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Chapter 1108
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Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1109
The underling who had led the way rushed to explain, "I swear, Mr. Haywood, I personally saw Andrew and Aspen enter this exact room!" Seth's face twisted with fury, his voice low and cold. "Damn it allâĶ We've been played. Andrew lured us here on purpose. That bastard set us up." Davon, meanwhile, had his eyes locked on Christina with a hungry grin. "Mr. Haywood, forget Andrew and Aspen. This might've been a screw-up, but I call it a lucky one. Look at this beautyâshe's no less than Aspen, maybe even hotter. You wanted Aspen? Fine, I'll take this one for myself!" Seth glanced at Christina and had to admitâshe was stunning. "My apologies, Miss," he said, adjusting his tailored suit with practiced charm. "My men got a little overzealous just now. Please don't worryâI'll take full responsibility for the injuries your family suffered." Christina was not having any of it. Her fury erupted. "Take responsibility? You psychos broke my brother's legs! What the hell does an apology me
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1110
Quinton said firmly. "Don't worry. Dr. Lake is already on the way. Your mom and Leroy will be okay." Christina looked at her family, broken and bleeding on the floor, and fury surged through her chest. She said coldly, "I don't blame you for this, but the fact remainsâthese people attacked us out of nowhere. There has to be consequences." Quinton spun around and slapped Davon hard across the face twice. Davon hit the floor, blood pouring from his nose and lips as he screamed in pain. Even so, he did not dare fight back, not against Quinton. However, with venom in his voice, he growled, "Andrew, you bastard! This isn't over!" Seth's eye twitched. Quinton was the most respected heir in the capital among the Five Apex Families. Seth was not even close to his level, so all he could do was force a smile and mutter, "Quinton, I take full responsibility for this mess. I'll personally make it right with this young lady." Quinton snorted. "There's only one way you make it right.
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1111
While Andrew and Aspen did not witness Christina's family's tragic ordeal, it did not matter. They knew it could not have been pleasant. The two of them had arrived at the Supreme Capital Group's corporate office building. "Like I said, that family had it coming!" Aspen scoffed as she propped her long legs, clad in sheer black tights, right on the table. She had been running around all day and was seriously worn out. Andrew chuckled. "I didn't expect you to be this good at holding a grudge." Aspen's expression turned frosty. "I've always been petty. You should know that better than anyone." Andrew nodded like he was reminiscing. "Oh, I know. Back then, the great Stevens girl from Bridgefields looked down on the world like royalty. But look how things turned out. Now, you're my personal servant, obedient to every whim. If I tell you to strip, you wouldn't even dare cover up!" Aspen sneered. "Of course, I'll follow your orders. But you try telling me to strip? I'd rather die t
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1112
Aspen wondered how Andrew could be so cruel and heartless as to humiliate her like this in front of others. Tears welled in her eyes, but her resolve hardened. Even if she had to endure this monster's savagery, she would never surrender. The moment she was free again, she would end it all. Andrew, oblivious to the storm raging in her mind, brought the belt down hard across her backside. The leather split the air with a vicious snap, blooming fire across her skin. "This is for your defiance," he snarled, striking again. "For your arrogance. For still thinking you're above this!" Each lash seared like acid, pain radiating to her bones. A scream clawed at her throat, but pride choked it back. Instead, a stifled moan escaped, trembling and low. Andrew froze, belt raised. That soundâsoft, almost pleasuredâwas not the cry of pain he had expected. On the other hand, Aspen was horrified when she realized it too. Her gasp had curled into something wanton. Something that betrayed not
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1113
Andrew had not expected things to get this awkward. Nonetheless, he swore that despite the torn stockings, Aspen's pencil skirt had covered everything. There were no scandalous views or nosebleed-inducing reveals. However, Aspen clearly disagreed. She changed into a fresh pair immediately, then fixed him with a glare sharp enough to flay skin. "Quit staring. We're leaving. I booked a property viewing. We need a place to live, after all," Andrew said, eager to escape. As the capital city, prime real estate was not hard to find in Blumedale. Yet, Andrew was not just looking for luxuryâhe needed somewhere even the Goldings' assassins and the Haywoods' schemers would not dare touch. That was how they ended up at The Sovereign Residences. Aspen, who had been fuming in silence, finally spoke. "We can't afford a broom closet here, let alone a house. This isn't about moneyâit's about power and connections. The kind we don't have." "Which is why I called in a favor," Andrew said.
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1114
Luna was a woman Aspen had once idolized, envied, and dreamed of becoming. As the group approached, Aspen's usual pride evaporated. She lowered her head instinctively and stepped aside. However, Andrew remained rooted in place, still casually appraising the villas within The Sovereign Residences. "I like those two on the west side," he mused, pointing. "Good sunlight, and the layout shows at least some thought. But those three eastern ones? Tacky. Just wealth without taste." Aspen nearly choked, wondering if Andrew was idiot blind. After all, Luna and her entourage were right there, their uniforms impossible to miss. Yet, he kept running his mouth like he owned the place. She reached to yank his sleeve, but the tall officer was already in front of them. "Move," the officer ordered flatly. Andrew glanced over. "And you are?" The tall officer said nothing, simply adjusting his epaulets. The insignia gleamed: Colonel. There was no doubt that just like Luna, he was one of th
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1115
On the path to the summit of The Sovereign Residences, the tall colonel, Xavier Haywood, eldest son and rising star of the Haywoods, casually remarked, "Ms. Phelan, that man back thereâĶ Andrew, was it?" Luna replied, "Yes. That's Andrew Lloyd." Xavier smirked. "Turns out he's got quite the reputation. Apparently, he's already butted heads with my little brother, Seth. But the real joke? He's somehow pissed off the Goldings enough to earn a blood hunt. It's quite impressive that he's gotten multiple major families going after him in Blumedale." Luna frowned. "Oh? He's managed to provoke your family too?" Xavier chuckled. "Surprised me as well. For a nobody from Jayrodale, he'sâĶ oddly efficient at making enemies. That's quite a talent!" Luna's delicate brows drew tighter, her voice laced with icy reproach. "Talent? All I see is a dead man walking." Xavier's smile darkened. "You sound almostâĶ concerned, Ms. Phelan." Luna remained indifferent. "Pity is all I feel. Colonel Hay
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1116
The moment Zachary spotted Andrew, his face lit up, being all friendly. However, he bit back the title "General" at the last second, settling for "Mr. Lloyd". Beside him, Ruth bowed her head respectfully. "Mr. Lloyd, Ms. Stevens." Andrew smirked. "Zac, you'd better not be overselling this house of yours. I've got high standards." Zachary hurriedly said, "Mr. Lloyd, I swear on my life. If my villa isn't the crown jewel of The Sovereign Residences, you can toss me off the balcony. Many have been eyeing it, and even Xavier Haywoodâthat 'Unbeatable Warlord' of theirsâhas been frothing to buy it for years." Aspen could not help but ask, "Mr. FischerâĶ We just saw a tall colonel enter with Ms. Phelan. Was that Xavier?" Zachary nodded. "Most likely. He must've found out I was coming today and decided to show up first." Seeing Zachary's frown, Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Is this a problem for you? If it's inconvenient, we can look elsewhere." Zachary snorted. "That Haywood brute is
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Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1176
Yet, of all the fearless, reckless men they had encountered, neither Aspen nor Chantelle had ever seen anyone as stubbornly arrogant as Andrew. Both women were completely stunned, wondering where he even got the guts to say things like that. In this world, commoners fear officialsâbut officials? They fear the men with gunsâthe military. However, here was Andrew, treating a colonel like Xavier as if he were worthless weeds. It was utter madnessâlike a sparrow challenging an eagle, a lamb taunting a wolf. It was sheer recklessness bordering on suicide. With a thunderous swoosh, Xavier's massive broadsword came crashing down with enough force to split boulders and level trees. Just the murderous pressure from that swing made Chantelle's face go pale. She was starting to doubt if she could even stand up to Xavier herself. After all, Andrew looked like he was about to be torn in half by that blade. What infuriated her even more was that, at the height of danger, Andrew just st
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1175
"Colonel Haywood, you know full well that with your rank and position, you can't just go around killing people on a whim," Chantelle warned coldly. She added, "Besides, your friend Andarov used banned weaponry on Holtrien soil, which is a serious offense. You can be sure Mr. McCormick won't just let that slide." Left with no other option, Chantelle had to drop Derek's name to try to rein Xavier in. However, Xavier was not intimidated at all. His voice dripped with venom as he said, "Ms. Garcia, I respect Mr. McCormickâhe governs this province, and I'll give him that. But do you think the Haywoods' name should be trampled like dirt? Especially by some no-name punk who doesn't know his place? "I'll chop him into pieces, and if I have to, I'll apologize to Mr. McCormick myself. But with the military accolades I've earned, the Haywood family's backing, and my deep ties in the defense department, killing this bug wouldn't even cause a blip on the radar." Chantelle's stomach twiste
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1174
Chantelle sneered, "All in all, you're just an ordinary man, a slave to your desires with a pathetically mediocre mind." She had finally caught an opening to hit Andrew where it hurt, and she was not about to waste it. Andrew chuckled. "Ms. Garcia, you really do live up to your title as a master of psychology. You got most of it right. But you still missed one tiny detailâlike the fact that, right now, I've got a very clear image of your naked body in my mind." The bluntness of that line stunned Chantelle, and her expression twisted in outrage. She snapped, "Andrew! That was in the pastâhow dare you bring it up like it's nothing? Aren't you worried I'll kill you?" The usually cold woman was genuinely furious now. Andrew shrugged lazily. "I'm sitting right here, wounded and unarmed. Go ahead, kill me. But even if you did, you still wouldn't erase the fact that you once stripped bare in front of me." Chantelle raised her hand in fury but forced herself to lower it again with
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1173
Andrew was sitting on the lawn outside Serenity Villa, watching the crew from The Sovereign Residences repair his home. After the attack last night, it was a miracle the place was still standingâif the villa had not been built to the highest security standards, it would have been reduced to nothing but ash and rubble by the Srovika Federation mercenaries. Felix Daughtry, the security captain from The Sovereign Residences, a semi-martial king-level fighter, walked over with a grim expression and reported, "Mr. Lloyd, Serenity Villa took quite a hit. Full restoration might be difficult." Andrew glanced at him and said coldly, "I want it restored exactly as it was, and not just thatâThe Sovereign Residences will need to compensate me for all damages, including emotional distress. If that's too much, then I don't want the house anymore. I'll go to the press and let the world know just how useless your brand really is." Felix's face darkened, turning almost pitch black with anger. H
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1172
Since the night before, Xavier had been fully suited in military attire, standing vigilant and sleepless. He gripped a massive broadsword, and when the butler spoke, his voice was ice-cold. "Don't worry. Andarov won't fail me. That bastard Andrew is as good as dead." Though those were his words, doubt lingered in Xavier's mind. After all, Andarov never took this long to finish a kill. Nonetheless, the sun was risingâhe should be back any minute now. Andarov, commander of the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, was ruthless and battle-hardened. Xavier met him while stationed overseas, and after several missions together, they became close allies. "With the entire Blood Wolf squad under him, it doesn't matter if Andrew has bodyguards. He won't last five minutes," Xavier sneered, confident. He was already planning the next stepsâhold Seth's memorial as soon as Andarov returned, then introduce him to Luna to score even more clout. Having a famous international mercenary as a personal friend? E
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1171
At the Golding family estate, Elon exclaimed in disbelief, "What did you just say? Black Wolf is dead?" The butler, face tight with unease, replied, "Yes, sir. Early this morning, his body was found dumped in the sewer. The cause of death matched the last group of assassins perfectly. There's no doubt that it was Andrew who killed him." Elon's expression darkened instantly. "Even Black Wolf failed and ended up dead? Andrew... you've clearly been hiding more strength than we thought." The butler nodded gravely. "Sir, that man is definitely not some pawn on the board. Not only is Black Wolf gone, but the Srovika Federation mercenary commander the Haywoods brought in also died at Serenity Villa." Elon gasped. "Even Xavier's overseas hitman got wiped out? Are you absolutely sure?" The old butler's brow twitched. "Completely sure. This morning, both bodiesâBlack Wolf and the mercenary captainâwere found side by side in the sewer on Blumedale's main street." Elon clenched his ja
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1170
On the ground, Black Wolf writhed in pain, howling in disbelief. He finally understood why that last squad of heavily armed mercenaries had vanished without a trace after storming Serenity Villa. This place was not just a houseâit was a damn death trap. "Who sent you to kill me?" Andrew asked calmly as he twirled the dagger Black Wolf had dropped. Pinned down by Natasha and Dylan, Black Wolf was drenched in sweat, his shattered legs leaving him gasping in agony. He growled, "Why the hell should I tell you? You should know exactly who you've pissed off. Even if I'm in your hands, kid, if you lay a finger on me, the consequencesâ" Andrew did not let him finish. Instead, he drove the blade straight into Black Wolf's chest. Whatever threat Black Wolf was about to spit out died on his tongue. His eyes bulged in shock before his head slumped to the sideâdead. "If you didn't have the sense to act like a prisoner, then I did you a favor and sent you straight to hell. Next time, try
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1169
Aspen could not help leaning closer to see what Andrew was doing. To her surprise, his breathing was steadyâhe was already asleep. She stared at him, both amused and annoyed as she thought, 'I'm lying right next to him, and he still manages to fall asleep? Am I not attractive enough? Or does this guy just not find me worth the effort?' That split second of realization triggered an unexpected wave of disappointment and frustration in her. âĶ Meanwhile, outside Serenity Villa, a black figure moved silently across the ruined outer wall, climbing with inhuman ease. It was Black WolfâElon's secret weapon, a top-tier assassin with a reputation to match. A matte-finished blade dangled from his lips as he surveyed the building, swiftly memorizing the layout of the damaged villa. He was not alone. At least a dozen other men hid in the dark, surrounding the perimeter and lying in wait. Nonetheless, they were not predators, at least not to him. He scoffed, thinking, 'They're the bait,
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 1168
Through the second half of the night, Serenity Villa remained eerily quiet. Chantelle stepped out from her lookout post and announced, "Looks like no one else is coming tonight. Everyone should get some rest." Andrew stopped her. "Hold up. You all stay on watchâI'll go rest." Chantelle narrowed her eyes. "Are you giving me orders like I'm your subordinate?" Andrew responded calmly, "Not at all. I just want to isolate myself and draw the next assassin in alone." Chantelle frowned. "So, you're planning to be alone in a room and give the assassin a shot at you? You're using yourself as bait?" Andrew replied, "Exactly. One mercenary commander from the Srovika Federation is dead, but with the Haywoods and Goldings both after my head, there's no way they'd just send one decent hitter and be done." Chantelle nodded. "ThatâĶ makes sense. But you're injured. What happens if something unexpected comes up? Can you really handle it?" Before Andrew could answer, Aspen blurted, "It's
