Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

+25 BONOS

Marcus kept trying to explain himself, but it was useless.

One of the officers snapped the cuffs onto his wrists and said, "Mr. Chapman, as the head of Rhodes Corporation's Pharmaceutical Division, you're under investigation. The authorities are taking this case very seriously-everyone from Rhodes Pharmaceutical is being detained for questioning, so I hope you understand."

Marcus sighed in frustration. He knew there was no way he could talk his way out of this.

Michael had caused an absolute disaster, and everyone at Rhodes Pharmaceutical was being treated like high-risk suspects. A few of Michael's close associates, used to being arrogant, started cursing and resisting the officers.

That did not last long-each of them took a hard baton strike to the stomach, doubling over in pain before getting cuffed and thrown to the floor.

At that moment, Andrew stepped forward. "Officers, Mr. Chapman is one of my people. Can you let him go?"

The officers looked up and immediately straightened. "Mr. Lloyd!"

One of them smiled. "Since you're vouching for him, we can make an exception. Mr. Chapman, you're free to go-for now."

With a click, Marcus's handcuffs were removed. He was stunned. "Mr. Lloyd, you have connections in law enforcement?"noveldrama

Andrew replied casually, "A little."

Marcus did not believe that for a second. If Andrew could get someone released with just one sentence, that was not 'a little'-that was some serious influence.

Michael's lackeys, seeing Marcus freed, lit up with hope. One by one, they started shouting at Andrew.

"Mr. Lloyd, we're innocent too! Please help us!"

"Mr. Lloyd, I can't go to jail-please, I'm begging you!"

"Sir, you're powerful and generous-have mercy and get them to release us too!"

One of the officers turned to Andrew and asked, "Mr. Lloyd, are these men with you as well?"

Andrew glanced at the ceiling and answered indifferently, "Never seen them before. I can't stand criminals-hurry up and take them away. Honestly, execution wouldn't be a bad idea."

+25 BONO

The officers immediately scowled and tightened their grip on the men, shoving them toward the exit.

Michael's associates instantly felt dread washing over them, and their faces fell. Not only had Andrew

refused to save them, but he had et

also thrown them under the bus, labeling them as criminals and even suggesting they be executed.

It was pure psychological warfare.

"Andrew, you heartless bastard! You'll rot in hell for this!"

"We didn't do anything! It was Michael, not us!"

"Andrew, you son of a bitch. I'll never forgive you for this!"

Their furious curses echoed even as they were dragged away.

Francesca covered her mouth, laughing. "Andrew, do you have a personal grudge against them?"

Andrew rolled his eyes. "Of course I do. They've always strutted around with Michael, acting like smug little tyrants. Foday, I finally got my chance. If I don't make them suffer a little, I'd be letting myself down."

"}

Just then, a commotion erupted as Michael was hauled out in handcuffs. Leading

the arrest was none other than Donald himself.

He sneered. "Mr. Rhodes, claiming you're innocent won't do you any good. We'll

see what the court has to say after a full investigation."

Michael was in complete disarray, his hands cuffed behind his back, his face twisted in rage. Donald, you fat pig! I'm the heir of the Rhodes family! Do you think you can just throw me in jail? The Rhodes family won't let this slide!"

11

Donald smirked darkly. "You really think you can threaten me? You're nothing but

an arsonist.

“།

With that, he grabbed Michael by the hair and smacked him twice across the face.