LOGINShare
Chapter 419
Related chapters
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 420
"Very well," Eunice replied. Even so, she felt Lauren's decision lacked foresight. The entire Rhodes Corporation's upper management disapproved of her relationship with Andrew, and Michael especially despised him—bringing him to the company under this double pressure would only invite trouble. Andrew clearly sensed Eunice's aversion to him but chose not to comment on it. He asked, "Ms. Rhodes, now that you're back working at the company, is there anything I can help with?" Lauren playfully chewed on her pen cap and replied flirtatiously, "I couldn't bear to have you do anything strenuous, Dr. Lloyd. Just be my personal assistant here in the office." Andrew deliberately ignored her teasing, thinking this temptress really was not afraid he might lose control and take advantage of the situation. Lauren quickly switched back to her professional demeanor. Then, she said decisively, "Let's do this—I'll hire you as my driver for now. In a few days, I'll arrange a management position
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 421
Michael had already claimed the head position in the large conference room, surrounded by his suckups, who wore ingratiating smiles. "Lauren, it's been a while since you've been to the corporation. Do you even remember how to work?" Michael said with exaggerated cheerfulness when Lauren entered. He added, "If not, you can just stay in your office, get your nails done, take care of your skin, and leave when the day's over. I don't want to pressure you." The room fell silent instantly as the executives sensed the tension between Michael and Lauren. Lauren stared at Michael coldly and retorted, "Michael, you've just taken my position, and you're already acting like someone drunk on their newfound power." Lauren smirked as Michael's expression darkened. "Everyone in the family and company knows which of us is more qualified to be CEO. You've only been in charge for a couple of weeks, and you're already so full of yourself—clearly, you'll never amount to much." Michael snorted.
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 422
Not to mention that Michael at the head of the table was the Rhodes family's heir apparent. For Andrew, a mere deputy chief, to dare call him incompetent was unthinkable. Marcus kept his mouth firmly shut this time. Though he admired Andrew, he was not about to get dragged down by someone bent on self-destruction. A heavy thud echoed through the room as one of the veteran executives, a burly man, slammed his palm on the table. Edward Hills roared, "Where's security? Get this lawless thug out of here right now! And get the legal team here we're pressing charges for his outrageous slander against Mr. Rhodes. I'll make sure this arrogant punk rots in jail!" Edward was Michael's devoted follower, and no one dared speak up when he exploded. Everyone stared at Andrew with mockery in their eyes. "Anyone who touches my man will regret it," Lauren said icily. The security and legal staff who had rushed to the door hesitated, unsure whose orders to follow. Edward asked grimly, "M
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 423
"Security, arrest him immediately!" came the shouts from around the room. "Take him away and hand him over to the police—use the company's connections to make sure he rots in jail!" Michael's loyal followers on either side of him jumped to their feet, looking at Andrew as if he were already dead. This was their chance to prove their loyalty to Michael, and in their eyes, this foolish young man was nothing but dust to Rhodes Corporation. "Well, well, Rhodes Corporation's executives are supposed to be sophisticated, high-income individuals," Andrew said calmly, not moving an inch. "But right now, all I see is a pack of dogs barking." Marcus nearly fell out of his chair in shock. He figured Andrew had given up and decided to antagonize the entire executive board since he was headed for jail anyway—a reckless and foolish move, in his opinion. "Take him to the police," Michael ordered, his eyes cold as ice. "As CEO, I have only one demand—make him disappear from this world." Ed
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 424
Lauren addressed the executives with conviction. "You all remember how the corporation successfully acquired that large plot of land in West End's development zone." Edward frowned. "Ms. Rhodes, bringing up irrelevant matters won't help. We're discussing how to deal with this man right now." "It's not irrelevant," Lauren snapped. "That land deal was secured through Mr. Lloyd's connections, and in return, the corporation granted him a director position." The executives exchanged uncertain glances. If Lauren was telling the truth, they had no right to touch a corporate director. "Have you found anything?" Michael asked darkly. His secretary shifted uncomfortably. "Mr. Rhodes… it's true." Michael grabbed the laptop to check the corporate website himself, and his expression grew increasingly grim. "He owns 1% of the company shares," Michael gritted out. "Now you have nothing to say, do you?" Lauren said coolly. "Mr. Lloyd isn't just my driver—he's a corporate shareholder,
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 425
Michael grinned with confidence. "Lauren, I warned you before—if you just quietly played your role as Vice CEO, no one would bother you. But if you challenge my authority as CEO, I'll show you who really runs this corporation." "Michael, do you really want to take it this far?" Lauren asked icily. Michael's eyes turned bloodshot as he remembered how Andrew had humiliated him in the past. "No, you're wrong. This bastard is the one who took things too far, making my life hell. I won't rest until I see him behind bars!" Edward sneered. "The police commissioner is an old friend of mine. With just one call from me, Donald will make sure to give Director Lloyd special treatment." He emphasized "Director Lloyd" mockingly, dripping with sarcasm. The executives continued their taunts. "Your 1% shareholding might save your life, but you won't escape punishment entirely!" Though Andrew's director status was confirmed, Michael and Edward's joint attack gave the executives new hope. Th
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 426
Lauren explained, "But according to corporate bylaws, shareholders with higher stakes have more authority and priority than you. Since Michael is both CEO and has more shares than you, he technically can take legal action." "I see," Andrew nodded. "So if I had more shares than Michael and Mr. Hills, I could overrule them?" "That's true, but even if we combined our shares, we still wouldn't match them," Lauren replied. "This is getting complicated—maybe we should call Mr. Yates for help." Andrew appreciated Lauren's suggestion but smiled slightly. "No need for that. If it's just about having more shares than these two, I can simply buy more right now." Lauren's beautiful face showed confusion, while Eunice scoffed. "Andrew, stop pretending. You want to buy more shares? Michael and Mr. Hills together own 20% percent, which is worth about three billion dollars. Do you think this is like shopping at a grocery store?" Marcus could not stay silent anymore and moved next to Andrew.
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 427
"Mr. Lloyd, d-did you really just invest… five billion dollars in the corporation?" Marcus stammered, his mind reeling from the absurdity of what had just happened. Eunice's previous hostility and condescension toward Andrew instantly vanished, replaced by shock and disbelief. Edward shook his head. "No way! That's absolutely impossible! Even most successful financiers couldn't pull out five billion dollars for an investment without preparation. Check if hackers have attacked our network and caused this data anomaly." Michael's face showed uncertainty as he barked at his secretary, "Verify this immediately!" The sweating secretary worked frantically at her computer and made several urgent calls. Two minutes later, she looked at Michael with a pale face. "Mr. Rhodes, it's confirmed. The stock exchange has verified Mr. Lloyd's purchase of five billion dollars' worth of shares, and…" Michael exploded. "And what? Are you all brainless? This kind of thing only happens in movies
Latest chapter
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
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1167
Andarov could not care less about anything else and turned to flee, trying to blast through the villa wall and make his escape. However, Andrew's attacks were relentless, like crashing waves, giving him no chance to run. With perfect aim, Andrew struck the center of Andarov's back with a palm strike that exploded like a thunderclap. Bones shattered with a sickening crunch, and nearly two-thirds of Andarov's skeleton was crushed in an instant. Then, blood gushed out from his mouth as he collapsed, his massive eight-foot frame crashing to the floor. Raising his trembling, blood-soaked hand, he pointed at Andrew, gasping, "You're not… not just some ordinary man. You're from… Holtrien's Chetvine… You're part of the royal fa—" He never got to finish the sentence. Before the final word left his lips, Andarov exhaled his last breath and died on the spot. A single drop of blood fell from Andrew's waist, and part of his shirt had already soaked through with red. Natasha rushed over
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1166
Aspen's scream pierced the night. For a moment, she was certain bullets would tear through her. However, Andrew's arms locked around her, shielding her completely as he kicked the shredded sofa aside. Then, a gold needle flashed from Andrew's fingers. The burly and tall Andarov Markovic snarled as his right wrist erupted in pain, and his Desert Eagle clattered to the floor. Shocked and angry, Andarov quickly raised his other gun, ready to continue firing. Just then, Andrew blurred across the room and crushed an uppercut into his jaw. "You're alive! Good. I'll peel your spine out myself and avenge my subordinates!" Andarov yelled. He dumped his remaining gun, elbows smashing Andrew's strikes. Just like that, the two started fighting in the lobby on the first floor. Srovikan fighters were already brutes, but Andarov was a wrecking ball. Every collision splintered walls, and every missed punch cratered the floor. Before long, the villa, already in ruins, was destroyed further.
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1165
Aspen's face burned crimson as she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest. Damn it—her habit of going braless after showers had become second nature, and Andrew had seen her in this state. Humiliated, she spat, "Fine! Since my kindness is wasted on you, I'm going to bed!" She turned to stomp upstairs in a huff. However, Andrew suddenly sprang from his chair and tackled her to the ground. His arm locked around her slender waist as they rolled across the floor. Aspen's shock quickly turned to fury, wondering what the hell this bastard was doing. Was he actually trying to take advantage of her in the dark? She silently cursed herself for being dumb and wandered around practically naked in front of this pervert. She was basically giving him a chance to pounce at her. Just as she began struggling in earnest, Andrew's growl cut through the night. "Stop moving unless you want to die!" The next moment, a hail of gunfire erupted, muzzle flashes lighting up the darkness as b
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1164
As evening fell, Aspen and Dylan returned to Serenity Villa. The front gate stood wide open, and Andrew sat squarely in a chair in the middle of the first-floor lobby. Aspen frowned as she stepped inside. "Why are you sitting here?" Andrew replied, "Waiting for guests." "Who?" "Assassins from the Haywoods and the Goldings." Her face darkened when she heard his words. She could not help but think Andrew had lost his damn mind for leaving the front door wide open for killers. He glanced at her and asked, "Weren't you meeting a client? How'd it go?" Aspen's voice turned icy. "Turns out, Christina was the one looking for investors." Andrew raised a brow. "So? You turned her down?" She sneered as she said, "More than that. I made sure all three of them left humiliated. That old hag Irene even got a slap from me." Andrew simply shrugged. Aspen had never been the merciful type, and none of this surprised him. He simply ordered, "Go make something to eat. I'm hungry." Asp
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1163
Dylan explained, "But you're a proud woman. You never used to bow to anyone, especially not to Mr. Lloyd. Now, you're just clinging to that same pride and defiance. "But the truth is, that pride of yours? It's already been worn down by Mr. Lloyd, completely. As for what's left… well, you know it better than anyone. You just don't want to admit it."Aspen grew frustrated. "I don't need you psychoanalyzing me. I just need someone to tell me—what do I have to do to break out of this mess? This constant confusion and misery?"Dylan shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? You're just as stunning as Ms. Aicker or Ms. Rhodes. Those two didn't mind letting Mr. Lloyd take what he wanted. So, why not follow their lead? Let's be real, Aspen—you've already fallen for Mr. Lloyd, and there's no shame in that. "Mr. Lloyd has that effect on women. I've been around him long enough to stop being surprised. You, Natasha, Francesca, Lauren… even that girl Nyla Goth from the Moonlit Apothecary in Jayrodale—if Mr
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1162
After leaving the cafe, Aspen stepped into the restroom. She splashed a few handfuls of icy water on her face, trying to calm the storm inside her. She said, "Mr. Garner, could you do me a favor and not tell Andrew about what just happened?" Dylan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and chuckled. "Ms. Aspen, you really gave her a piece of your mind. If it felt good, why not let Mr. Lloyd know?" Aspen's expression darkened with self-mockery. "Because I didn't stand up for myself—I used Andrew's name to intimidate her. Christina was right about one thing—I am pathetic. "Andrew nearly destroyed my family, and yet here I am, throwing his name around like it means something. Even worse, I shamelessly implied I'd offer myself to him!" Dylan smirked. "So you're ashamed of yourself? You think less of yourself now?" Aspen stared at her reflection. Her face was as cold as ever, but her eyes no longer held their usual arrogance. Instead, they were clouded with something unrea
