Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Jameson nodded, looking quite pleased with himself. "Now Joe-he's definitely an exceptional young man. I'm satisfied with him, no doubt. But being satisfied doesn't mean he's to my taste!

"Andrew, on the other hand, first of all-he's handsome, just like I was back in my prime. Second, he's got charm. Talking with him is actually fun, and that's rare these days

"But most importantly..." Jameson leaned in like he was about to share a state secret.

Tiana scowled. "Let me guess-because he lacks ambition and has no shame?"

Jameson grinned shamelessly. "Wrong! That kid gave me a pill that... let's just say it brought my manhood back to life! And the best part? Not only did I benefit, but you did too!

"So if we're being honest here, we both ought to be thanking him-and treating him right!"

Tiana's face flushed bright red. In the blink of an eye, she stormed over and smacked Jameson across the face. She shouted, "Disgusting! Filthy pig! I have no idea what I was thinking when I agreed to marry you in the first place! Jameson, you're absolutely revolting!"

Her strike came fast and fierce, fueled by the power of a semi-martial king-far more than an ordinary person could take.

However, like he had eyes in the back of his head, Jameson ducked just in time. He laughed, dodging with ease.

"I knew you were gonna go for the face! Nope-not today!"

He wore that same greasy grin as if it were his favorite accessory, while Tiana clenched her fists in frustration but did not follow up with another hit. Deep down, she still could not bring herself to really hurt him.

She huffed, "That kid can come if he wants, whether he lives or dies is on him. The Rhodes family won't lift a finger to protect him. We're not getting dragged into that mess."

With those words thrown over her shoulder, she turned and stormed out of the room, unwilling to spend another second in Jameson's company. As he watched her leave, the mischievous smile on Jameson's face slowly faded. A sharp gleam flickered in his eyes.

He muttered to himself, "Kid, there's only so much I can do to help from here, but I've gotta say I respect your guts. If the moment comes when your life's truly on the line... I'll step in. I'll make sure you don't go down alone.

"But for the most part, you're gonna have to carry your own weight. If you can't... then maybe you and Lauren were just never meant to be."

By four o'clock in the afternoon, the sun had already started leaning westward as Andrew finally arrived in Blumedale, the heart of Gabo Creek. Cars flooded the streets, skyscrapers loomed in every direction, and it was clear this city outshined Jayrodale in wealth and modernity.

As he crossed a plaza, a woman caked in heavy makeup stepped up to him with a flirty smile. "Hey there, handsome-looking for a hotel? I've got special services if you're interested!"

Andrew glanced at her. She was clearly older, and though her skin was starting to sag beneath the makeup, there were hints she had once been quite attractive.

"Sorry, ma'am, I've got a girlfriend," he replied with a casual grin.

The woman was not discouraged at all. She leaned closer and purred, "So what? You're out here all alone, no one

watching. Why not relax a little? Come on, we've got great rates-and even roleplay options! I promise, for just a little money, I'll give you a lot of pleasure!" swnovel

She reached out, trying to tug at his arm.

Just then, a sleek Rolls-Royce pulled up to the curb.

Fel

Andrew stepped away from her touch, smoothly walking toward the car. As he moved, he looked back and said, Look, ma'am, this line of work (not built to last. If you've saved up enough, it might be time to walk away." swnovel

11

The woman's eyes widened when she realized the luxury car had come for him.noveldrama

Her demeanor changed instantly as she scrambled to smile and bow slightly.

She replied, "You're right,

handsome ve actually been

thinking the same! Hey, why don't you leave me your number? I'll keep you company for a few years, then go find a decent guy and settle down!" swnovel

Andrew slid into the car without looking back. As the window rolled up, he said flatly, "No need for that. Just take care of yourself, ma'am. Time to move on."