로그인공유
Chapter 454
관련 챕터
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.
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 457
Christina nodded thoughtfully and said, "True, while Rhodes Corporation's 60 million isn't a small amount, it pales in comparison to your billion. Even if Madblade Martial Academy is greedy, they wouldn't dare keep such an enormous sum." "Of course not," Aspen replied coldly. "Now that I'm personally involved, I'll bring in the media and the police to make their lives hell if they continue acting like common thieves. Let's see how Mr. Sandford handles that kind of public pressure." The two women put on their sunglasses and strode through Madblade Martial Academy's gates, surrounded by the crowd of creditors. … Inside the academy, Rodney and Dean wore grim expressions—not because of the people demanding money, but because Ivan was still unconscious from his severe injuries. "Damn it, Andrew turned out to be one tough son of a bitch!" Rodney cursed. Despite his young age, he had achieved the rank of junior grandmaster through rigorous training, making him a prodigy even by C
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 458
Dean explained, "In all my years in Gabo Creek, I've never seen anyone as extraordinary as Andrew. What's even more terrifying is that he clearly wasn't using his full strength against Mr. Lincoln. Watching his spine-chilling moves, I can't help but wonder if he might have had something to do with Atlas' death." Before Dean could continue, Rodney cut him off with an angry roar, "Shut up! No wonder you're a lost dog—you're completely useless, building up others while tearing down our own reputation!" Depending on Rodney's hospitality, Dean could not protest the insults, but a venomous glint flashed in his eyes. Rodney seethed. "I've never been humiliated like this in my life. And it's obvious Lauren has a thing for Andrew. I've pursued her for years without getting so much as a glance, while she probably can't wait to jump into his bed." While Rodney stewed in anger, a student hurried in and said, "Mr. Sanford, the debt collectors have arrived." Rodney's face twisted with rage
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 459
Rodney's smile turned cold. "So, you ladies aren't here to pay respect, but to collect a debt?" "If that's how you want to see it," Aspen replied, finally turning to face him. Christina said diplomatically, "Mr. Sanford, we had a billion-dollar deal with the Northern District. When Atlas met his unfortunate end, that money vanished. Since Dean is now with your academy, we're hoping you can help us recover our investment." She explained the situation with a composed and respectful tone, assuming Rodney would act reasonably now that the facts were clear. However, Rodney looked at her contemptuously and sneered, "They call you the Ice Queen CEO of Jayrodale, supposedly brilliant and beautiful. But I see you're just a pretty face without any real substance." Christina's face flushed with anger. "Mr. Sanford, what exactly are you implying?" Rodney laughed coldly. "You marched in here with this mob demanding money. Do you really think the Madblade Martial Academy is some common e
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 460
Rodney smirked shamelessly. "Ms. Aspen, as long as you surrender yourself to me, I wouldn't mind letting these people go. How about that?" Aspen's calm and composed demeanor finally cracked. She exploded, shouting, "Screw you, Rodney! If this were Bridgefields, someone would've dumped your corpse in the wilderness by now for speaking to me like this!" Rodney's face darkened as he waved a hand, barking, "Close the doors!" The sound of the heavy doors slamming shut echoed through the hall. He sneered, "Damn it! Two bitches daring to stir up trouble in my academy? Tonight, you're leaving here soaked, one way or another!" Knowing Rodney's ruthless reputation, the debt collectors accompanying them began to panic. They feared he might truly lock them in and unleash violence. Christina's face turned pale. "Aspen, we need to call the police immediately." Aspen gritted her teeth. "No need. I want to see what this little scumbag thinks he can do to me." She fixed Rodney with an i
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 461
Taking out her phone, Aspen immediately dialed Donald's number. "Donald, come to Madblade Martial Academy quickly. I'm in trouble." She pleaded, "If you help me just this once, I promise I'll treat you to dinner tonight." Donald's voice came through, dripping with impatience. "What the hell are you calling me for again, Aspen? Didn't I suffer enough because of you last time?" "Are you deaf? I told you I'm in trouble, so get over here now!" Aspen shouted angrily. Donald let out a cold laugh. "If you're in trouble, go cry to your parents. Why come to me? I'm not your father." He continued with a sneer, "Besides, sorry to say, but Mr. Lloyd made it clear he wants to make your life hell in Jayrodale, so there's nothing I can do. Bye!" The line went dead as Donald hung up. Aspen stood there in disbelief, wondering how she, the precious daughter of Bridgefields' Stevens family, had reached such a low point where even her cry for help went unanswered. Then, it hit her—Donald sa
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 462
With a sharp smack, Rodney slapped Christina's exposed leg, the sound echoing through the room. "Wow, now this is something else—silky, soft, and with just the right bounce. Ms. Stevens, these legs of yours could keep me entertained for years!" Rodney exclaimed, his hands growing bolder as he laughed. Christina burned with shame and fury, raising her hand to slap him across the face. However, Rodney caught her wrist effortlessly and slapped her back instead. The impact left a visible red mark on her pristine face, and a tear rolled down her cheek as the reality of her situation sank in. At that moment, she felt utterly fragile. Aspen gritted her teeth and growled, "Rodney, forget the money. Open the door, and we'll leave right now!" Rodney sneered at her request. He taunted, "You think you can just walk in and out of Madblade Martial Academy as you please? Remember how commanding you were when you first came in? I hate people giving me orders, so you're not going anywhere un
최신 챕터
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
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1163
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
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1161
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
