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Chapter 448
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 449
Ivan stood on the platform with his arms crossed, letting out a disdainful snort that showed his complete contempt. "Andrew, what the hell are you doing?" Jerry shouted. Andrew gave him a cold glance and replied, "Since you're badly injured and have already embarrassed the Rhodes family, you should stay quiet." Jerry's fury triggered his stomach wound, making him wince in pain. "Andrew, you can't possibly beat this guy," he hissed through clenched teeth. "Once you step into that ring, your life is in your own hands—do you understand that?" He had seen many reckless young men like this before—all courage and no wisdom. In his experience, they usually ended up as corpses. "Andrew, we've warned you multiple times not to throw your life away!" one of the bodyguards shouted. "If you get yourself killed, that's one thing, but you'll be putting Ms. Rhodes in a terrible position! Get lost—you're not as important as you think you are!" The Rhodes family bodyguards were furious, o
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 450
In the world of martial arts, following the unspoken rules of the ring meant that even if someone died, it was considered their own fault. And with the Madblade Martial Academy's influence in Jayrodale, the loss of one or two lives was nothing significant—they could easily sweep it under the rug. Ivan lowered his crossed arms, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He gestured at Andrew with a beckoning motion. "Kid, I'll give you the first move. If you can get close to me or even touch my clothes, I'll admit defeat." His arrogance made Jerry seem modest in comparison, but no one dared to laugh. Everyone believed Ivan had the strength to back up his confidence. Jerry coughed twice and muttered, "Mr. Lincoln isn't just some random nobody. It's a shame I can't figure out who he really is. Andrew's chances don't look good." On the platform, Andrew casually strolled toward Ivan, his movements unhurried. "Since you're being so polite, I won't hold back." Andrew's calm response pr
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 451
Andrew handled the attacks with remarkable ease. Though seemingly chaotic, his footwork followed an intricate pattern that left observers mesmerized. Despite Ivan's relentless offensive maneuvers, he could not land a single clean hit on Andrew's body. Andrew said calmly, "I think we've played enough. By your founders' standards, Mr. Lincoln, your technique barely made the cut. Perhaps another 20 years of practice would do you some good." With lightning speed, Andrew brought his right hand down, striking Ivan's wrist bone. Ivan let out a painful roar as his wrist trembled violently as if he had been bitten by a venomous snake. Before he could counter, Andrew's knee was already driving upward. Ivan's eyes blazed with fury as he prepared to take the hit head-on, believing his physical prowess would allow him to withstand the impact while simultaneously launching a lethal counterattack to Andrew's head. These thoughts had barely crossed Ivan's mind when he felt a searing pai
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 452
By that logic, Rodney was about as formidable as a mere ant compared to Andrew's capabilities. "Mr. Sanford, do we still need your permission to reclaim our 60 million now?" Andrew asked with a subtle smirk. Rodney's face twitched at the question. The thought of someone needing his permission would have been understandable before, but now it made his heart race. He gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Lloyd, your martial prowess is truly admirable, and the Madblade Martial Academy respects your skill. Dean, return the 60 million we owe to Rhodes Corporation." Dean was already terrified out of his mind. He could not even beat Jerry, who had nearly died at Ivan's hands, and Ivan had just been thoroughly defeated by Andrew. The comparison made Dean realize he was not even in the same league as Andrew. "J-Just a moment… I'll transfer the money right away!" Dean stammered, offering no resistance this time. The hundreds of martial arts students had lost their fighting spirit, too
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 453
"Ms. Rhodes, you're amazing! I can't believe you actually got the money back," Eunice exclaimed with admiration. Lauren shook her head and replied, "I didn't get the money back—Dr. Lloyd did." Eunice's excitement froze as she looked at Andrew in disbelief, who was casually sipping tea on the couch. She wondered how this man, whom Tiana had always looked down upon, had not only become Rhodes Corporation's fifth director in minutes but had also helped recover 60 million dollars that seemed impossible to retrieve. Just as doubt began creeping into Eunice's mind, she quickly dismissed it. Tiana was someone she unconditionally admired and respected—if Tiana said Andrew was just a gold digger, then it must be true. "Ms. Rhodes, congratulations! The company really needs you!" "Ms. Rhodes, we old-timers aren't worth a fraction of your talent. Solving this huge problem right after your return—we must report this to the board and get you recognized!" "Ms. Rhodes, we all noticed what
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 454
Lauren bit her lip playfully, her voice turning husky as she said, "Really? Then why don't you prove it to me? It's simple—help me take off these stockings. Remember, you won, so they're yours now." Andrew was left speechless, his eyes widening in surprise. … Meanwhile, in another office on the same floor of Rhodes Corporation, Michael violently slapped Cindy's bottom as she rose from his lap. Cindy's face showed a mix of pain and resentment as she complained, "Mr. Rhodes, what's making you so angry? You've been different ever since Ms. Rhodes returned." Michael snarled, "Shut up! Haven't you seen how many people are sucking up to that little bitch since she came back? I'm the CEO and spokesperson of Rhodes Corporation, not Lauren, yet these idiots still flock to her!" Cindy tried to calm him down, saying, "Sir, try to look at the bright side. Ms. Rhodes did manage to recover that 60 million for the company. To be honest, that was quite an achievement—nobody else could hav
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 455
"Jerry, I need an explanation about what happened at Madblade Martial Academy," Michael demanded as soon as the call connected. "Explanation? I don't have any," Jerry replied, his voice weak. "Ms. Rhodes and Andrew got that money back through their own abilities, fair and square." Michael flew into a rage. "I don't give a damn about their abilities! I want to know why you didn't take the opportunity to eliminate that Lloyd guy!" Jerry let out a bitter laugh and said, "Eliminate him? How exactly was I supposed to do that?" He had barely escaped alive from Madblade Martial Academy. Michael said darkly, "Jerry, your attitude is very concerning. Don't forget that both Rhodes Corporation and the entire Rhodes family might end up in my hands. If you keep wavering like this instead of choosing the right person to follow, how do you expect to achieve that comfortable retirement you've been dreaming of?" Jerry snapped, "Mr. Rhodes, spare me the talk about the future. I don't care w
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 456
The news spread like wildfire through Jayrodale. Many unfortunate creditors with outstanding debts with the Northern District rushed to Madblade Martial Academy's doors, demanding their money back. "Dean, pay up!" "Dean, you're Atlas's senior and the Northern District's second-in-command. If you don't pay, you can join him six feet under!" "Give us our money back, you crook!" Large red banners were unfurled at the academy's entrance as angry crowds gathered, hurling insults. The academy remained unfazed as students came and went, completely ignoring the protesters while luxury cars continued pulling up to the entrance. The academy's response was simple. "Want your money? Ask Northern District or the dead Atlas. Madblade Martial Academy never defaults on payments, and we won't tolerate these circus acts." Soon, a Volkswagen Beetle pulled up to the academy's entrance, and two striking figures stepped out—Christina and Aspen. The creditors immediately swarmed around them.
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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
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1158
"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
