Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew agreed with Francesca's suggestion. Then, he pressed a point on Lauren's shoulder, and she immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Just then, noise erupted outside. Andrew frowned and was about to ask Francesca to check it out when Eunice, secretary, rushed in with a panicked expression.

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She reported angrily, "It's Michael. He's been released without charges."

Francesca's face darkened. "Released? He committed arson How the hell did the police let him walk free?"

Eunice sighed bitterly. "I don't know, but Michael is absolutely smug about it. He's out there right now, celebrating while his lackeys kiss up to him."

Andrew remained calm. "No need to speculate. Let's go see for ourselves."

In the Rhodes Corporation's banquet hall, Michael was surrounded by a crowd of sycophants, popping champagne and reveling in his so-called victory. The entire scene was loud, obnoxious, and filled with arrogance.

"Mr. Rhodes, you're incredible! Even the cops couldn't touch you!"

"Say no more-after today, I swear, I'm sticking with Mr. Rhodes!"

"With Mr. Rhodes in charge, Jayrodale is as good as his playground. Who the hell would dare challenge him?"

The endless flattery only made Michael grin wider, his arrogance reaching new heights.

Just then, Andrew and Francesca stepped into the room.

Michael, cigarette hanging from his lips, sauntered over and chuckled. "Andrew, what do you think now? I told you-those cops couldn't do a damn thing to me. You didn't believe me then, but I bet you do now."

Andrew smiled lazily. "Then congratulations, Mr. Rhodes. You've managed to crawl out of the lion's den and live another day."

Michael's face darkened. His smile twisted into a sneer as he spat, "Andrew, I've told you before-no matter what you do, you'll never outplay me. Even the police in Jayrodale couldn't touch me. So tell me, who the hell do you think you are?"

Andrew remained unfazed as he replied, "I'm nothing. But you, Mr. Rhodes you're something, alright. A worthless mutt. A pathetic pile of garbage. That's what you are. Satisfied?"

Michael's lackeys immediately flared up and lunged toward Andrew. "You think you can talk to Mr. Rhodes like that? You're digging your own grave!"

Michael raised a hand, stopping them. "Hold on. Don't touch him."

His smirk deepened as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "I'll personally make sure this bastard doesn't leave here alive."

He looked Andrew up and down with disdain. "Let me teach you a little something, Andrew. Out here in the real world, power and connections are what matter. You might think you're tough, but Jayrodale is just a tiny dot on the map. Someone like m? I'm on a whole different level one you'll never reach."

Andrew chuckled. "And you think that level comes from your daddy, Kenny, right? Let me make this clear-if you dare pull any more stunts, if you so much as try to hurt Lauren again, you won't make it out of Jayrodale alive."noveldrama

Michael's expression flickered for a split second before he let out a sharp laugh. "Well, well, seems like you've

done your homework. You actually know about my old man. But do you even realize how much power he holds? With just a flick of his finger, he could crush you."

Francesca clenched her fists. "Michael, what the hell are you so proud of? The head of the Rhodes family isn't your father-it's Lauren's father, Mr. Jameson Rhodes!"

Michael scoffed and waved her off. "Francesca, you're hot, but honestly, the only thing you've got going for you is your looks. Let me give you a little reality check. The one running the Rhodes family right now isn't Uncle Jameson. It's my father, the man who just secured an alliance with the Golding family in Blumedale.

"As for Uncle Jameson? Please. If I'm feeling polite, I'll still treat him like an elder, and let him keep up the act of being the head of the family. If I'm not I'll call him by his name to his face-and he wouldn't dare say a damn thing about it."

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