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Chapter 194
Kaugnay na kabanata
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 195
Andrew smiled gently. "I'm not leaving. I just think building a specialized medical center at the Oakridge Club site would be better than running another exclusive clubhouse." Lauren beamed at him. "Oh, my precious Dr. Lloyd! You have such a noble heart, always wanting to help others! You have my complete support!" Francesca rolled her eyes. "Lauren, since when did he become yours? Don't be so shameless!" Lauren shot back playfully, "So what if I'm shameless? If you've got the guts, why don't you throw yourself at him too? Let him admire your legendary assets." Francesca flushed with anger and embarrassment. "Lauren, seriously?" As a petite woman with an exaggerated figure, Francesca often found herself the center of attention. While her appearance attracted admiration, she secretly found the constant focus a bit overwhelming. Being openly teased about it—especially in front of Andrew—made her burn with embarrassment. "Lauren, stop joking around!" she snapped, her face glo
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 196
Finley's attendants taunted Andrew with crossed arms, treating him like he was beneath them. "What are you waiting for, fool? Didn't you hear Mr. Moore's order?" "Mr. Moore is a very distinguished person. It's your own bad luck that you heard his business in Jayrodale, so do as he say! Or do you want us to help you?" Andrew frowned and spoke firmly. "Even if you're from a martial arts sect, does your leadership really teach you to harm innocent civilians so casually?" Finley snapped his fan shut with a sharp click and replied arrogantly, "Since you know I'm from a martial arts sect, you should understand that no one in Jayrodale can touch me even if I decided to do worse than just taking your tongue." Francesca's expression changed as she whispered, "Lauren, Andrew, maybe we should leave." Lauren remained silent but seemed to agree with Francesca's suggestion, while Andrew sat unmoved and asked calmly, "Ladies, is this Hidden Dragons really so powerful in the Gabo Creek are
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 197
One of Finley's attendants sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "Do you know how many women would kill for Mr. Moore's attention? You better not act like you're too good for him!" Lauren took a deep breath and replied coldly, "You're bold to act so arrogant on our turf here in Jayrodale. Fine—the Rhodes family isn't afraid to take on the Hidden Dragons." She reached for her phone to call for backup. Francesca also took out her phone, ready to call Cedric. Finley smirked as he leaned back, clearly amused. "Oh, calling for backup? Go ahead, call whoever you want. Just remember—I haven't laid a single finger on either of you. Even if your families send their forces, do you really think they can touch me? Go ahead, try it!" Andrew slowly stood up at this point. "Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Aickers, there's no need to make those calls." Lauren responded firmly, "Dr. Lloyd, we don't need to be afraid. The Hidden Dragons may be powerful, but the Rhodes family has never bowed to anyone in J
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 198
Andrew's slap sent Finley flying, causing the latter to howl in pain. Finley clutched his face as blood mixed with shattered teeth sprayed across the floor. Yet, it was not the searing pain in his mouth that stung the most—it was the sheer audacity of this nobody daring to strike him, fully aware of his connections. Did this guy have a death wish? "If you were a reasonable man, then even if you were just some street vendor, I wouldn't stoop to hurting you," Andrew said calmly, watching Finley wail in pain as blood seeped through his fingers. "But since you won't listen to reason, I couldn't care less if you're from the mighty Hidden Dragons or their leader is your granduncle—I'll do whatever I want." His words weren't particularly loud, but they carried an undeniable power that left Lauren and Francesca momentarily stunned. They had not expected Andrew to resort to violence so quickly, leaving Finley crumpled on the ground, likely with a broken jaw. "How dare you hurt Mr
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 199
Atlas snorted, "You already know Mr. Moore's status, yet your pretty boy here had the audacity to attack him." He continued, "While I'm willing to overlook this for the sake of the Rhodes and Aickers families, the Hidden Dragons aren't known for taking insults lightly. If I hadn't arrived in time, they would have torn him to pieces!" Francesca protested angrily, "Mr. Giordano, Finley was the one who was crude and offensive first. He was bullying Andrew!" Atlas retorted arrogantly, "Right or wrong doesn't matter here. What matters is that Mr. Moore's granduncle is the leader of the Hidden Dragons. And what is this boy toy of yours? If it weren't for you ladies, he'd already be dead." Lauren stood firm. "I'd like to see anyone try to touch Dr. Lloyd." Atlas spoke gravely. "Ms. Rhodes, you come from a prestigious family with a bright future. Don't waste your reputation on some pretty face." He then turned to Andrew with contempt. "And you, Andrew Lloyd—I've heard of you. You'
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 200
The demolition and reconstruction of the Oakridge Club would take some time. Andre handed all the responsibilities to Lauren, leaving him free to enjoy a rare moment of leisure. By the time he returned to Moonlit Sanctuary, evening had fallen. Under the warm glow of the fading sunset, Andrew removed his shirt and began practicing his punches in the courtyard. An elderly man sat at a stone table under an old tree, sipping tea with a smile. "Prince Andrew, your technique has become more fluid and natural. I've only seen such mastery in His Majesty himself!" Andrew continued his practice without turning. "Marvin, when did you get here?" Marvin chuckled. "I just arrived a short while ago. I made myself some tea since you weren't around. I must say, everything here is of the finest quality!" Andrew faced the setting sun as his movements became more controlled yet powerful. "Marvin, I'm no longer a prince, so drop that title. Here in Jayrodale, we should just live our own lives qui
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 201
Among the items Andrew needed to regain his strength and break the seals were the Seventh-Heaven Quince from Mark and the Morlic Root from Cedric. "The Radiant Group is holding an auction soon, and this Celestial Nymphaea is one of the featured items," Marvin explained. He continued, "With my connections as the wealthiest man in Jayrodale, I could have purchased the Celestial Nymphaea directly, but apparently, someone else has already shown interest in it. "The Radiant Group is in a difficult position and doesn't dare to sell it privately, which is why I came to you." Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. Give me the time and location of the auction, and I'll handle it personally." Marvin replied, "It's the day after tomorrow at 8 pm sharp in Radiant Group's underground hall." In Jayrodale, Radiant Group was a heavyweight in the jewelry, antiques, and luxury goods industry. For them to offer something as rare as the Celestial Nymphaea did not surprise Andrew. After all, he
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 202
Leroy shrugged dismissively and said, "Christie, how much is the Stevens family's reputation really worth?" "You won't buy me a luxury car, and when I try to get one from someone who can afford it, you say I'm embarrassing you—I don't understand what you want." Christina's chest heaved with anger. Her pride could not bear watching her brother behave like a bootlicker in front of Andrew. Her voice trembled with anger and hurt as she growled, "You must be really enjoying this, aren't you, Andrew? Watching Leroy debase himself and making our family look like fools." "So you're saying it's wrong for me to drive a luxury car?" Andrew asked calmly. "Aren't you just showing off to provoke Leroy and get under my skin?" Christina accused. Andrew chuckled. "Christina, you're overestimating your importance and underestimating me at the same time. It's just a car— what's there to show off about?" Irene smirked. "Who knows what tricks you're trying to pull now? But it doesn't matter b
Pinakabagong kabanata
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1188
It felt to Tiana like she had fallen into a vast, unfamiliar net—one she had never experienced before. She was sinking, drifting, wanting to break free. Yet, she was addicted to the thrill of it all. All these conflicting emotions passed through her in the blink of an eye, though they were layered and complex. Meanwhile, Andrew was completely unaware of the chaotic thoughts swirling inside her. To him, this was just another straightforward medical procedure. He was careful and respectful. He only touched what he had to, avoiding sensitive areas entirely. As a doctor, Andrew had no sense of guilt about what he was doing. Illness knew no gender; treatment was treatment. That was how he saw it. Whether others saw it the same way was not his concern. He calmly explained, "Stimulating your pressure points with needles and smoothing the meridians with massage helped your condition today. "But in the end, to restore proper balance, you'll still need a medicinal remedy to regulate
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1187
Tiana flinched, both shocked and furious, but she had no chance of dodging him. Under Andrew's hand, she did not stand a chance. However, the loud smack that followed was not across her face—it landed squarely on a pressure point along her waist. A wave of sharp pain shot through her body like a crashing tide. She gasped, "Ah… Andrew, you… stop, that hurts…" A strange moan escaped her lips, echoing awkwardly in the quiet room. Andrew muttered under his breath, cursing her madness. Without wasting time, he lifted her up and laid her down across the bed. Tiana stared up at him in disbelief, her eyes wide—until he pulled out a slim, metallic object. A gleaming golden acupuncture needle. "Mrs. Rhodes, your speech is erratic, your energy's spiking. I'll give you a few needles to stabilize your condition," Andrew said calmly. With that, he plunged the first needle into a targeted spot on her body. Tiana's breath hitched as her lips parted, and her reaction was a mix of pai
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1186
"If you called me here just to ask something this ridiculous, Mrs. Rhodes, then I'll be going now," Andrew said flatly as he turned toward the door. He did not dare stay a second longer, worried Tiana might start acting crazy like she did last time. If things spiraled out of control and someone like Jameson walked in on them, not even a hundred confessions could clear his name. "Stop right there!" Tiana snapped, her brows raised in defiance. "What's the matter? Are you that scared of being alone with me?" Andrew paused and looked back, his brows still tightly furrowed. "Mrs. Rhodes, you and I both know this isn't appropriate." Tiana stepped forward with a graceful sway, a trace of perfume trailing in her wake as she stopped right beside him. Her lips curled in a playful smile. "What's not appropriate? Can't a mother-in-law spend a little one-on-one time with her future son-in-law?" Andrew fell silent, exasperated. "You said you weren't feeling well. If you need help, I'll tak
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1185
Andrew finally paid a visit to the Rhodes family. "Andy, you're here! Come in, have a seat," Jameson greeted warmly, his tone unusually enthusiastic. The way he looked at Andrew was not just the admiration of a family elder—it was the hopeful gaze of someone eyeing a perfect son-in-law. Lauren giggled behind her hand. "Andrew, you've become quite the welcome guest around here. Everyone in the Rhodes family is thrilled you came." Andrew glanced around casually and noticed several of the Rhodes family's core members smiling and nodding in greeting. A few girls around Lauren's age were sneaking glances his way, their cheeks tinged pink. Cecelia, the youngest among them, blurted out, "Andrew, when are you marrying Lauren?" Andrew laughed and replied, "Anytime works for me." Cecelia clapped her hands excitedly. "Great! Let's do the wedding today and the honeymoon tonight!" Jameson's eyes widened. "Cece! Stop saying nonsense!" His youngest daughter was a wild one—always blu
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1184
Logan nodded and smiled. "Andrew's medical skills really are rare. Medicine is a deep and complex field, and among the younger generation in Blumedale, hardly anyone has any decent understanding of it. "Even top talents like Joe Driscoll or Luna Phelan from the three major families are focused on martial arts. When it comes to healing, there's nothing to talk about." George beamed. "What makes Andrew truly special is that he's not only exceptional in medicine, but his martial prowess is also extraordinary. Just the fact that he's survived the joint manhunt from two powerful families already tells me he's not to be underestimated." Logan frowned. "There's a rumor going around that Andrew survived only because someone powerful is secretly protecting him." George scoffed. "That's just idle gossip from nobodies parroting what they hear. If Andrew were weak, no amount of backing could keep him alive. Logan, remember this—life throws us many challenges, but there's one hurdle you mus
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1183
Elon's face turned red from the scolding, and he muttered bitterly, "I mean, I might not be great, but I'm still better than Andrew, right? Are you really saying that in your eyes, your own son is worth less than that guy?" Richard let out a cold snort. "You really care about comparing yourself to him? Fine then—do you want the truth or a lie?" Elon shrank back at his father's sarcastic smile and mumbled, "The lie… I guess." Richard scoffed, "Alright. If it's lies you want, then sure—you're way more promising than Andrew. That guy doesn't even deserve to be compared to you." Elon's face twitched. He wanted to laugh, but the words tasted bitter in his mouth. The lie was that he was better than Andrew. But the truth? The truth was that compared to Andrew, he was absolutely nothing. The more he thought about it, the more he realized—either way, he came up short. So what was the point in choosing? He silently cursed, 'Damn it!' Richard folded his hands behind his back, his
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
