You're just trying to get him off the hook. And you're threatening me with Bridgefields' big shots and antique tycoons? Whether I'm afraid or not is one thing, but do you think these Jayrodale folks here
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 338
Orion staggered to his feet, his bloodshot eyes glaring at Andrew as he roared, "Andrew, you insolent brat! This isn't over between us!" Andrew barked, "How dare you use that tone with me! Do you have a death wish?" Covering his face in humiliation, Orion, supported by his followers, scrambled toward the exit of the antiques fair. He did not want to stay even a second longer, fleeing down the bustling street with his pride in shambles. Christina hesitated and turned to Aspen. "Aspen, no matter what, Mr. Kelce is still one of the most prominent figures from Bridgefields. Are you really not going to check on him after such a humiliating defeat?" Aspen's tone was icy. "Check on him? Not a chance. It doesn't matter. Mr. Kelce's fury will be something Andrew absolutely can't handle. Just wait—Mr. Kelce will definitely come back to settle the score, and Andrew's the one who's in real trouble now." Christina frowned. She could not help but feel that Andrew had gone too far. Winning
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 752
Lauren blinked her big, expressive eyes and asked in confusion, "Why?" Andrew spread his hands and said, "Because I don't think I even went all out." Lauren's expression froze instantly, thinking that Andrew was truly terrifying. Watching as the flirty Lauren quickly turned and fled, her graceful silhouette disappearing in the distance, Andrew felt completely misunderstood. However, he had only spoken the truth. Last night, he had actually held back with Francesca. If he had not, things would have taken a much wilder, more intense turn. … Today was the scheduled delivery day for Stephen's shipment. Andrew and Lauren personally went to oversee the product being sent out. Stephen wiped the sweat from his forehead and grinned. "Mission accomplished, Mr. Lloyd. Please check if everything meets your expectations." Andrew clapped his hands and said, "No need. I already looked it over—good work, Mr. Brunner!" Stephen quickly laughed along. "As long as you're satisfied, Mr. L
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 751
Andrew packed up and drove to Rhodes Corporation. Right at the entrance, he ran into Marcus, who had just stepped out of his car. The moment Marcus saw Andrew, he gave him a once-over, grinning from ear to ear. He chirped, "Mr. Lloyd, you're looking great—full of energy and in high spirits!" Andrew raised a brow in surprise. "Mr. Chapman, how exactly can you tell I'm feeling good?" Marcus smirked knowingly. "Mr. Lloyd, let's not play dumb. We're both men. That kind of glow? It's obvious you had a very… satisfying night." Andrew was even more surprised. Could Marcus really tell something like that just by looking at him? Then, it clicked. This department head at Rhodes Corporation might appear serious on the surface, but he was a regular at certain high-end clubs. That explained a lot. Lowering his voice, Marcus chuckled. "Every time I spend the night at a club, I see plenty of like-minded gentlemen walking out in the morning with the exact same look as you. "It's the kin
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 750
Lauren's teasing voice came through the video call. "Fran, are you at Dr. Lloyd's place right now?" Francesca's cheeks instantly flushed red. She hesitated for a second before mumbling a quiet "Mm-hmm." Lauren gasped dramatically before covering her mouth with a giggle. "Oh, so that means… Fran, you got the full Dr. Lloyd treatment last night?" Francesca gritted her teeth. "Lauren, you better not laugh at me! Do you even know how close I was to being ruined last night? I can barely walk!" Lauren blinked, looking both impressed and mildly horrified. "Wait… you mean Dr. Lloyd is that intense?" Francesca huffed. "You'll find out soon enough. When it's your turn, let's see if you can handle it!" Lauren snickered. "Oh no, no, no—I hate pain. I'll let Dr. Lloyd go wild with you first, and then I'll swoop in once he's all tired out. That way, I can dodge the first wave of his attacks!" Francesca narrowed her eyes and smirked. "Nice try. Next time, you go first—I'll sit back and
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 749
Andrew paused for a moment, surprised that she was not ready—not because of hesitation, but because of the location. With a light chuckle, he gave Francesca's soft bottom a playful pat. "Don't move. We'll be home soon." He shifted gears, released the brakes, and stepped on the gas. The G-Wagon roared to life, speeding toward the Moonlit Sanctuary estate at the top of the hill. Francesca's lips curled into a satisfied yet bashful smile. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she leaned forward and bit Andrew's chest playfully. "You big pervert! You jerk!" However, deep down, she was already scheming. 'Lauren, you better not blame me for this. You're the one who told me to take good care of Andrew first. Hehe… once your little purity mark is out of the way, the two of us will make sure Andrew completely surrenders!' And so, that night, the master bedroom of Moonlit Sanctuary's hilltop estate was anything but quiet. Francesca, at first nervous, soon found herself completely imm
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 748
Francesca sat there, completely stunned. It felt like all the air had been sucked from her lungs. She thought, 'Did… did this guy just do what I think he did?' She had practically offered him her lips, yet he did not kiss her. All he did was unbuckle her damn seatbelt. Francesca silently cursed Andrew for being an idiot. The perfect moment was right there, and he ruined it. Her face burned with embarrassment as frustration bubbled up inside her. Then, she let out a huff, sulking like a child. Andrew raised a brow. "What's wrong, Fran? Are you feeling sick again?" Francesca let out a sharp laugh. "Nope. Don't worry about it!" Andrew smirked. "Say that again." "I said—don't worry about it! Don't. Worry. About. It. What are you gonna do about it, huh?" Her voice rose in irritation, her temper flaring as she glared at him. Without warning, Andrew's large hand pinched her soft, delicate cheek. He grinned and teased, "Say it one more time." Francesca's eyes widened in shock
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 747
With Francesca in the passenger seat, Andrew drove swiftly through the city. Before long, they arrived at Moonlit Sanctuary. Just as they reached the gated community, a loud rumble echoed across the sky, followed by heavy rain. The sudden downpour was intense, with flashes of lightning cutting through the darkness. Francesca hugged herself, her voice soft with unease. "Andrew, it's storming… I don't like being alone when there's thunder. Can you stay with me for a while?" Andrew pulled the car to a stop along a quiet street. Towering trees lined both sides, their silhouettes barely visible in the dim light, while the car's warm interior glowed softly. "Alright, I'll stay until the rain stops." Francesca's face lit up with joy. "Andrew, you know… ever since I was little, thunderstorms have always scared me. But right now, with you here, I don't feel afraid at all. Actually, I feel… safe." Andrew glanced out the window. Raindrops pounded against the glass, the steady drumming
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 746
Francesca had enough. She turned to Christina and snapped, "Christina, are you seriously going to stand there and let your mother humiliate herself like this?" Christina's face burned with shame. She was beyond embarrassed, but Andrew's attitude toward her was something she could not accept. So instead, she steeled her voice. "Andrew, there's no denying that my mother was hit. You probably don't want this to escalate, so here's the deal—come back with me to the Stevens mansion, and I won't pursue this any further." Andrew let out a short laugh. "Go ahead. Let her make a scene all she wants. In fact, I have a pretty good relationship with Donald over at Jayrodale's law enforcement division. I'm sure he'd love to look into a case where a crazy old woman is harassing my business." The second Andrew reached for his phone, Irene instantly panicked. She scrambled to her feet so fast it was almost comical—no trace of the poor, battered old lady was left. She shrieked, "Andrew, you b
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 745
Leroy sneered. "Andrew, you and Christie had a history. Back when you were struggling, she was the one who helped you! Now that you're successful, it's only right that you repay her. If you refuse, then you're just an ungrateful traitor—and trust me, if you don't cooperate, I'll make sure you're ruined!" Andrew's eyes turned ice-cold as he let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Christina helped me when I was at my lowest? Leroy, the Stevens family really has no shame, huh? When I was living under your roof, did I ever take a dime from you? Did I ever owe you anything? "If anything, it was you—and your greedy, money-grubbing mother—who kept taking from me, milking me for every cent you could get." Ignoring how Irene and Leroy's faces darkened, Andrew turned to Christina and scoffed. "And you, Christina—what is it? Now that I have everything, you think you can just swoop in and claim a piece of it?" Christina opened her mouth, struggling to explain. "I-I'm not the kind of person you th
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 744
Leroy said, "You just need to manage Stevens Corporation, make good money, hand over your G-Wagon to me, and introduce Natasha to me as my future wife. That's all!" Andrew burst out laughing—so hard his stomach hurt. He mocked, "Hah! The Stevens sure are straightforward with their demands. And wow, so polite about it too!" However, Irene did not seem to catch the sarcasm in his tone. She beamed. "Of course! Andrew, just come back and patch things up with Christie. You two were meant to be together! Don't worry, as your future mother-in-law, I'll treat you well from now on. Everything that happened in the past? Consider it forgotten!" Leroy stretched out his hand expectantly and smirked. "Andrew, give me the keys to the G-Wagon now. I'll take it for a spin at the club tonight—gotta impress the ladies! And about Natasha, no rush! Just talk to her and let her know that becoming my wife would be an honor. She should be grateful, honestly!" He was already lost in his own fantasy, gr
