Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

A storm was brewing In Jayrodale. For Lauren's sake, Andrew knew he could no longer stay confined to this city he had to extend his reach into Blumedale.

Leaving Moonlit Apothecary, he sent a message to Dylan and Natasha, instructing them to meet him in West Side. He needed to strengthen their abilities if they were going to handle the changes ahead.

On the drive, his phone rang-Donald was calling.

"Mr. Lloyd, I hate to say this, but I failed. I couldn't bring Michael to justice."

There was frustration in Donald's voice, thick with unwillingness to accept defeat.

Andrew remained calm. "No need to be discouraged, Mr. Warren. Tell me exactly what happened."

Donald's tone hardened with anger. "The order came directly from Mr. Thatcher. He commanded Michael's unconditional release. I was furious and demanded to know why, but all Mr. Thatcher said was that Michael had people backing him from above.

"I've dealt with plenty of criminals trying to pull strings before, but in the end, justice always caught up with them. Yet somehow, Michael walked free like nothing happened. Word is, his father, Kenny, reached out to someone powerful in Blumedale-a high-ranking figure who made a single call to the state office.

"You know how it works, Mr. Lloyd. When an order comes from the state, I have no choice but to obey. Even Mr. Thatcher had to comply without question.'

Andrew's eyes darkened. "Kenny called in a favor from the Golding family. That 'high-ranking figure' you're talking about is likely one of their top leaders-maybe even the head of the family himself."

Donald sucked in a sharp breath. "What? Michael and his father actually managed to form ties with the Goldings? No wonder! That explains everything!" Andrew asked, "Mr. Warren, how much do you know about the Golding family?"

Donald hesitated before replying, "I wouldn't say I know them well, but their name carries weight across all of Gabo Creek. I went to college in Blumedale, and even back then, the Golding family was an unstoppable force.

"They're one of the 'The Five Apex Families' of Gabo Creek, and their influence runs deeper than most people can comprehend."

Andrew raised a brow. "The Five Apex Families? Tell me about them."

Donald took a breath before answering. "Gabo Creek is one of the strongest regions in the southern provinces. Nationally, people talk about 'The Three Titans and Five Apex'-eight of the most powerful families in the country."

"The Three Titans refers to the three ruling families in the capital-untouchable forces that no one dares to challenge. The Five Apex are the Wrights, the

Ramseys, the Goldings, the Ulrichs, and the Haywoods."

Andrew smirked. "So tell me, if I mobilized all of Jayrodale's underground forces, could we take down the Golding family?"

Donald nearly choked, his voice filled with panic. "Mr. Lloyd-please don't joke like that! My heart can't take it!

"The Golding family has its own

private security force, and their members are trained from childhood by top-tier masters. Sure,

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Jayrodale's underground groups have the advantage in numbers, but when it comes to high-level combat power, we won't stand a chance!"

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Andrew hummed thoughtfully. "I see."

Donald quickly added, "Wait - Mr. Lloyd, you're not seriou ly thinking about making a move against the Goldings, are you?"

Andrew dodged the question. "That's not your concern. But let me ask you-what about the Driscoll family? Where do they stand in Blumedale's hierarchy?"

Donald hesitated before answering, his voice even more cautious. "That's... even scarier than the Goldings. One of the Three Titans in the capital is actually from the Driscoll family.

"Anyone from their bloodline walks through Gabo Creek like they own the place. Hell, not just Gabo Creek- throughout the entire southern region, they're a force no one dares tocross."

Andrew chuckled. “Why do you sound so scared? You talk like you've personally

suffered under the Driscolls before."

Donald let out a bitter sigh. "To benoveldrama

honest... have. When I was in

college some rich punk from the Driscoll family bullied me. Cornered me in the bathroom and tried to make me drink piss."

Andrew's expression darkened. His voice turned cold. "Tell me you didn't bow your head. Tell me you fought back and shoved that Driscoll brat's face into the damn toilet instead."

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