Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The Goth family had set up over a dozen banquet tables and held a modest celebration in Andrew's honor. Aside from Andrew and Francesca's group, the Goths had also invited several of their own guests.

Sure enough, everyone who came up for a toast made a point to personally approach Andrew with respect.

At the same time, whispers were already spreading-many privately congratulated the Goth family for managing to connect with the head of Moonlit Apothecary. Still clueless about the full scope of her family's affairs, Nyla looked a little lost.

That was when Alfred stepped up and took charge of the event. However, he knew his place and never overstepped his bounds. He remained mindful at all times of the difference in status between himself and Nyla.

After all, the one calling the shots in the Goth family now was not him-it was that young girl. If Andrew had not been backing her, Alfred would have definitely fought for the family seat himself.

Nonetheless, as long as Andrew remained in the picture, Alfred understood he would forever be second-in-command, quietly supporting Nyla from the sidelines.

"Didn't expect we'd get to enjoy a full feast," Francesca said cheerfully as she walked out with Andrew. "The Goths really treated us pretty well this time."

Nyla would not be returning to work at Moonlit Apothecary anymore, so Francesca needed to arrange for someone new to take her place.

Andrew smiled and said, "Fran, while I'm away in Blumedale, things are going to be a bit hectic for you."

Francesca gave him a pout and said playfully, "Then hurry up and come back to keep me company, won't you?"

Andrew chuckled, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Francesca frowned slightly and said, "I wonder if Dominic and Camilla are really going to stay quiet. I need to stay on guard in case they try to sneak back into Jayrodale and reclaim power. Especially Camilla-she's got more tricks up her sleeve than a magician."

Andrew's tone turned flat. "They wouldn't dare come back. I already told Alfred-if they try, just end them."

Francesca gritted her teeth and said, "What about the Weller family? Or Shawn, for that matter? Andrew, aren't you planning to teach them a lesson?"

ta cold snort. "Before I

Andrew let out a

head to Blumedale, I've got some debts to settle. Shawn, that idiot, left Jayrodale and still had the guts to crawl back looking for trouble?4f I let him walk free after that, I might as welf wear a halo and call myself Saint Andrew." texample.com

Francesca perked up with excitement and asked, "So, how are you planning to deal with him? Can I come to watch the show?"

Andrew laughed. "Of course you can. Come if you want. But hey, since when did you get so into this kind of stuff?"

Francesca rolled

her eyes. "Back

when Grandpa was in charge of the

family, we weren't nearly bold

enough. If the Aickers had real bite,

I'd be like Lauren by now-icy, untouchable, and ready to crush whoever annoyed me." texample.com

Andrew thought about it and nodded. The Aickers had a big reputation, but their actual power

had always been shaky. Simon's net

betrayal had crippled them, and Cedric was getting old. Meanwhile, Francesca, as a young woman, was more into medical studies than power plays. texample.com

They were nothing like the Rhodes family, who ran a full-blown conglomerate and were constantly building ties across cities like Blumedale-every move they made was about getting stronger.

Andrew took a turn with Francesca down a side street, heading straight for the Fields family estate.

He had not brought backup. Dylan, Natasha, and the others had been left behind.

It was just him—charging solo toward the Fields family's doorstep.

The busty little firecracker beside him looked a little nervous. She stuck out her tongue and muttered, "Andrew, it's just the two of us showing up like this? Isn't this a little... bold?"noveldrama

Andrew gave a low, chilling laugh. "Yeah, it's bold—but we've earned the right to be bold."

His G-wagon skidded to a dramatic stop right in front of the Fields family's main gate, and two guards stepped forward. "Who are you here to see?"

Before Andrew could respond, Francesca puffed up and declared proudly, "Go get your family head. Tell him the underground king of Jayrodale is here to talk!"

The guards did not move. Instead, they both burst into laughter.

"Little lady, you're built just fine," one of them sneered. "Your chest is so big it's blocking your brain. Do you really think saying something that dumb makes sense?"