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Chapter 450
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Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 451
Andrew handled the attacks with remarkable ease. Though seemingly chaotic, his footwork followed an intricate pattern that left observers mesmerized. Despite Ivan's relentless offensive maneuvers, he could not land a single clean hit on Andrew's body. Andrew said calmly, "I think we've played enough. By your founders' standards, Mr. Lincoln, your technique barely made the cut. Perhaps another 20 years of practice would do you some good." With lightning speed, Andrew brought his right hand down, striking Ivan's wrist bone. Ivan let out a painful roar as his wrist trembled violently as if he had been bitten by a venomous snake. Before he could counter, Andrew's knee was already driving upward. Ivan's eyes blazed with fury as he prepared to take the hit head-on, believing his physical prowess would allow him to withstand the impact while simultaneously launching a lethal counterattack to Andrew's head. These thoughts had barely crossed Ivan's mind when he felt a searing pai
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 452
By that logic, Rodney was about as formidable as a mere ant compared to Andrew's capabilities. "Mr. Sanford, do we still need your permission to reclaim our 60 million now?" Andrew asked with a subtle smirk. Rodney's face twitched at the question. The thought of someone needing his permission would have been understandable before, but now it made his heart race. He gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Lloyd, your martial prowess is truly admirable, and the Madblade Martial Academy respects your skill. Dean, return the 60 million we owe to Rhodes Corporation." Dean was already terrified out of his mind. He could not even beat Jerry, who had nearly died at Ivan's hands, and Ivan had just been thoroughly defeated by Andrew. The comparison made Dean realize he was not even in the same league as Andrew. "J-Just a momentâĶ I'll transfer the money right away!" Dean stammered, offering no resistance this time. The hundreds of martial arts students had lost their fighting spirit, too
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 453
"Ms. Rhodes, you're amazing! I can't believe you actually got the money back," Eunice exclaimed with admiration. Lauren shook her head and replied, "I didn't get the money backâDr. Lloyd did." Eunice's excitement froze as she looked at Andrew in disbelief, who was casually sipping tea on the couch. She wondered how this man, whom Tiana had always looked down upon, had not only become Rhodes Corporation's fifth director in minutes but had also helped recover 60 million dollars that seemed impossible to retrieve. Just as doubt began creeping into Eunice's mind, she quickly dismissed it. Tiana was someone she unconditionally admired and respectedâif Tiana said Andrew was just a gold digger, then it must be true. "Ms. Rhodes, congratulations! The company really needs you!" "Ms. Rhodes, we old-timers aren't worth a fraction of your talent. Solving this huge problem right after your returnâwe must report this to the board and get you recognized!" "Ms. Rhodes, we all noticed what
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 454
Lauren bit her lip playfully, her voice turning husky as she said, "Really? Then why don't you prove it to me? It's simpleâhelp me take off these stockings. Remember, you won, so they're yours now." Andrew was left speechless, his eyes widening in surprise. âĶ Meanwhile, in another office on the same floor of Rhodes Corporation, Michael violently slapped Cindy's bottom as she rose from his lap. Cindy's face showed a mix of pain and resentment as she complained, "Mr. Rhodes, what's making you so angry? You've been different ever since Ms. Rhodes returned." Michael snarled, "Shut up! Haven't you seen how many people are sucking up to that little bitch since she came back? I'm the CEO and spokesperson of Rhodes Corporation, not Lauren, yet these idiots still flock to her!" Cindy tried to calm him down, saying, "Sir, try to look at the bright side. Ms. Rhodes did manage to recover that 60 million for the company. To be honest, that was quite an achievementânobody else could hav
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 455
"Jerry, I need an explanation about what happened at Madblade Martial Academy," Michael demanded as soon as the call connected. "Explanation? I don't have any," Jerry replied, his voice weak. "Ms. Rhodes and Andrew got that money back through their own abilities, fair and square." Michael flew into a rage. "I don't give a damn about their abilities! I want to know why you didn't take the opportunity to eliminate that Lloyd guy!" Jerry let out a bitter laugh and said, "Eliminate him? How exactly was I supposed to do that?" He had barely escaped alive from Madblade Martial Academy. Michael said darkly, "Jerry, your attitude is very concerning. Don't forget that both Rhodes Corporation and the entire Rhodes family might end up in my hands. If you keep wavering like this instead of choosing the right person to follow, how do you expect to achieve that comfortable retirement you've been dreaming of?" Jerry snapped, "Mr. Rhodes, spare me the talk about the future. I don't care w
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 456
The news spread like wildfire through Jayrodale. Many unfortunate creditors with outstanding debts with the Northern District rushed to Madblade Martial Academy's doors, demanding their money back. "Dean, pay up!" "Dean, you're Atlas's senior and the Northern District's second-in-command. If you don't pay, you can join him six feet under!" "Give us our money back, you crook!" Large red banners were unfurled at the academy's entrance as angry crowds gathered, hurling insults. The academy remained unfazed as students came and went, completely ignoring the protesters while luxury cars continued pulling up to the entrance. The academy's response was simple. "Want your money? Ask Northern District or the dead Atlas. Madblade Martial Academy never defaults on payments, and we won't tolerate these circus acts." Soon, a Volkswagen Beetle pulled up to the academy's entrance, and two striking figures stepped outâChristina and Aspen. The creditors immediately swarmed around them.
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 457
Christina nodded thoughtfully and said, "True, while Rhodes Corporation's 60 million isn't a small amount, it pales in comparison to your billion. Even if Madblade Martial Academy is greedy, they wouldn't dare keep such an enormous sum." "Of course not," Aspen replied coldly. "Now that I'm personally involved, I'll bring in the media and the police to make their lives hell if they continue acting like common thieves. Let's see how Mr. Sandford handles that kind of public pressure." The two women put on their sunglasses and strode through Madblade Martial Academy's gates, surrounded by the crowd of creditors. âĶ Inside the academy, Rodney and Dean wore grim expressionsânot because of the people demanding money, but because Ivan was still unconscious from his severe injuries. "Damn it, Andrew turned out to be one tough son of a bitch!" Rodney cursed. Despite his young age, he had achieved the rank of junior grandmaster through rigorous training, making him a prodigy even by C
Rising from the Ashes   Chapter 458
Dean explained, "In all my years in Gabo Creek, I've never seen anyone as extraordinary as Andrew. What's even more terrifying is that he clearly wasn't using his full strength against Mr. Lincoln. Watching his spine-chilling moves, I can't help but wonder if he might have had something to do with Atlas' death." Before Dean could continue, Rodney cut him off with an angry roar, "Shut up! No wonder you're a lost dogâyou're completely useless, building up others while tearing down our own reputation!" Depending on Rodney's hospitality, Dean could not protest the insults, but a venomous glint flashed in his eyes. Rodney seethed. "I've never been humiliated like this in my life. And it's obvious Lauren has a thing for Andrew. I've pursued her for years without getting so much as a glance, while she probably can't wait to jump into his bed." While Rodney stewed in anger, a student hurried in and said, "Mr. Sanford, the debt collectors have arrived." Rodney's face twisted with rage
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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 officialsâbut officials? They fear the men with gunsâthe military. However, here was Andrew, treating a colonel like Xavier as if he were worthless weeds. It was utter madnessâlike 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. McCormickâhe 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 detailâlike 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 pastâhow 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 standingâif 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 thatâThe 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 risingâhe 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 stepsâhold 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 bodiesâBlack Wolf and the mercenary captainâwere 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 houseâit 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 consequencesâ" 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 sideâdead. "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 steadyâhe 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. âĶ Meanwhile, outside Serenity Villa, a black figure moved silently across the ruined outer wall, climbing with inhuman ease. It was Black WolfâElon'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 watchâI'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. "ThatâĶ 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
