LOGINShare
Chapter 292
Related chapters
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 293
The gala officially began at six in the evening. Since Andrew and Dylan were not there to dance, they found a spot to sit down and sample the gourmet offerings while keeping an eye on Finley and Yvonne's movements. The West End gala attracted Jayrodale's elite society, and the dining area showcased nothing but premium delicacies. "There are some real beauties here, like that Serena," Dylan said admiringly. "I wouldn't mind getting to know such a sultry woman." Andrew gave him an odd look and said, "You're sick—you've got the Casanova Syndrome." "Mr. Lloyd, is this Casanova Syndrome serious?" Dylan asked anxiously, knowing that Andrew was a brilliant physician whose diagnoses were never to be taken lightly. Andrew peeled a lobster tail, popped it in his mouth, and shook his head. "This condition is usually incurable." "Incurable?" Dylan's face turned pale. "Mr. Lloyd, am I going to die?" "You won't die," Andrew laughed, making Dylan sigh with relief. "Mr. Lloyd, I've nev
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 294
It was clear that Natasha did not want Finley touching her, but he basked in the attention, beaming as he said, "Madam, you've heard everyone's requests. Since they all want to see us dance, how can you refuse?" Natasha frowned slightly. Finley was annoying as a persistent pest, but she worried that refusing him outright in front of everyone might cause a scene. Just then, a female voice cut through the tension. "If Madam Vostokoff doesn't want to dance with Mr. Moore, shouldn't a true gentleman step back rather than put her in an awkward position?" "Who do you think you are to meddle in my affairs?" Finley turned with displeasure. Aspen smiled, looking sharp in her tailored suit. "Mr. Moore, you seem quite temperamental. I'm Aspen from the Bridgefields' Stevens family." Finley nodded thoughtfully and said, "Ah, Ms. Stevens. Don't tell me you're also vying to be Madam Vostokoff's dance partner?" "And why not?" Aspen lifted her chin proudly. "Who says Madam Vostokoff's partn
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 295
"Is there a problem?" Natasha asked with a smile. "Madam, please hear me out," Aspen said seriously. "Andrew isn't worthy of being your dance partner. In fact, he's not even worthy of being your servant." Natasha shook her head and replied, "Ms. Stevens, this is my business. Now, if you'll excuse me, we can chat more after the gala." After that, she walked straight toward Andrew, leaving Aspen stunned. The other guests had also noticed Natasha's movement, and whispers began to circulate through the crowd. "What's so special about this guy that Madam Vostokoff would ask him to dance?" someone muttered. "She even turned down Finley. Could she actually be interested in him?" another wondered aloud. "That's no ordinary guy—that's Andrew Lloyd, and rumor has it that he doesn't even bow down to Finley or Atlas!" someone explained. The crowd buzzed with gossip, especially the men who watched jealousy as Natasha smiled at Andrew like a lovesick teenager. Finley squeezed Yvo
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 296
Christina could not understand how Andrew had such an effect on these exceptional women. First Lauren, then Francesca, and now someone even more remarkable—Natasha, the powerful widow who ruled West End. Returning to the lounge, she said to Aspen, "Aspen, let's just head home." Aspen shook her head. "Not yet, Christie. You need to learn to handle these situations, even if you don't like them." "I don't want to breathe the same air as Andrew," Christina replied coldly. "What's wrong? Does it bother you that this worthless gold-digger is suddenly so successful?" Aspen asked with a knowing smile. Christina responded stiffly, "If he can climb the social ladder through women, that's his talent. It doesn't bother me." Aspen said seriously. "No, Christie, you're wrong. He's not moving up his status—he simply doesn't know his place. Once powerful women like Madam Vostokoff get bored with this nobody, they'll kick him to the curb. I've seen it happen countless times." … Out o
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 297
Andrew shook his head, "I'm not sure. Although these photos alone might anger Atlas, given his calculated nature, he'll likely choose to stay calm." "True," Natasha agreed. "Atlas is too shrewd. When he sees these photos, his first instinct will be to control his anger toward Finley. We need to push further, make Atlas so furious he'll turn against Finley completely." Dylan shrugged. "Going further means catching them in the act. But where are we going to get that kind of evidence?" "Where are Finley and Yvonne now?" Andrew asked. "They went to the lounge after the gala, but we don't have cameras there," Dylan replied. Natasha sighed, "We obviously can't install surveillance in the lounges—that would offend too many important people." Just then, Antonio came in with news. "Madam, Mr. Garner, Mr. Lloyd—Yvonne has already left the estate." "So this operation wasn't perfect," Natasha said, rubbing her temples. "Without concrete evidence between Yvonne and Finley, we don't ha
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 298
Andrew set down the glasses and nodded to them both. "Both glasses contain traces of the drug. Since Finley and Yvonne used this lounge, it's safe to assume they both consumed it." "So, Finley drugged Yvonne," Natasha blurted out. "Which means he wanted to…" "He wanted to sleep with her," Dylan cut in eagerly. "Everything before was just an act. He secretly drugged Yvonne, and they might be in the middle of it right now!" Natasha's face lit up with excitement. "That's got to be it! That sly bastard Finley really knows how to play dirty." "Quick, we need to find out where Finley and Yvonne went," Andrew urged. "The drug acts fast. Based on when they left, it should be taking effect right about now." Natasha smirked coldly. "Leave it to my people to handle this. We'll track them down and catch them in the act." She turned to Andrew with an amused smile. "Impressive. Even in this mess, you still managed to uncover a lead, darling." Without Andrew's sharp observation and noti
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 299
"I can't believe a powerful woman like Madam Vostokoff would lose her head over a worthless man. How disappointing," Aspen muttered, finally suppressing her humiliation and anger. "Come on, Christie. If she doesn't recognize our value, we'll go to Mr. Giordano in the Northern District," she declared. "Aspen, there are many ways to expand our family's business into Jayrodale," Christina said worriedly. "I don't think you need to deal with underground figures like them. Their methods are often questionable, and I'm concerned—" Aspen interrupted with a dismissive laugh, "I know what you're worried about, Christie. You're afraid I'm too naïve and might get played by them, right? Don't underestimate me. Just watch—soon, the two of us will make such a name for ourselves in Jayrodale that no one will dare look down on us." Christina frowned slightly, her instincts telling her that her cousin from the main family was being too hasty. Nonetheless, given Aspen's headstrong nature, which
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 300
Members of West End were already negotiating with the hotel's security staff at the entrance. However, the hotel's security guards were clearly unfazed by West End's reputation and blocked the entrance without hesitation. Dylan's face darkened, and he stepped forward, ready to force their way in. Andrew quickly stopped him, saying, "Don't make a scene!" Dylan argued, "Mr. Lloyd, if we don't get in now, Finley might be slipping away soon!" Andrew shook his head. "Relax, the effects of cantharides last at least half a day." Natasha chimed in, "This hotel belongs to the Rhodes family, and West End has a decent relationship with them. Let me try." She approached the entrance with a cold expression. "Move aside. I'm Natasha Vostokoff from West End." The guards exchanged uneasy glances, clearly intimidated by her commanding presence. One of them finally mustered the courage to say, "Madam Vostokoff, the hotel has been reserved for the night. Mr. Rhodes has ordered that no on
Latest chapter
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
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 standing—if 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 that—The 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 rising—he 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 steps—hold 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 bodies—Black Wolf and the mercenary captain—were 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 house—it 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 consequences—" 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 side—dead. "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 steady—he 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. … Meanwhile, outside Serenity Villa, a black figure moved silently across the ruined outer wall, climbing with inhuman ease. It was Black Wolf—Elon'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 watch—I'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. "That… 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
