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Chapter 364
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 365
"Donald, tell me, am I your 'dead man walking'? Answer me!" Mark roared as he entered, his face livid with rage. Not only did Donald pale in fear, but Natasha, Dylan, Cedric, Francesca, and Lauren were all stunned silent. No one dared to speak, as accompanying Mark was Marvin. Although Marvin had always maintained a low profile in Jayrodale's elite circles, those in the know understood that this billionaire was a tough guy that no one dared to provoke. Not only did he control a massive financial empire that was Jayrodale's economic lifeline, but his background from Chetvine made him even more formidable. Donald's entire body trembled as he nearly burst into tears. "Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Yates, what brings you here? I'm the worthless one—just a blind, stupid piece of trash!" "What's wrong? Is your office now off-limits to me?" Mark's voice was cold. "If I hadn't come personally, were you planning to abuse your power and create an even bigger disaster?" The moment Mark learned a
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 366
Clutching his bloody hand, Donald nearly passed out from the pain. Even Dylan and Natasha were shocked by this display of brutality. While they had been willing to threaten Donald and risk their lives against him, they would never dare to actually harm him in his own precinct with armed officers outside. Yet Marvin, the billionaire, had just severed Donald's pinky right there, showing a level of power that far exceeded their underground influence. "Mr. Yates, where's Andrew?" Lauren asked urgently. Marvin smiled. "Go see him, Lauren. He's fine, and he'll be happier with you there." Lauren blushed slightly before heading off with Francesca and the Aickers to find Andrew. "Sir, how should we proceed?" Mark asked respectfully. Marvin snorted. "Jayrodale is your jurisdiction, and Donald is your man. Handle it as you see fit." Without another word, he left, not even bothering to show deference to the mayor. Mark's face twitched—this was exactly what he had feared. Witho
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 367
If Jayrodale's wealthiest man could destroy him so easily, Donald shuddered to think about the power level of someone who commanded that kind of authority. The sense of impending doom was overwhelming. Mark said coldly, "Your tears are useless now… It's too late. Tell me, what possessed you to arrest Mr. Lloyd in the first place?" Donald's face crumpled as he explained, "It was Aspen Stevens. She told me Mr. Lloyd committed fraud at the antique appraisal convention, causing her to lose tens of millions, so I—" Mark cut him off with a sneer. "So, you just blindly acted on this woman's word? You didn't follow proper procedure or gather evidence? You just took her baseless accusations at face value?" Donald shrank back, stammering, "I-I didn't think it through. Aspen's my old classmate, and I thought I'd do her a favor." Mark stated indifferently, "What else? You better tell me everything. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect you if Marvin comes back." Donald swallowed hard a
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 368
Donald forced a laugh, "Sir, I'm not as noble as you. You know what they say—the grass is always greener on the other side." Donald continued, "Aspen is a brilliant and beautiful woman from the Bridgefields' Stevens family. Wanting her is only natural. And…" When Donald hesitated, Mark pressed, "And what? Tell me everything so I can try to help you find a way out of this mess." Donald shifted uncomfortably before admitting, "And sleeping with someone like Aspen isn't just about the pleasure and the thrill of conquest. I was planning to secretly record it, so I could enjoy it again later. With that kind of video, I could even make her come back for more…" Mark took a deep breath, staring at Donald intently. "Donald, you should have been a porn director elsewhere instead of a chief commissioner in Jayrodale." Donald's eyes lit up excitedly, "Mr. Thatcher, so you're into that too! No wonder you asked so many detailed questions!" "Shut up!" Mark snapped, his face reddening. "Th
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 369
Donald nodded vigorously, "Yes, it was Aspen. If she hadn't slandered you, Mr. Lloyd, I would never have made that move." Andrew waved his hand dismissively. "Very well… I believe you know how to handle the situation moving forward." Donald's face turned sinister. "Rest assured, Mr. Lloyd. That bitch nearly got me killed. She won't get away with this." Andrew remarked with a knowing smile, "Yet I heard from Mr. Thatcher that you wanted to sleep with her," "That was just my hormones talking, Mr. Lloyd!" Donald quickly exclaimed. "I've come to my senses now—I just want to cut all ties with that woman and teach her a lesson." After Donald's submissive departure, Lauren smiled. "Dr. Lloyd, I'm relieved you're okay. I should head home while Fran and the others leave too." "Ms. Rhodes, is everything alright with the Rhodes family lately?" Andrew asked with surprise. "You seem unusually busy." Lauren avoided his gaze, smiling. "Just some minor matters. I'll come to see you once
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 370
"I've heard that since Natasha has been a widow for so long, she tends to pursue attractive young men," Francesca warned. Andrew chuckled. "Don't worry. She likes pretty boys, which I'm not." "Don't brush this off! I'm serious," Francesca insisted. "Natasha doesn't have the best reputation, and while I can't control your choices, I just don't want to see you get caught up with her." Andrew teased lightly, "With a friend like you looking out for me, how could I get caught up with anyone else?" Francesca's face reddened as she rushed out, reminding herself that Andrew was off-limits as her best friend's love interest. … Dylan and Natasha entered the VIP room shortly after. Andrew, sensing they had important matters to discuss, suggested they move to a more private location. About 20 minutes later, the three arrived at West End headquarters. The members greeted Andrew respectfully, especially Conan, who had previously dismissed him. "Mr. Lloyd, please feel free to visit us
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 371
Natasha asked with uncertainty in her voice, "Darling, is this… some kind of miracle pill?" Andrew replied calmly, "Indeed. It's called the Blood Surge Pill, capable of temporarily boosting a fighter's physical and mental strength, allowing them to surpass their normal limits." Dylan exclaimed with excitement, "Mr. Lloyd, aren't these rare items usually only available to elite martial arts academies and old-money families?" Andrew shrugged casually, "It's not that dramatic. While the pills are difficult to create and their formulas are closely guarded by powerful organizations, there are more players in Holtrien than just the academies and old families." Natasha grabbed the small vial eagerly and admired it. "These medicines are practically impossible for regular people to get their hands on. I saw one at an auction once, and a basic one costs nearly a million dollars, with limited availability. Even with money, most people wouldn't know where to buy one." Andrew answered str
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 372
Seeing Andrew's displeasure, Natasha quickly explained, "Darling, please don't be upset. I've done everything I could." She took a deep breath before continuing, "The person who has the rare medicinal herb is Ernest Ramsey from Blumedale." Then, she added, "The old bastard insists on knowing who needs the herb, or he won't sell it. I know what he's really after—he's trying to leverage this opportunity to network with someone important from Jayrodale!" Andrew's expression softened slightly as he asked, "Who exactly is he?" Dylan spoke up gravely, "Mr. Lloyd, I know about this old man. He's the third son of the Ramseys from Blumedale. He's made quite a name for himself around Gabo Creek, networking with both martial artists and businesspeople. Because of his connections, he often gets his hands on rare items." Natasha scoffed, "Without the Ramseys backing him up, Ernest would be nothing—nobody would give him the time of day. He's notorious for never doing anything unless there'
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 980
Nyla lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes full of sorrow. She choked out, "Andy… my dad… he's forcing me… He wants your formulas. He's making me steal them and bring them back to him." She broke down into sobs. "Andy, Dr. Aicker, you should fire me. I don't deserve to stay at Moonlit Apothecary anymore. I don't even have the face to show up here!" The words poured out of her as the tears fell. She had finally revealed everything because her trust in Andrew and Francesca was unconditional. Her loyalty to them ran deeper than blood, and when it came to Dominic, the man who was supposed to be her father, she felt nothing but heartbreak and betrayal. She had come to see that the man who once called her his daughter had turned into someone cold, greedy, and unrecognizable. He wanted her to betray Andrew—to steal from someone who had only ever been kind to her. Nyla realized she simply could not do it. She would rather tell the truth than live with that kind of guilt. Francesca
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 979
"But the Three Titans—Driscolls, Phelans, and the most elusive of them all, the Drache family—you'd better be careful around them, Mr. Lloyd," Phantom Eye said seriously. He added, "From what I've heard, those families each have someone far beyond the martial king level hidden in their ranks." Andrew remained unfazed. "If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them. So what if they're above martial king? The world is vast—no one stays undefeated forever. There's always a higher peak beyond the last, and just because they're the Three Titans doesn't make them invincible." Phantom Eye nodded, still concerned. "Maybe so, but the Three Titans have always held the reins there. So, Mr. Lloyd, it never hurts to stay cautious when you're not on home turf." Andrew understood where Phantom Eye was coming from. Anyone who survived in Blumedale's ruthless martial world had to have a sharp eye and a wide view. Even a semi–martial king could build a reputation and live comfortably, but
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 978
A new day had begun. First thing in the morning, Andrew noticed several missed calls from Aspen. However, he did not respond to any of them. He already knew exactly why she was calling—she wanted to ask about the new 40 billion dollar transfer. However, Andrew did not feel the need to explain. As far as he was concerned, as long as Aspen managed the funds properly, that was enough. Francesca stepped out of the bathroom with flushed cheeks, looking irritated and disappointed. "Andrew, my period just started." Andrew chuckled. "It is what it is. Does your stomach hurt? Want me to give you the classic 'get some rest' line?" Francesca clenched her jaw. "Don't. Only emotionally clueless guys with zero tact say stuff like that." Andrew nodded seriously. "I agree. That's why I was going to make you a proper warm tea instead." Francesca waved it off. "No need. I may be on my period, but I'm not cramping or low on energy. Don't forget—I grew up in a traditional medicine family. My
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 977
Nyla could not believe how Dominic could say something so vile, so cruel, and actually mean it. Dominic let out a furious snort, his tone sharp as a blade. "Listen closely. The Goth family is currently on the verge of locking in a billion-dollar investment deal. Do you have any idea what that kind of money means? "It would launch our family into the elite overnight—we'd finally be one of the top powers in all of Jayrodale. For that kind of future, a small sacrifice like this is nothing. Nyla, you're not a child anymore. It's time you started contributing to this family." Camilla, her belly swollen from pregnancy, was practically trembling with excitement. "Wait—what did you just say? A billion-dollar investment? Oh my god, do you know how massive that is?" She turned to Nyla, her tone sharp and commanding. "Did you hear that? Dominic is doing this because he has no choice—it's all for the family. If you had even a sliver of conscience, you'd agree without hesitation. "So wha
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 976
Camilla could not help but sneer. "Dominic, I told you long ago that Nyla isn't loyal to our family. She's always been the type to side with outsiders. "You treat her well, and in the end, she'll never remember what you did for her. If you ask me, raising a stray dog would've been better than raising her." Dominic's voice turned cold. "You're right. I must've been blind to raise such a disgrace. If I'd known she'd turn out like this, I should've let her die with her mother!" The alcohol was clearly taking over. Dominic had downed a couple of drinks, and now his true colors were coming out. His face turned red, his eyes fierce, and a violent temper simmered just under the surface. Nyla was terrified. Before long, her vision blurred as tears welled up. She was used to Camilla being mean to her and trying to push her out of the family, but she never expected her own father to be so cruel. She never imagined Dominic to say something so venomous—something like wishing she had die
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 975
It was not that Nyla was some reckless flirt—far from it. She was just under unbearable pressure from her family, and Andrew's sudden appearance had felt like a lifeline. In her heart, she fantasized that if she could marry someone like Andrew, her life would finally feel complete. Nonetheless, it did not take long for reality to set in. Andrew was incredible—kind, brilliant, and respected—and she knew she was not in his league. Gorgeous and confident women like Lauren and Francesca were all vying for his attention, so someone like her did not stand a chance. That thought broke her heart a little, but at the same time, she felt strangely lucky. After all, even though Nyla did not have his love, Andrew and Francesca, not to mention Lauren, were all incredibly kind to her. Especially Andrew. As the head of Moonlit Apothecary, he cared for her and supported her like a mentor. At Moonlit Apothecary, she could already see a promising future ahead of her. "Dad, if there's somethin
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 974
Meanwhile, at the Goth family back in Jayrodale. Dominic had been restless since he returned from Quinton's roundtable event. He thought it was the perfect time for the Goth family to rise. If he could impress Quinton, billions of investments would come pouring into the family. With that kind of funding, the Goths could skyrocket and finally stand shoulder to shoulder with the Weller family, the Rhodes family, and other regional powerhouses. Eventually, Dominic could not wait any longer and eagerly waited for Nyla to get home from work. He greeted her with uncharacteristic warmth. "Nyla, come here, sweetheart. You're back a little early tonight, huh? It's been a while since we all sat down for dinner together. Tonight, I want to have a real heart-to-heart with you." Nyla gave him a suspicious look but walked over and sat down beside him. Normally, Dominic was completely consumed by family business. Even when he came home, he only spoke to Camilla and barely acknowledged Nyl
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 973
Tyler said plainly, "Seth? To be honest, I don't know you, and I definitely don't remember ever having a drink with you. So please, don't make up stories like that." He was still polite about it, but the message was loud and clear. Seth's face flushed with heat. Tyler had not yelled at him, but his tone made it obvious—he wanted Seth gone. He was not even acknowledged, let alone remembered, and the drink? A total lie. His attempt to show off had backfired hard, and the shame burned worse than any public embarrassment. Nonetheless, Seth did not have the guts to argue back. All he could do was step aside awkwardly, watching as Tyler turned his full attention to Aspen. Tyler said respectfully, "Ms. Stevens, your new company in Blumedale recently opened a corporate account with our bank, correct? A transaction just hit that account earlier today, and I felt this matter was serious enough that I needed to confirm it with you personally." Aspen frowned, thinking it over. The new
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 972
Aspen could not help but laugh to herself. Men in Blumedale really were something else—being a player here took skill, and this one clearly had it down to an art. Seth spouted romantic lines like a pro, sounding so sincere it was almost believable. Compared to him, Andrew might have been a brute with zero charm who only knew how to exploit her, draining every ounce of energy she had left. Nonetheless, at least Andrew was not fake—what you saw was what you got. Meanwhile, this charming heir from the Haywood family was starting to feel downright repulsive. "Mr. Haywood, I've told you more than once—there's no chance between us," Aspen said, her voice firm. "You should know I'm not even free right now. Honestly, my body doesn't even belong to me. While I appreciate your feelings, you're just wasting your time." She let out a sigh as if she was tired of repeating herself. Seth's face turned cold as he said with conviction, "Aspen, tell me—who's the bastard? The one controlling yo
