LOGINShare
Chapter 181
Related chapters
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 182
Lauren watched this scene unfold with a dreamy look in her eyes. She admired his kindness and compassion, secretly wishing she could marry him right then and there. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside as Jerry rushed in with his men. When he spotted Andrew and Lauren, he briefly showed panic before quickly composing himself. He cleared his throat and said, "Ms. Rhodes, I'm impressed you found the trucks before I did. Your brilliant mind truly proves why you're the most exceptional member of the younger Rhodes generation!" Jerry laughed nervously, showering her with compliments while conveniently forgetting his earlier boastful promises about finding the trucks himself. Lauren smiled graciously. "Thank you for your efforts too, Jerry. The important thing is that we recovered the herbs." "Indeed… But did you manage to catch the criminals who stole it?" Jerry asked, trying to sound casual. Lauren shook her head. "The place was empty when we arrived, so we couldn't identify w
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 183
Andrew shrugged casually. "Those are your words, not mine." This finally pushed Jerry over the edge as he angrily shouted, "You fool! Stop trying to sow discord! I've served the Rhodes family faithfully for over 20 years. Do you think your petty words can discredit my loyalty?" In his fury, Jerry turned to Lauren and said respectfully, "Ms Rhodes, this pretty boy is insulting me. I demand justice." "Jerry, he just tends to be very direct with his words," Lauren stated diplomatically. "I know your loyalty to the Rhodes family, so on his behalf, I apologize." Jerry let out a cold snort and stormed off with his men, but not before shooting Andrew a murderous glare. Andrew, however, maintained his smile, completely unfazed. Once Jerry was gone, Lauren's expression turned ice-cold. "Do you think Jerry was telling the truth?" "I'd rather believe pigs could fly than trust him," Andrew replied without hesitation. Lauren burst into laughter. "You can be quite funny sometimes." A
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 184
Bane silently crouched down and examined Tracia's body. After a moment, he stood up with a grim expression and said, "She must've encountered a skilled martial artist." "What kind of master could kill a Rhodes family security chief?" Michael demanded angrily. Bane remained silent for a moment, his face unusually grave. "At the very least, someone on the level of a junior grandmaster—or maybe even a full grandmaster." He continued, "The ability to kill Tracia with a single punch is leagues beyond those amateurs who had just learned the basics." "Come on, Bane, you can't be serious," Michael said in horror. "How could there be a grandmaster hiding in this place?" To Michael, a grandmaster was practically a living legend—someone even the Rhodes family would show respect. In his mind, those figures were untouchable, being able to kill others without breaking a sweat. Bane snapped, "I never joke about such a matter. She died at the hands of at least a junior grandmaster." "Ba
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 185
Michael nodded nervously. "Thank goodness we weren't there when Tracia died. Running into that grandmaster would've been bad news. Still, it's unfortunate Lauren escaped, but at least we have the herbs. When she returns to Rhodes Corporation empty-handed, she'll have to answer for this failure!" At this thought, a hint of a smile returned to Michael's gloomy face. However, Bane suddenly tensed and shouted, "Who's there? Show yourself, or you'll regret it!" Michael spun around in terror, stuttering, "B-Bane, you don't think it's that grandmaster coming for us?" A broad-shouldered man emerged from the shadows, and Michael immediately relaxed. "Oh, it's just you, Jerry. You scared me half to death!" Jerry scoffed. "Mr. Rhodes, if you want to take over Rhodes Corporation, you need to show more backbone. Being spooked by every little noise makes you look like a coward." Michael laughed. "Relax, Jerry, it's just us three here. Even if I'm scared out of my wits, no one else will kno
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 186
Jerry immediately refused, "I'm sorry, but I won't do something that risky. Andrew is obviously very close to Ms. Rhodes. If I harm him, she'll never forgive me. I work for the Rhodes family to secure my future, not to be your hitman." Then, Jerry disappeared into the woods, ignoring Michael's furious expression. "Bane, since Jerry is too scared, why don't you take care of that guy yourself? Eliminate him before he causes more problems!" Michael suggested. Bane's face darkened with uncertainty as he replied, "We can't rush this… One wrong move, and we lose everything. We now know Tracia was killed by at least a junior grandmaster-level fighter, and that person might be backing Andrew. If that's the case, moving against him carelessly would only bring us trouble." Michael was frustrated by how his sure victory had turned into a complete defeat, and he shouted, "Bane, are you afraid of that worthless pretty boy too?" Bane scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous! I've dominated Gabo Cree
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 187
Lauren was shocked and exclaimed, "Even Mr. Weller Senior is here? Well then, let's see what they're really up to." Upon entering the main hall, Andrew noticed not only the Weller family members but also Christina. When she caught Andrew's glance, Christina remained expressionless and turned away. Harvey smirked, looking down at Andrew with contempt. Lauren greeted Kane respectfully, acknowledging his status as one of Jayrodale's most influential family patriarchs. His local influence sometimes exceeded even the mayor's, particularly in matters concerning traditional martial arts circles. "Lauren, it's been years since I've seen you!" Kane chuckled before breaking into a cough, quickly covering his mouth with a white handkerchief. Though Kane tried to be discreet, Andrew's keen eye caught sight of blood on the cloth, and noting Kane's pale complexion and dim eyes, he could tell the man was gravely ill. "Mr. Weller Senior, if you're unwell, we can discuss this another time
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 188
Lauren maintained her composure and replied, "My relationship with Dr. Lloyd isn't your concern, Mr. Weller Senior. Perhaps we should focus on business matters now." Kane's brows furrowed at her bluntness. As the head of a prestigious family, he was not accustomed to being dismissed, especially by a junior. His intentions were genuine—Harvey had mentioned Andrew's abilities, but from Kane's perspective, Andrew was clearly not in the same league as Lauren. However, unlike Harvey, Kane maintained his grace and smiled. "Very well, let me be direct. My price for the Oakridge Club is 150 million." The number shocked both Lauren and Andrew. "I'm sorry, Mr. Weller Senior, but at 150 million, I'll have to pass on this deal," Lauren replied, disappointed that Kane would try to take such a blatant advantage of her. Harvey chimed in with a smirk, "Lauren, we're giving you first priority here. If you're not interested, there are plenty of others lined up to buy Jayrodale's premier cl
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 189
The situation was frustratingly complex since Kane technically had the upper hand. As a family patriarch and Lauren's elder, Kane had made what appeared to be a concession by lowering the price by 30 million, making it difficult for Lauren to refuse without seeming disrespectful. If Harvey had been the only one present, Lauren could have continued negotiating. However, with the cunning Kane there, it was awkward for her, as a younger person, to keep bargaining. Nonetheless, she was not foolish enough to accept such an astronomical sum of 120 million dollars. Meanwhile, Harvey was secretly delighted that bringing his father along worked out so well. Kane's negotiating skills far surpassed his own, and the Weller family was past caring about their reputation—they just wanted to rip off the Rhodes family while they could. "Lauren, if there's no issue, let's sign the contract!" Kane said with a seemingly friendly smile. Lauren silently cursed the crafty old man while outwardly
Latest chapter
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1182
"He's my sworn brother, then standing up for him—no matter the cost—is 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 Xavier—young, sharp, and fierce in combat. The Wrights had Quinton—manipulative, cunning, and notorious for his ruthlessness. But Elon? He was… 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 Logan—someone he had always tried to i
Rising from the Ashes 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 favor—but 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 Ashes Chapter 1180
Xavier said, "Uncle Jude, you're in charge of internal discipline. My request is simple—either 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, "Xavier… 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 remains—you made a public promise and faile
Rising from the Ashes 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. … Meanwhile, back at the Haywood residence, the funeral was underway. The place was shrouded in white—the 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-handed…" After just a few gulps of alco
Rising from the Ashes 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 snapped—and Luna Phelan was not just anyone. "Playing games on a razor's edge… 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 Ashes Chapter 1177
Luna turned around, clearly reluctant to even look at Andrew, and said flatly, "I can save you once, maybe even twice—but not a third time. To be precise, the only reason I stepped in at all was because you've done favors for the Phelans… and for Marvin. "But next time? Your life or death will have nothing to do with me. So, here's my advice—tone 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 Luna—it 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 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 officials—but officials? They fear the men with guns—the military. However, here was Andrew, treating a colonel like Xavier as if he were worthless weeds. It was utter madness—like 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. McCormick—he 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 detail—like 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 past—how 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
