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Chapter 461
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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
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 463
Looking toward the entrance, Rodney felt furious at whoever dared interrupt him. However, when he recognized one of the two people who entered, he nearly wet himself. Dean and the hundred-plus students of Madblade Martial Academy collectively stepped back, falling silent. The newcomers were Francesca and Andrew. Andrew had not expected to return to Madblade Martial Academy so soon. After leaving Rhodes Corporation, he went back to Jayrodale General Hospital, where Francesca asked him to accompany her to treat a patient at the academy. Rodney's father, Vince, had deep ties with Cedric. Due to this connection, Francesca could not refuse the house call. Andrew could guess why Madblade Martial Academy had requested Cedric's help. After all, he had given Ivan quite a beating. Since Ivan was an honored guest, Rodney would naturally seek treatment from someone of Cedric's caliber. However, Andrew had not anticipated returning to the academy, much less encountering Christina and Aspe
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 464
Francesca said, "Please take me to the patient. I have other matters to attend to after this treatment." Though Rodney's face darkened, he did not dare show any attitude. He replied, "Dr. Aicker, please follow me." Francesca gestured to Andrew and introduced him. "This is our deputy chief, Dr. Lloyd." Rodney nodded quickly and greeted, "Dr. Lloyd." Inwardly, his thoughts raced with confusion as he wondered just how many titles Andrew held. Andrew chuckled. "Fran, go ahead and handle the patient. I need to speak with Mr. Sanford here." Francesca agreed. "Alright, wait for me." Then, she followed one of the Madblade Martial Academy members into the main hall. Andrew scanned the remaining students and staff, including Dean, before speaking flatly. "Those not involved, get out." The students departed without protest, while Dean bowed deferentially. "I'll take my leave. Mr. Lloyd, please call if you need anything!" Once alone, Andrew asked, "Why did Aspen and Christina c
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 465
"Aspen's a proud woman who thinks highly of herself. You're dead meat for daring to violate her," Andrew remarked casually, killing time while waiting for Francesca. Rodney sneered. "If that woman doesn't know her place and dares to cause trouble again. I'll do more than just touch her next time." Andrew delivered another slap, not too hard, but enough to make Rodney stumble forward. "Andrew, stop hitting me! I'm warning you—don't push your luck!" Rodney shouted, his anger masking his fear. If it had been anyone else, he would have already drawn blood. Andrew did not even spare him a glance. "Watch your language when you talk to me. Honestly, you're lucky I don't hate you as much as Harvey or Michael—those idiots who never learn from their mistakes." Rodney scoffed, his anger barely contained. "Don't think I've forgotten how you trashed our academy's reputation. We haven't even settled that score yet!" Andrew grinned casually. "Feel free to settle it anytime. I'll be her
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 466
Andrew chuckled. "Relax, your head's too hard, and honestly, I don't enjoy slapping it—my hand's starting to hurt. Just have Dean repay all the money owed to those creditors—they worked hard for that money in the Northern District and deserve to be paid." "Fine, whatever," Rodney muttered reluctantly, and Andrew left with Francesca, confident the debt would be settled. Outside the academy, the creditors were still lingering, many of them nursing injuries from earlier confrontations. They were cursing Madblade Martial Academy bitterly when Andrew called out, "Everyone, listen up! Madblade Martial Academy has agreed to repay your money—go collect it!" "Are you serious?" asked one portly businessman, excitement rippling through the crowd. "I just spoke with Rodney, and he wouldn't dare refuse," Andrew replied with a smile. "Go on in." However, the creditors hesitated, still traumatized by their earlier treatment and doubting this stranger's influence. "How ridiculous. Giv
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 467
Aspen suddenly scoffed and mocked, "Andrew, if you think I'll thank you, forget it! You didn't get everyone's money back out of kindness—you just wanted to impress me, didn't you?" Andrew chuckled and replied with only two words, "Brain-dead." Aspen said dismissively, "No matter how hard you try to show off, your abilities are still worthless in Christie's and my eyes. I bet Rodney only cooperated because you're using Rhodes Corporation's name to intimidate him!" Andrew did not even bother responding and left with Francesca. Christina exclaimed happily, "Aspen, whether it was Andrew's doing or not, we can get that billion back now. That's worth celebrating!" Yet, Aspen's face remained dark, finding little joy in the situation. The assault at Madblade Martial Academy would be a lifelong shame for her, though getting the money back was at least some consolation. Stepping forward, Aspen demanded from Dean, "Now hand over the Bridgefields' Stevens family's billion, down to the
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 468
After buying breakfast for two downstairs at the Rhodes Corporation building, Andrew headed toward the elevator. Just then, Marcus stepped out of his modest Volkswagen Passat, briefcase in hand, looking utterly exhausted. When Marcus walked closer, Andrew smiled and teased, "Mr. Chapman, as a department head at Rhodes Corporation, don't you think driving a car like this is a bit too modest?" Marcus managed a weak smile when he recognized Andrew. "Good morning, Mr. Lloyd. I'm not too particular about cars—as long as it gets me where I need to go comfortably, I'm fine." "You look like you haven't slept all night, Mr. Chapman. Is something bothering you?" Andrew asked casually. "Work's been quite overwhelming. I didn't sleep well last night," Marcus replied. "Work is important, but you need to take care of your health, Mr. Chapman," Andrew advised. They chatted briefly before heading into the building and going their separate ways. When Andrew arrived at Lauren's office, he
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 469
The rooftop of Rhodes Corporation was over 50 stories high. Marcus stood at the edge, his expression shifting between confusion, anger, and frustration as his fists clenched tightly. He shouted, "Why? Why do all of you have to push me like this? What did I ever do to deserve this? I've given my life to this company—was that not enough?" His voice carried a mix of rage and despair, echoing in the wind. In his emotional outburst, Marcus lost his footing for a moment and nearly fell, causing gasps of horror to ripple through the gathering crowd below. Employees had rushed to the rooftop, forming a growing crowd, their fear and panic evident in their faces. "Mr. Chapman, please step back! Whatever's wrong, we can talk this through!" one of them pleaded. "Marcus, what are you doing? We've worked side by side for this company for years. Whatever it is, we'll face it together!" shouted another. "Where's Mr. Rhodes? Why isn't he here yet? If Mr. Chapman jumps, the consequences will
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 524
"I want Lauren to experience true despair and unrelenting pain," Ruby hissed, her eyes alight with malice. "When the Rhodes family collapses completely, when their legacy is destroyed, I bet her anguished screams will sound like music to my ears." Aspen, standing calmly by the window, gave a faint smile. "Hatred is indeed a powerful motivator, but you can't rely solely on it. The brain, Ruby, is the deadliest weapon of all." Ruby hesitated, then bowed her head respectfully. "Please, Ms. Stevens, enlighten me." Aspen's cold smile deepened. "The Weller family is currently under the spotlight, drawing public scrutiny and outrage. It's the perfect distraction for us. Everyone thinks the crisis in Rhodes Corporation's Pharmaceutical Division is over, but this lull in vigilance is precisely when I strike." She turned to Ruby, her tone laced with pride. "The key is to attack your prey when they least expect it, when their guard is down—that's when it's most fatal." With a light laug
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Michael called Troy in and personally locked the door behind him. Troy, shifting uneasily, spoke first. "Mr. Rhodes, about Ruby and me… We did go to the hotel yesterday. But aside from… well, you know… I was genuinely there to discuss business. Honestly, if I hadn't kept her happy, we wouldn't have secured the Amberpeak Corporation deal so easily." Michael waved dismissively. "I didn't call you here to scold you." Troy froze, caught off guard. "I thought you would scold me for mixing personal matters with work!" In truth, Troy had not gone to the hotel to talk business at all. Ruby's stunning beauty had completely captivated him. Their initial flirtation quickly escalated into something far more intimate, and the deal came up only afterward. By chance, Troy learned that Ruby was a representative for Amberpeak Corporation. The realization thrilled him—sealing such a significant partnership would be the perfect way to prove himself as the new head of the Pharmaceutical Divisio
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Lauren looked puzzled. "There's an issue with that document? I didn't notice anything off." Andrew smiled knowingly. "It's normal you didn't catch it. The problem lies in Ruby's formula for the pill she wants Rhodes Corporation to produce." He paused briefly before continuing in a colder tone. "Ruby requested the Pharmaceutical Division to manufacture a so-called 'miracle anti-cancer drug'. It's positioned as an exclusive, high-end product designed for the wealthy and elite families—rare, valuable, and groundbreaking." "But here's the catch," he said, his voice sharp. "While the formula lists over 30 premium ingredients that appear highly effective on their own, they turn into a lethal poison when combined. And not just any poison—it's a slow-acting, insidious toxin. Anyone who takes it will suffer without even realizing the cause." Andrew's gaze darkened. "Now, imagine if Rhodes Corporation went ahead and produced this pill, selling it to affluent clients and major figures. Wh
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Michael cut through the growing tension with a sharp tone. "That's enough. Today's meeting is over. What matters to me is your ability to do your job and make money for the company. Your personal lives and relationships are of no interest to me as CEO." He started to walk away but paused after a few steps, gesturing for Troy. "Mr. MacAfee, come to my office. I'd like to clarify a few details about the collaboration with you." Troy smirked, glancing at Andrew with a look of triumph. The unspoken message was clear. "So what if you caught me fooling around with Ruby? You can't touch me if the CEO has my back." Ruby stood to leave, but as she passed Lauren, she leaned in with a cold smile. "Ms. Rhodes, I haven't forgotten my grudge against you. Be careful not to make a mistake you'll regret for the rest of your life." Lauren shot back without missing a beat. "Don't worry, Ms. Dickinson. I'd be happy to send you back for another helping of prison meals—on the house." Ruby's smile
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 520
Andrew smiled calmly. "Alright, one final question." Ruby, clearly irritated, snapped, "Mr. Lloyd, enough is enough. You just said the last question was your final one." Andrew chuckled, unfazed. "It just popped into my head, Ms. Dickinson. No need to get so tense—this one isn't about the collaboration. Just casual chit-chat." Ruby huffed. "Tense? Who's tense? You're quite the joker, Mr. Lloyd. Ask your question—I have other matters to attend to. Rhodes Corporation isn't the only company knocking on Amberpeak's door." Andrew's smile took on a sharper edge. "I heard from Mr. MacAfee earlier that the two of you discussed the collaboration thoroughly and worked very hard, even late into the evening. Is that correct?" Ruby froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, Mr. MacAfee is very dedicated. We had a detailed conversation yesterday and talked until around nine in the evening." Troy, clearly proud of himself, chimed in, "It was exhausting, but for Rhodes Corporation, it's my dut
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Michael, already irritated, snapped at Andrew. "We're talking about serious corporate business here—high-level collaborations. Do you even understand what that means? If you don't, stop interrupting just to make yourself seen!" Michael was already annoyed earlier by Andrew's "suggestions" and now, with Andrew raising another question, a wave of dread swept over him. He feared Andrew might come up with something that would send his blood pressure through the roof. Andrew replied calmly, "Who said I don't understand? When it comes to pharmaceuticals, none of you here are even qualified to speak in my presence." Ruby sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, let's not pretend you know what you're talking about. Are you seriously trying to convince us that you're some kind of expert in medicine? What, are you claiming to be a miracle-working doctor or something?" To Ruby, Andrew was just a lackey trying to pick a fight for Lauren's sake—nothing more than a clueless, incompetent man, unworthy of her att
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Troy slammed the table, his tone laced with frustration. "It seems my efforts were all in vain. Some people in the company don't appreciate my hard work and think I'm just being foolish. "Fine, if that's the case, the Pharmaceutical Division doesn't need this collaboration with Ms. Dickinson and Amberpeak Corporation. After all, any losses will be the corporation's, not mine." Ruby seized the moment, feigning regret as she spoke. "It's such a pity. If Mr. MacAfee doesn't want this opportunity, I'll have to look elsewhere. Perhaps the Weller family, who's been excelling in wellness products lately, might be interested." Michael panicked, immediately forcing a smile. "Ms. Dickinson, please don't be hasty. Of course, we at Rhodes Corporation are eager for this partnership with Amberpeak Corporation. Only a fool would reject it!" Ruby smirked, adding, "You can want it all you like, but I only trust Mr. MacAfee, so he'll be my sole point of contact for this collaboration." Michael
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 517
The Rhodes Corporation executives wore pleased expressions, their eyes filled with flattery and admiration as they looked at Ruby. Although Rhodes Corporation was a strong player, its influence was largely confined to Jayrodale. Even though the Rhodes family had ventured into Blumedale to expand their reach, they had only managed to secure a foothold, far from becoming a dominant force. Amberpeak Corporation, on the other hand, was a renowned giant in the pharmaceutical industry. If Rhodes Corporation could truly secure a partnership with such a powerhouse, it would undoubtedly be a golden opportunity. Ruby turned to Lauren with a smug smile. "Ms. Rhodes, do you believe me now?" Lauren frowned. "Amberpeak Corporation is already a leading authority in pharmaceuticals. If they were looking for partners, it would make more sense to find them in Blumedale. "Ruby, for you to claim you're representing Amberpeak Corporation and to come all the way to Jayrodale for collaboration—it
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 516
They all thought it was an absurd and comical proposal, wondering how Andrew could even say those words with a straight face. Everyone in the room had braced themselves for Andrew's lack of professionalism, but they had not expected anything this outrageous. Suggesting the company's CEO should guard the main entrance? Recommending the head of the Pharmaceutical Division be reassigned to manage the warehouse? It was the kind of logic that could only come from a "genius" with a truly unique imagination. Troy was the first to snap, standing up and shouting, "I object!" "Object!" "I object too!" "Unconditionally object! This is outrageous!" Not a single executive supported Andrew. They all glared at him, their voices raised in protest, their faces red with indignation. Andrew shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, since everyone objects, let's just pretend I never said it." Michael, still seething, sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, the company's meeting room is a place for discussing serious mat
