Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Seth, what the hell are you doing?!"

Aspen had not expected the Haywoods to show up at their company, let alone that Seth would bring the family's private security team to block the entrance.

Furious and stunned, she shouted, "Get your people out of here right now-we're done! From this moment on, there's nothing between us!"

Seth let out a cold laugh. "Aspen, I gave you my heart, and this is how you repay me? Don't you see? Everything I've done, I did it for you. Just trust me I'll save you from that devil and set you free!"

Aspen's voice turned ice cold. "Seth, you've got this all wrong. Maybe I didn't exactly choose to become Andrew's slave... but I'm sorry, I don't need rescuing either."

Seth's face twisted, and he ground his teeth as he snapped, "I saw it last time, Aspen. You've got some twisted feelings for Andrew, don't you? You act like you're trapped, but deep down, you like it, don't you?"

Aspen's cheeks flared red-part rage, part something she could not quite name. She shouted, "You're out of your damn mind! That's complete garbage! Do you think I want to be like this? If he didn't have dirt on me, do you really think I'd put up with any of this?"

Seth sneered. "Garbage, huh? Please. Aspen, stop lying to yourself. That's classic Stockholm Syndrome-you've caught feelings for your captor. Honestly, it's pathetic."

Ignoring Aspen's mortified, furious expression, Seth softened his tone and pressed on. "But don't worry. I'll still save you from him. I know none of this was your choice. And soon, I'll give you real freedom-and love, unconditional and all yours."

Panicked, Aspen turned to Andrew. "Andrew, you need to go. He brought the Haywoods' security squad! You can't take them on alone. I'll hold them off-just go!"

Yet, Andrew did not move. The so-called Haywood guards and Seth were nothing more than a circus of clowns in his eyes. Instead, he just stared at Aspen with an odd look in his eyes.

Annoyed, she snapped, "What? Why are you just standing there? Go already!"

Andrew raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, what he said about you having Stockholm Syndrome is it true?"

Aspen's heart skipped a beat as an overwhelming wave of shame hit her, but she scoffed. "Do you think it's true? If you really believe that, then you're giving yourself way too much credit. noveldrama

"Andrew, I hate you-hate you more than anything. You think I'd admire you? Or have feelings for you? Keep dreaming."

With that, she let out a mocking laugh, like the very idea of loving him was beneath her.

Andrew exhaled deeply. "Good. That's a relief."

Somehow, seeing how he looked so relieved and satisfied by her denial made Aspen's blood boil. She was pissed.

Seth snarled, "Fine! Since you won't leave, then you can die right here. Let's see how you handle this many of Haywoods' men!"

Andrew spoke slowly, completely

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unfazed. "No need to rush. I already messaged the governor's office. I told them our company's under attack by a group of violent thugs-emergency level, critical situation.

"This is the capital-in broad daylight. Peace and order are sacred here. And Supreme Capital Group? We just became the governor's officialpartner. So tell me, in his territory, when someone dares to lay a hand on one of his own what do you think the governor's going to do?"