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Chapter 421
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 422
Not to mention that Michael at the head of the table was the Rhodes family's heir apparent. For Andrew, a mere deputy chief, to dare call him incompetent was unthinkable. Marcus kept his mouth firmly shut this time. Though he admired Andrew, he was not about to get dragged down by someone bent on self-destruction. A heavy thud echoed through the room as one of the veteran executives, a burly man, slammed his palm on the table. Edward Hills roared, "Where's security? Get this lawless thug out of here right now! And get the legal team here we're pressing charges for his outrageous slander against Mr. Rhodes. I'll make sure this arrogant punk rots in jail!" Edward was Michael's devoted follower, and no one dared speak up when he exploded. Everyone stared at Andrew with mockery in their eyes. "Anyone who touches my man will regret it," Lauren said icily. The security and legal staff who had rushed to the door hesitated, unsure whose orders to follow. Edward asked grimly, "M
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"Security, arrest him immediately!" came the shouts from around the room. "Take him away and hand him over to the police—use the company's connections to make sure he rots in jail!" Michael's loyal followers on either side of him jumped to their feet, looking at Andrew as if he were already dead. This was their chance to prove their loyalty to Michael, and in their eyes, this foolish young man was nothing but dust to Rhodes Corporation. "Well, well, Rhodes Corporation's executives are supposed to be sophisticated, high-income individuals," Andrew said calmly, not moving an inch. "But right now, all I see is a pack of dogs barking." Marcus nearly fell out of his chair in shock. He figured Andrew had given up and decided to antagonize the entire executive board since he was headed for jail anyway—a reckless and foolish move, in his opinion. "Take him to the police," Michael ordered, his eyes cold as ice. "As CEO, I have only one demand—make him disappear from this world." Ed
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 424
Lauren addressed the executives with conviction. "You all remember how the corporation successfully acquired that large plot of land in West End's development zone." Edward frowned. "Ms. Rhodes, bringing up irrelevant matters won't help. We're discussing how to deal with this man right now." "It's not irrelevant," Lauren snapped. "That land deal was secured through Mr. Lloyd's connections, and in return, the corporation granted him a director position." The executives exchanged uncertain glances. If Lauren was telling the truth, they had no right to touch a corporate director. "Have you found anything?" Michael asked darkly. His secretary shifted uncomfortably. "Mr. Rhodes… it's true." Michael grabbed the laptop to check the corporate website himself, and his expression grew increasingly grim. "He owns 1% of the company shares," Michael gritted out. "Now you have nothing to say, do you?" Lauren said coolly. "Mr. Lloyd isn't just my driver—he's a corporate shareholder,
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 425
Michael grinned with confidence. "Lauren, I warned you before—if you just quietly played your role as Vice CEO, no one would bother you. But if you challenge my authority as CEO, I'll show you who really runs this corporation." "Michael, do you really want to take it this far?" Lauren asked icily. Michael's eyes turned bloodshot as he remembered how Andrew had humiliated him in the past. "No, you're wrong. This bastard is the one who took things too far, making my life hell. I won't rest until I see him behind bars!" Edward sneered. "The police commissioner is an old friend of mine. With just one call from me, Donald will make sure to give Director Lloyd special treatment." He emphasized "Director Lloyd" mockingly, dripping with sarcasm. The executives continued their taunts. "Your 1% shareholding might save your life, but you won't escape punishment entirely!" Though Andrew's director status was confirmed, Michael and Edward's joint attack gave the executives new hope. Th
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 426
Lauren explained, "But according to corporate bylaws, shareholders with higher stakes have more authority and priority than you. Since Michael is both CEO and has more shares than you, he technically can take legal action." "I see," Andrew nodded. "So if I had more shares than Michael and Mr. Hills, I could overrule them?" "That's true, but even if we combined our shares, we still wouldn't match them," Lauren replied. "This is getting complicated—maybe we should call Mr. Yates for help." Andrew appreciated Lauren's suggestion but smiled slightly. "No need for that. If it's just about having more shares than these two, I can simply buy more right now." Lauren's beautiful face showed confusion, while Eunice scoffed. "Andrew, stop pretending. You want to buy more shares? Michael and Mr. Hills together own 20% percent, which is worth about three billion dollars. Do you think this is like shopping at a grocery store?" Marcus could not stay silent anymore and moved next to Andrew.
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 427
"Mr. Lloyd, d-did you really just invest… five billion dollars in the corporation?" Marcus stammered, his mind reeling from the absurdity of what had just happened. Eunice's previous hostility and condescension toward Andrew instantly vanished, replaced by shock and disbelief. Edward shook his head. "No way! That's absolutely impossible! Even most successful financiers couldn't pull out five billion dollars for an investment without preparation. Check if hackers have attacked our network and caused this data anomaly." Michael's face showed uncertainty as he barked at his secretary, "Verify this immediately!" The sweating secretary worked frantically at her computer and made several urgent calls. Two minutes later, she looked at Michael with a pale face. "Mr. Rhodes, it's confirmed. The stock exchange has verified Mr. Lloyd's purchase of five billion dollars' worth of shares, and…" Michael exploded. "And what? Are you all brainless? This kind of thing only happens in movies
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 428
Andrew stood up, and his previously friendly smile had vanished, replaced by an icy demeanor. The shift in his expression sent chills through the boardroom, making everyone uneasy. He stated coldly, "Since my shares now exceed both the CEO's and Mr. Hills', doesn't that give me the greatest authority and priority in today's lunch meeting?" Michael's face twitched. "In principle, yes, that's correct." Edward was not having it, his face contorted with anger. "Kid, I didn't expect you to pull something like this. But five billion in funding—you must have misappropriated it from somewhere. With your position and background, even if your family saved for generations, they couldn't come up with that kind of astronomical sum." Many heads nodded in agreement around the table. Edward's logic seemed sound, as instantly injecting fifty billion dollars to become the fifth major shareholder was suspicious. However, Andrew could not care less about their suspicions. He slowly walked over t
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 429
Edward—the company veteran, the CEO's right-hand man, the head of corporate security, and a board member—had just been knocked out cold with a single slap. The shocking display of power left everyone in the boardroom stunned and speechless. "Mr. Lloyd, you…" Marcus' scalp tingled as words failed him completely. Eunice stared in disbelief. She mumbled, "This is terrible. We finally had things under control, and now he's ruined everything. Mr. Lloyd, do you realize how serious it is to assault a board member and disrespect a company veteran?" Even Lauren had not expected Andrew to make such a bold move. Slapping Edward across the room was something she had not dared to consider, even when she was CEO with absolute authority at Rhodes Corporation. Michael jumped to his feet, his face dark with anger. "What the hell are you doing? How dare you assault our company veteran! Are you trying to land yourself in prison?" "Is there a problem with me slapping this old fool?" Andrew ask
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1164
As evening fell, Aspen and Dylan returned to Serenity Villa. The front gate stood wide open, and Andrew sat squarely in a chair in the middle of the first-floor lobby. Aspen frowned as she stepped inside. "Why are you sitting here?" Andrew replied, "Waiting for guests." "Who?" "Assassins from the Haywoods and the Goldings." Her face darkened when she heard his words. She could not help but think Andrew had lost his damn mind for leaving the front door wide open for killers. He glanced at her and asked, "Weren't you meeting a client? How'd it go?" Aspen's voice turned icy. "Turns out, Christina was the one looking for investors." Andrew raised a brow. "So? You turned her down?" She sneered as she said, "More than that. I made sure all three of them left humiliated. That old hag Irene even got a slap from me." Andrew simply shrugged. Aspen had never been the merciful type, and none of this surprised him. He simply ordered, "Go make something to eat. I'm hungry." Asp
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Dylan explained, "But you're a proud woman. You never used to bow to anyone, especially not to Mr. Lloyd. Now, you're just clinging to that same pride and defiance. "But the truth is, that pride of yours? It's already been worn down by Mr. Lloyd, completely. As for what's left… well, you know it better than anyone. You just don't want to admit it."Aspen grew frustrated. "I don't need you psychoanalyzing me. I just need someone to tell me—what do I have to do to break out of this mess? This constant confusion and misery?"Dylan shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? You're just as stunning as Ms. Aicker or Ms. Rhodes. Those two didn't mind letting Mr. Lloyd take what he wanted. So, why not follow their lead? Let's be real, Aspen—you've already fallen for Mr. Lloyd, and there's no shame in that. "Mr. Lloyd has that effect on women. I've been around him long enough to stop being surprised. You, Natasha, Francesca, Lauren… even that girl Nyla Goth from the Moonlit Apothecary in Jayrodale—if Mr
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1162
After leaving the cafe, Aspen stepped into the restroom. She splashed a few handfuls of icy water on her face, trying to calm the storm inside her. She said, "Mr. Garner, could you do me a favor and not tell Andrew about what just happened?" Dylan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and chuckled. "Ms. Aspen, you really gave her a piece of your mind. If it felt good, why not let Mr. Lloyd know?" Aspen's expression darkened with self-mockery. "Because I didn't stand up for myself—I used Andrew's name to intimidate her. Christina was right about one thing—I am pathetic. "Andrew nearly destroyed my family, and yet here I am, throwing his name around like it means something. Even worse, I shamelessly implied I'd offer myself to him!" Dylan smirked. "So you're ashamed of yourself? You think less of yourself now?" Aspen stared at her reflection. Her face was as cold as ever, but her eyes no longer held their usual arrogance. Instead, they were clouded with something unrea
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Aspen said, "As long as I have the power, I'll do everything I can to block Stevens Corporation from expanding in Blumedale. Andrew may have spared the Stevens family, but I'm not Andrew—I'm Aspen Stevens. "And you, Christina, are nothing but a vicious, two-faced bitch. I'd rather be a straight-up villainess than show you an ounce of mercy." With those cold parting words, Aspen turned and walked away. Dylan followed behind her, casting a mocking glance at the Stevens family trio. He thought they really were pitiful. With Aspen backed by Andrew and holding massive influence, the amount of resources and wealth she could mobilize was practically limitless. Crushing a small-time family like the Stevens? That was nothing to her, and she could do that with a flick of her finger. Christina snapped, "Mr. Garner, how does someone like you end up as Aspen's bodyguard? Doesn't that feel beneath you?" Dylan shrugged. "What's there to feel beneath about it? Ms. Aspen is with Mr. Lloyd
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1160
Christina opened her mouth but felt utterly drained. "Go beg him? Please… even if I swallowed my pride and got down on my knees, I doubt he'd show me the slightest bit of mercy." She forced a bitter smile, full of self-mockery. Aspen looked even more pleased, unable to hide the glee in her eyes. "My dear Christie, watching you regret everything like this… God, it's so satisfying! And honestly? I owe you some thanks. If you hadn't tripped me up so badly in front of Andrew, I wouldn't be where I am today, turning my humiliation into opportunity." Christina snapped, her composure unraveling. "Have you rubbed it in enough? Feeling powerful enough? Do you really think that someone like you—a servant—can hold any real place in Andrew's life? "You think you're on the same level as Francesca or Lauren? Let me tell you—Andrew never saw you as one of his own!" Aspen scoffed. "Of course not. I was his servant. Why would he? But here's what you don't get about that man, Christie. Back wh
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1159
"I'm here to meet with Supreme Capital Group, not you," Christina said sharply. "You declaring anything—don't you think that's completely pointless?" Aspen gave a sly smile. "Then you're the one who's confused. You might not have heard, but Supreme Capital Group is a new company founded by Andrew and me right here in Blumedale. "You tried borrowing money from your old rival? Christie, looks like you're not doing so well in this city after all." Christina's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. "What did you just say? Supreme Capital Group was founded by you and Andrew? "That's impossible. The company's registered capital is 50 billion! You and Andrew could afford that? Do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds?" Her composed expression crumbled, replaced by panic and disbelief. Aspen felt incredibly satisfied seeing the humiliation on Christina's face. Without saying another word, she pulled out her phone and showed her the company's registration license. Christi
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"But luckily," Derek continued, "I did find out that his name was Reginald Lloyd." Chantelle sneered. "Reginald Lloyd… Andrew Lloyd—what a coincidence. They're both Lloyds. Too bad one of them earned your admiration as a once-in-a-generation strategist…" "And the other?" She gave a dry chuckle. "Let's just say… he doesn't quite measure up." Derek smiled. "Elle, seems like you've got a bit of a grudge against our Mr. Lloyd. Care to share why?" Chantelle hesitated, visibly grinding her teeth. She obviously could not tell Derek that Andrew had already seen every inch of her thanks to an earlier incident. Instead, she cleared her throat. "Mr. McCormick, stop pulling my legs. We're public servants, and since Mr. Lloyd is working with you, I have no right to dislike him." She deflected smoothly with a rehearsed tone. Derek nodded. "It's obvious Andrew has potential. The old money clans have been monopolizing power and locking up economic control for far too long. Seeing someone
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1157
Chantelle let out a cold laugh. "That's right. That's exactly what he did. Mr. McCormick, don't you think the man's out of his mind?" Derek narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. After a long pause, he finally exhaled and said, "No. On the contrary, I think you're completely wrong about him. I don't see Andrew as a lunatic—I think he's playing a long, dangerous game." Chantelle had not expected Derek to say something like that, and her expression turned tense. "Mr. McCormick, without the protection of The Sovereign Residences, do you even realize what kind of storm that madman has invited upon himself? "Two of the most powerful families in Holtrien have issued bounty kill orders at the same time. The combined reward is nearly a billion—enough to send every killer and martial artist across Gabo Creek Province, maybe even the entire country, into a blood-fueled frenzy!" Derek gave a faint sneer, his tone laced with disdain. "It's true—money can make even the dead dance. The old sayi
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1156
Richard had always tried to be considerate about his son's humiliating past. Still, every now and then, he could not help but accidentally bring it up. After all, eating literal crap was not something easily forgotten. … Meanwhile, over at the Haywoods. Roy set down his teacup and asked, "Xavier, what's the latest on eliminating that bastard?" Xavier's sharp-jawed face was full of murderous intent. "The killers we sent were either stopped outside The Sovereign Residences or killed inside, their bodies dumped in the sewage canals." Roy scowled. "500 million was too tempting. Every lowlife out there thought they could take advantage of the Haywoods. Seth's body is still lying in the ice casket, waiting for a proper burial. You need to speed this up." Xavier's tone turned ice cold as he nodded. "Don't worry, Father. The moment Andrew laid a finger on our family, his death was sealed. Those who've died so far were just trash. "This time, I've prepared something special for And
