Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Before long, Andrew arrived outside Tiana's office. Jerry and his men stood at the door, guarding the entrance. The moment they saw Andrew approaching, they tensed up "Mr. Lloyd, why are you back?" Andrew's voice remained calm. "Move aside. I need to speak with Mrs. Rhodes."

Jerry frowned and took a step forward to block the door. Andrew barely spared him a glance-just one look. Yet, in that instant, Jerry felt like he had been struck by lightning. A wave of cold terror washed over him as if he had just been locked in the sights of a predator.

His entire body froze, and he mumbled, "M-Mr.Lloyd..."

Jerry pointed at Andrew, his heart pounding violently. He had only experienced this feeling once before.

It had come from a grandmaster, a legendary figure in the southern martial arts world. That man's strength had already surpassed the senior grandmaster level ten years ago, and his name alone commanded fear across all of Holtrien

Could it be that Andrew had reached that same level? If so, then this man was not just a monster. He was a monster among monsters.

Jerry gritted his teeth but did not dare step aside. Tiana's orders were absolute, and he could not disobey them.

Fortunately, at that moment, Tiana's voice sounded from the office. "Let him in, Jerry."

Jerry let out a deep breath, instantly relieved. He quickly stepped away, afraid that Andrew would take him out with a single punch if he did not.noveldrama

Andrew pushed the door open and walked straight inside.

Tiana sat behind her desk, looking exhausted. She forced a tired smile. "Andrew, you're here. Take a seat."

Andrew remained standing. "No need. But Mrs. Rhodes, you look... drained." Tiana was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "How is Lauren?" Andrew let out a dry laugh. "Oh? Now you care?"

A flicker of irritation crossed Tiana's eyes, but instead of lashing out, she leaned back in her chair and exhaled slowly.

"I suppose, by now, she must completely resent me," she murmured. "Her hatred and distance from me must have reached their peak."

She let out a bitter chuckle. "Tell me, Andrew-do you see me as a failure? A heartless woman? A mother whe would rather strike her own

In

daughter than abandon a worthless manike Michael? A cruel, ruthless woman?"

Andrew frowned, studying her carefully. “Mrs. Rhodes, what exactly are you hiding? Why do you insist on protecting Michael? Why are you willing to hurt your own daughter so brutally?"

Tiana let out a long sigh. She said, "I knew it. I can deceive others, but I can't fool you."

She glanced at him and smirked slightly. "To be honest, Andrew, I still don't like you. I hate how you never bow your head to anyone and refuse to acknowledge authority.'

She continued, "I hate that even in my presence, you never show an ounce of humility. And more than anything... I hate that you've stolen Lauren's heart from me-over and over again."

Tiana paused, then smiled again-this time, strangely self deprecating. "But even though I hate you," she admitted, "I have to admit, I've started to respect you."

She added, "Even if you are Marvin's pawn, even if you were meant to be nothing more than a weapon in

someone else's game... I can't deny

it-your skills, presence, and sheer

it-your

force are undeniable.

"I've been watching you for some time now, and I can see why Lauren is so drawn

to you. She loves you enough to defy me, to turn her back on our entire family...

all for you."

Tiana let out another hollow laugh. She was not a woman who gave compliments.

If anything, she was harsh, demanding, and relentless.

Howard, Michael-even the younger men in the family had never received an ounce of warmth from her. She had always been critical, always full of harsh words and expectations. When it came to Andrew, her initial instinct had been utter disdain-she had wanted to crush him

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