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Chapter 152
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Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 153
Herman glanced down at Erica's lifeless body, her wide-open eyes frozen in death. Fury consumed him as he kicked the chair behind him aside and stepped directly into Andrew's path. "Step aside, or you'll meet the same fate as them," Andrew warned in a low voice. Herman bristled at the insult. "You arrogant child, how dare you disrespect me!" He snarled, "Do you even know who I am? I'm an elder of the Crimson Allianceโsurrender now, or even if you kill the Maddens, our clan will hunt you to the ends of the earth." "He's right, Andrew!" Tony chimed in, suddenly hopeful. "Touch me, and the Crimson Alliance will never stop hunting you. You probably don't know this, but they're the force behind East Side's power!" Andrew shook his head dismissively. "The Crimson Alliance? Should I be impressed? Sorry, but I don't keep track of every minor league martial arts organization out there." Herman smirked. "Our clan ranks among the top five martial arts organizations in all of Jayrodale
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 154
Herman's face contorted with rage as he spun around and slapped Tony, sending him flying across the room. He screamed, "Get away from me, you idiot! Don't you realize the trouble you've gotten us into?" He continued, "Instead of standing there clueless, you should get on your knees and beg for mercy!" Tony clutched his swollen face, his mind completely blank. Beg for mercy? What was happening? Nothing was making sense for Tony. Suddenly, about 200 men in black suits rushed into the building, quickly subduing all of East Side's remaining thugs. The suited men parted to make way as two figures walked in. Dylan walked in, immediately stunned. Meanwhile, leading the way was an elderly man with a cane, dressed in a style suit, radiating an air of authority so powerful it silenced the chaos around him. "M-Mr. Yates, whyโฆ why are you on my turf?" Tony stammered. Marvin, the wealthiest man in Jayrodale, ignored Tony completely and respectfully approached Andrew. "Mr. Lloy
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 155
"Please, help me beg for mercy and spare my life," Herman pleaded. Marvin responded coldly, "Given the Crimson Alliance's influence in Gabo Creek, I might have considered showing you mercy, Herman. Unfortunately, you didn't offend meโyou offended Mr. Lloyd. Do you honestly think that even the reputation of a Crimson Alliance elder is enough to earn forgiveness in this case?" Herman's face turned ashen as he laughed bitterly. "You're rightโฆ I don't deserve mercy. This is my fate, my terrible luck." "Mr. Blackwood, who the hell is Andrew?" Tony demanded through gritted teeth. "Stop wallowing and explain! He can't possibly be that important!" Herman's expression grew lifeless as he sighed. "Since even Mr. Yates has acknowledged the truth, I might as well tell you, you ignorant fool." He continued, "He's not just importantโeven the most powerful would bow before him. He's a Lloyd and has the Blood-Eyed Black Dragon on his chest. Do you know what the tattoo signifies?" Tony gulp
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 156
With a sudden burst of movement, Herman struck Tony's head with his palm. Tony was stunned, muttering, "Mr. Blackwood, youโฆ youโฆ" Blood sputtered from his mouth and nose, and he did not even finish his sentence before collapsing. With a blank face, Herman said, "The moment we provoked Mr. Lloyd, we were already set to be buried six feet under. Don't worry. I'll join you soon." Dylan watched the scene unfold with chills running down his spine. Without any physical force or coercion, Andrew's mere identity had driven both a martial arts master like Herman and a crime lord like Tony to their deaths. He could not comprehend just how powerful Andrew's true identity was. "Mr. Yates, after I'm gone, please don't bring trouble to Crimson Alliance or my family," Herman begged, still kneeling. "Can you promise me this?" "Mr. Lloyd never harms the innocent," Marvin replied coldly. "Rest assured, the Crimson Alliance and your family will be safe." Herman sighed in relief before bit
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 157
Andrew scoffed without saying a word. Francesca assumed he was just talking tough since wiping out all of East Side seemed impossible. Well, at least she had never dared to imagine it. Just then, her phone rang with a call from Lauren. As soon as the call was connected, Lauren asked urgently, "Fran, something huge happened. Is Dr. Lloyd with you?" "Yes, he is. What happened?" Lauren's voice was deadly serious. "Ask Dr. Lloyd if he's responsible for eliminating the entire East Side and Tony." The question hit Francesca like a thunderbolt. Forgetting Lauren on the phone, she stared at Andrew in shock. She stammered, "Y-You actually destroyed Tony and all of East Side's criminal empire? How did you do it?" Before Andrew could answer, the hospital room door burst open. Irene rushed in, followed by other members of the Stevens family and Harvey. "Christie, Christie, are you okay? My baby, there's so much blood! How badly are you hurt?" Irene wailed, throwing herself beside th
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 158
Just then, Harvey chimed in, "Andrew, I used to consider you a friend for Christie's sake. But now you've gotten her hurt like this; I'm officially warning you to stay away from her, or else." His posture and tone suggested he was some noble protector, acting as if he would move heaven and earth for Christina's sake. Andrew's response was a cold laugh. "Oh, now you dare show your face? When Christina was in trouble, you were hiding away, acting all cowardly. Now that I've rescued her, you're here running your mouth. Aren't you ashamed?" "Who told you I didn't help when Christie was in trouble?" Harvey snorted. "Do you think Mr. Garner and Mr. Yates stepped in for no reason?" "Now you've got nothing to say, do you?" Irene sneered at Andrew. "It was Harvey who got Mr. Garner and Mr. Yates to deal with Tony." Andrew smiled wryly. "Is that what Harvey told the Stevens family, or just what you've assumed?" "That's none of your business," Irene snapped. "The point is, Christie'
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 159
Nonetheless, Harvey looked at the bright side of the situation. At least with Tony dead, he would never have to repay those millions owed to East Side. Just then, Christina stirred in her hospital bed, her face contorted in pain as she mumbled something. Irene immediately leaned in closer. "What is it, Christie? I'm here." "Help meโฆ Please help me!" Christina whispered faintly. "I'm sorry, Andrewโฆ I'm so sorry!" Though she was just talking in her sleep, Irene turned to Harvey with a smile. "Harvey, she's asking you to save her and calling your name! See? She's thinking of you even in her dreams!" Harvey's heart leaped as he rushed forward to take Christina's hand. "Don't be afraid, Christie. I'm here. I'll protect you from anything. You're my everything." However, as soon as he grabbed her hand, Christina began struggling in her sleep. "You're not Andrewโฆ Let go of me! Andrew, Andrew, where are you? I'm sorry. Can you save me?" Harvey's face darkened instantly. The other
Rising from the Ashesย ย ย Chapter 160
Andrew quickly removed his hand from Christina's, feeling awkward. Francesca raised an eyebrow and asked, "Ms. Stevens is in such a vulnerable state right now. You're not falling for her again, are you?" "It's not like that at all," Andrew replied wearily. "She got hurt because of me, so it's my responsibility to help her recover." "That better be all it is," Francesca warned. "You know Lauren would be heartbroken if you got back together with Ms. Stevens. I think you know that better than anyone." "Why are you bringing up Ms. Rhodes?" Andrew groaned. "That's completely unrelated." "Don't play dumbโit's totally related," Francesca snapped. "Everyone can see Lauren has feelings for you. If you break her heart, you're nothing but a jerk." Andrew wisely chose not to argue, knowing it would only make things worse. This irritated Francesca even more. "Well? What are your plans with Lauren?" "Ms. Rhodes has helped me a lot, and she's beautiful and kind. I consider her a good f
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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
