Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You Novel

Chapter 9 Christina stared coldly at Andrew , her eyes filled with disappointment , anger , and a hint of jealousy that she did not even realize .

Andrew , I cant believe you found someone new so quickly after we ended things , she said bitterly .

How foolish of me to feel guilty all this time .

I guess I was just fooling myself ! Andrew shot back , When it comes to moving on quickly , I could never match your efficiency , Ms.

Stevens ! You … Fine , you win , I cant argue with you anymore , Christina stammered , at a loss for words .

Laurens beauty , curvaceous figure , and commanding presence all made Christina feel incredibly insecure .

If the woman by Andrews side had been plain or unremarkable , she might have brushed it off .

Yet , Lauren was different she posed a real threat .

This woman did not fall short in any aspect compared to Christina .

She even surpassed her in some ways , like her more prominent cleavage .

Lauren was the complete package , oozing charm and sex appeal .

Shawns lewd stare said it all .

Moreover , this gorgeous woman was now clinging to the man Christina had given up .

It felt like a slap in the face , as if the universe was mocking her for being blind to Andrews worth .

Andrew , I think we need to talk privately , Christina said , taking a deep breath and looking directly at him .

Andrew remained unmoved .

Im sorry , Ms.

Stevens , but I have nothing to say to you .

Andrew , do you really want to embarrass me in public like this ? Christina snapped , her eyes starting to water .

Andrews resolve wavered slightly when he saw her vulnerable expression .

Alright , maybe we should- Before Andrew could finish , Lauren tightened her grip on his hand and interjected sweetly , Andy , some people may have looked down on you and pushed you away .

But dont worry , Im here now .

Whatever you want , Ill give it to you ! Her affectionate display made Shawn grit his teeth in envy .

He wanted nothing more than to take Andrews place .

He wondered just how many lifetimes of good karma this bastard cashed in to have such a beauty throw herself at him .

Christina spun around and hurried away , her dress rustling as she moved .

Only when she was out of sight did she finally let the tears she had been holding back spill down her cheeks .

Christina thought Andrew had gone too far .

She had been worried about him all along , yet he was flaunting another woman right in her face .

1/3 Chaneys Christie , Christie , walt up ! Irene and Shawn called out , suddenly flustered .

Irene turned to Andrew , her face twisted with malice .

You little bastard , look what youve done to Christie ! Dont get cocky .

A loser like you who lives off women will get whats coming to you sooner or later .

Youll be kicked to the curb in no time ! Shawn glared at Andrew .

Miss , step aside .

This plece of trash needs to be taught a lesson today .

Feeling triumphant after driving Christina away , Lauren coldly replied , Im warning you one last time .

My name is Lauren Rhodes .

Andy is with me , and if you dare touch him , Ill make sure you regret it .

Lauren Rhodes ? Youre the Rhodes family heiress , Jayrodales most beautiful woman ? Shawn exclaimed , suddenly backing down .

After all , the Rhodes family was too powerful for even the Fields family to mess with .

Shawn skulked away , but his envy and frustration were at their peak .

He was in disbelief at how a loser like Andrew deserved such luck .

He had just broken up with Christina , yet he immediately met a better , almost perfect woman .

Dr.

Lloyd , youre not upset that I interfered just now , are you ? Lauren asked with an innocent smile .

Andrew could not bring himself to be angry .

He smiled wryly and said , I know you meant well , Ms.

Rhodes .

You were trying to stand up for me .

.

Laurens eyes twinkled mischievously .

What if I wasnt just standing up for you ? What if I was serious ? Andrew looked at her , puzzled .

Lauren leaned in close , her soft body almost pressed against Andrews .

To be honest , Dr.

Lloyd , Im kind of tempted to … turn this act into reality , she whispered , her warm breath tickling his ear .

1 With a playful giggle , Lauren walked toward the fundraising hall with her bodyguards .

Andrew shook his head , silently calling her a tease , but could not help smiling as he followed her inside .

2 Christie , do you still have feelings for that loser ? Shawn asked with resentment as the Stevens Corporation group entered the fundraising hall under the watchful eyes of many guests .

Jrene chimed in , Christie , dear , you saw how useless that good for nothing is .

Now that hes left you , hes latched onto someone else .

Its embarrassing just thinking about it ! Christina had already regained her composure .

Ive cut all ties with him .

Whatever he does is Chagged b none of my business .

I just didnt expect him to be so disrespectful , bringing a woman here .

just to spite me .

Shawn gritted his teeth and said , That woman is Lauren Rhodes , the heiress of the Rhodes family .

Shes Jayrodales number one socialite .

I cant fathom what she sees in that loser Andrew Christinas face showed a flash of surprise , then understanding .

Of course , it all makes sense now .

When Shawn looked puzzled , Christina explained Think about It .

Who here tonight can compete with Stevens Corporation for the orphanage property ? Clearly , only the Rhodes family has that kind of financial power .

Laurens apparent intimacy with Andrew is just a ploy to throw me off my game .

Shawn slapped his thigh in agreement .

Thats gotta be it ! I knew there was no way someone like her would actually be interested in Andrew .

So , hes just an idiot , unknowingly used by Lauren as a tool to mess with your head .

Ive got to admit , shes quite sneaky ! Christinas face lit up with a confident smile .

I went through a lot to bring Stevens Corporation to where it is today , and Im not a fragile woman whos easily shaken .

The Rhodes family may be loaded , and Lauren might seem perfect , but Im no less than her .

Just then , the host announced the start of the fundraising .noveldrama

According to the rules , whoever donated the most would win the right to purchase the orphanage property .

Christie , how much are you planning to donate ? Shawn inquired .

Christinas voice was filled with determination .

Enough to crush any competition .

Ive said it before Stevens Corporation will have this property , no matter what .

Shawn was quick to flatter her .

Christie , you may be a woman , but you have more guts than most men ! With the Fields family backing you up , weve got this in the bag ! Irene beamed with pride .

Well said , Shawn ! Christie has always been perfect .

Thats why that loser Andrew should stay far, far away from her !