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Chapter 1112
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Rising from the Ashesย ย ย 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 luxuryโhe 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 moneyโit's about power and connections. The kind we don't have." "Which is why I called in a favor," Andrew said.
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย 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 Ashesย ย ย 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 thereโฆ 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'sโฆ 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 almostโฆ concerned, Ms. Phelan." Luna remained indifferent. "Pity is all I feel. Colonel Hay
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย 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 Haywoodโthat 'Unbeatable Warlord' of theirsโhas been frothing to buy it for years." Aspen could not help but ask, "Mr. Fischerโฆ 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
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1117
When Zachary said Andrew was the buyer of his property, the group was dumbfounded. The wealthy heirs even stared at him in disbelief. One asked, "Mr. Fischer, you can't be serious! Of all people, you'd sell Serenity Villa to some nobody?" Another laughed. "I get itโthis is one of Mr. Fischer's jokes! It has to be!" There was simply no way the crown jewel of The Sovereign Residences could be sold to some bottom-feeder. The heirs burst into forced laughter, scrambling to smooth over the absurdity. Even Xavier, after a stunned pause, joined in with a chuckle. "Zachary, you had me going there for a second! We're both military menโthat's a bond thicker than blood. Come on, name your price. This villaโฆ let's just say it's critical for me." Zachary shook his head. "I'm not joking. The ownership of Serenity Villa is ready to be transferred." Xavier's smile stayed polished, but his grip tightened on Zachary's shoulder. "Perfect. Then let it change hands to me. Unlessโฆ Our brotherhood
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1118
"Oh, and name your priceโjust send me the number later, and I'll wire you the money." Andrew cut straight to the point, demanding the keys. He had had enough of these so-called elite bratsโeach one so full of themselves. He wondered why they were barking and acting so arrogantly. Zachary did not waste time either. He swiftly pulled out a palm-sized velvet box and handed it to Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Serenity Villa's jade key. It's not the most practical for daily use. Once you and Ms. Stevens move in, we'll register your fingerprints and retinal scans. After that, you won't even need a key." Andrew casually tossed the box to Aspen and strode toward Serenity Villa's gates, muttering, "Got it." Aspen fumbled to catch the box, her face a picture of stunned disbelief. The most exclusive villa in The Sovereign Residence had just been sold without a contract, negotiations, or even a grand handover ceremony. She stood there, utterly bewildered. Xavier's face darkened instantl
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1119
Zachary turned to Luna with genuine regret in his tone."Ms. Phelan, my sincerest apologies. Had it not been for Mr. Lloyd, I would've been happy to accommodate you with Serenity Villa as a gesture of goodwill." Luna's expression remained unreadable, her voice frosty. "The villa is yours to sell, Mr. Fischer. I've no interest in petty squabbles over property." Zachary gave a polite nod and, with Ruth in tow, took his leave. His business here was doneโthe villa now belonged to Andrew. The moment he was gone, Luna's mask of indifference shattered into glacial fury. Xavier, scrambling to salvage the situation, muttered, "Luna, I swear I'll get that villa for youโ" Luna said calmly, "There's no need. Zachary already gave it to Andrew, so naturally, we no longer stand a chance. That's thatโI'll be leaving now. Oh, and Colonel Haywood, you and I are in a superior-subordinate relationship. Whether it's on base or out in the field, I expect you to remember that. "So from now on, I w
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1120
Aspen ran through every room and checked out the front and back of the house. By the end of it, her legs were sore. Even so, instead of feeling tired, her delicate face was lit up with excitement and wonder. "Hey, this place is hands-down the best, fanciest, and most expensive location I've ever seen in my life!" she said, rubbing her aching calves while smiling up at Andrew. Andrew replied casually, "Judging by that smile you can't wipe off your face, I'm guessing you're falling in love with it?" Aspen pouted. "Saying I'm not would just be lying to myself. Serenity Villa is clearly the kind of estate that money alone can't buy. A place like thisโฆ I'd say only the top families in Blumedale are worthy of it." Andrew let out a dismissive snort. "Don't put those so-called Blumedale elites on a pedestal. Serenity Villa isn't some heavenly paradise. Just rememberโthe view from the top is always the most breathtaking. And Blumedale in Gabo Creek Province? That place barely makes it t
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Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1182
"He's my sworn brother, then standing up for himโno matter the costโis only right," Logan said firmly. Elon's face instantly darkened, and deep inside, a gnawing jealousy bubbled up. Despite being the most low-key of the Five Apex Families' younger generation, Logan was arguably the most terrifying. He was about to take over the Keller family, a rising powerhouse. The Haywoods had Xavierโyoung, sharp, and fierce in combat. The Wrights had Quintonโmanipulative, cunning, and notorious for his ruthlessness. But Elon? He wasโฆ just Elon. He was overweight, lacked presence, and had just been publicly humiliated when word spread that his wife had cheated on him. His reputation was already slipping, and now he had become the joke of Blumedale's elite circle. Still, no matter how pathetic things seemed, Elon believed he was far better than the man Andrew was. In his eyes, they were not even in the same league. So, it burned him even more to see Loganโsomeone he had always tried to i
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1181
"Logan, don't you know Andrew killed my younger brother?" Xavier shouted furiously. It was understandable for Luna to speak up. After all, the Phelans owed Andrew a small favorโbut now even the Keller family was interfering. If this continued, Andrew would not just remain unharmed; he would likely rise to prominence in Blumedale. Andrew's rise would be a direct slap in the face to the Haywoods, humiliating them beyond redemption. Roy spoke grimly, "Logan, you're set to lead the Keller family. You should know better than to blur right and wrong. Andrew repeatedly humiliated the Haywoods and even murdered Seth. Do you expect us to swallow such a huge insult?" Logan replied calmly, "Mr. Haywood Senior, you know exactly why things turned out this way. I hate to say it, but Seth brought his death upon himself. Andrew may be impulsive, but he's done nothing wrong in my eyes." "I'll say this only once: if the Haywoods continue their vendetta against him, the Keller family won't stan
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1180
Xavier said, "Uncle Jude, you're in charge of internal discipline. My request is simpleโeither throw those losers out of the Haywoods and make them manage some backwater branch, or I'll kill them myself. And I doubt anyone in the family would object." Jude's eyelids twitched violently as he cursed the brats under his breath. Out loud, though, he nodded quickly and replied, "Don't worry, Xavier. I'll make sure they're kicked out of the family for good. They won't even get close to the front gate again." Xavier snorted and walked off, leaving Jude staring at his back, shaking his head. Jude muttered to himself, "Xavierโฆ you really are the pride of the Haywoods. But you're spoiled by your status. With your father as the family head and all the elders favoring you, you've always kept the other branches under your heel. "That's understandable since you're the future heir and our strongest fighter among the younger generations. But the fact remainsโyou made a public promise and faile
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1179
Tiana had already been urging Andrew to make a trip to the Rhodes residence. With his current matters finally settled, Andrew made his way there. โฆ Meanwhile, back at the Haywood residence, the funeral was underway. The place was shrouded in whiteโthe last rites for Seth. It should have been a major event, but the atmosphere among the Haywoods was lifeless. No one looked remotely interested, and many of the younger members were outright slacking off, hiding in corners, smoking, drinking, and chatting. Someone whispered, "Xavier's the eldest son of the Haywoods and a damn colonel in the military, yet he couldn't even bring back Andrew's head? What a letdown." Another chimed in, "No kidding. Seth got taken out like that, which is a direct slap to the Haywoods' face." "Honestly, I've never seen our family this humiliated. Xavier even said he'd kill Andrew within three days or take his own life. Big talk for someone who came back empty-handedโฆ" After just a few gulps of alco
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1178
Aspen and Chantelle both gasped in disbelief. They could not believe that Andrew had just toyed with Luna like she was some puppy. He offered her a treat, dangled it right in front of her face, and then yanked it back when she reached for it. Anyone with an ounce of pride would have snappedโand Luna Phelan was not just anyone. "Playing games on a razor's edgeโฆ Andrew, I'll be watching," Luna said coldly. "I'll watch how you destroy yourself." Her expression turned colder than it had been even when confronting Xavier.With one sharp step, she kicked up a gust of wind and vanished into the air. It was a clear sign that she was not just leaving, she was unleashing her fury. "That footwork was terrifying," Chantelle muttered. Even Aspen looked shaken. "Keep acting like this, Andrew, and someone's gonna hack you into pieces one day!" Chantelle snapped. After one last angry glare, she stormed off too. Aspen did not have quite the same fire in her. This demon of a man was hear
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 1177
Luna turned around, clearly reluctant to even look at Andrew, and said flatly, "I can save you once, maybe even twiceโbut not a third time. To be precise, the only reason I stepped in at all was because you've done favors for the Phelansโฆ and for Marvin. "But next time? Your life or death will have nothing to do with me. So, here's my adviceโtone it down. This is Blumedale, not Jayrodale. You could show off back there, and no one cared, but here? Power and politics clash every second. Dying young might be the only fate you're headed for." Andrew frowned. "Luna, are you sick or something? Did I ask you to save me?" That one line did not just offend Lunaโit also lit a fire in Chantelle. "Andrew, what the hell is wrong with you? General Phelan just saved your damn life. You didn't even say thank you, and now you're blaming her? Are you even a man?" She was speechless, thinking the guy was seriously unbelievable. Andrew shot her a cold glare. "Shut your mouth. No one asked for
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย 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 officialsโbut officials? They fear the men with gunsโthe military. However, here was Andrew, treating a colonel like Xavier as if he were worthless weeds. It was utter madnessโlike 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 Ashesย ย ย 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. McCormickโhe 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 Ashesย ย ย 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 detailโlike 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 pastโhow 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
