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Chapter 818
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 819
The following day, the morning light streamed through the windows as Andrew woke up feeling completely refreshed. Beside him, a delicate figure lay curled up beneath the sheets, her porcelain skin bearing faint traces of last night's intensity. A soft murmur broke the silence as Francesca stirred awake. She turned her head, meeting Andrew's amused gaze, and immediately pouted in frustration. She grumbled, "You're unbelievable. You kept me up all night again! Look at me—bruises everywhere! Ugh, Andrew, can't you be a little gentler?" Andrew feigned innocence. "Hey, don't blame me! I was being gentle. But you were the one insisting halfway through that I go harder. And honestly, with how easily you bruise, I was holding back." Francesca's face turned beet red as she clenched the sheets. "Y-You're lying! I never said that! You're an absolute jerk!" Andrew casually got dressed and got out of bed, saying nonchalantly, "You were the one asking me to go harder last night, you know t
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 820
"Be good. I'll make us breakfast—get dressed and come eat." Andrew's voice was warm as he pointed to his cheek, waiting expectantly. Francesca's round face was still flushed pink. Seeing his playful gesture, she let out an exasperated huff, pursing her lips as if she were reluctant. Even so, she leaned in and pressed a light kiss against his skin. Andrew grinned. "That's more like it." Francesca shot him an annoyed glare, but he only chuckled before leaving the bedroom. When he first moved into the secluded hilltop villa of Moonlit Sanctuary, he had found the place too big, too empty. However, with Francesca occasionally staying over, the once-lonely space felt pretty good. Actually, scratch that—it felt pretty damn amazing. A house without a woman was not much of a home, after all. A proper balance between men and women made life way more enjoyable. Andrew had never considered himself the kind of man who got carried away with romance, but Francesca and Lauren were not jus
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 821
Andrew had no idea that the Stevens family from Bridgefields had already arrived in Jayrodale, looking for trouble. At the moment, he was at a commercial shooting studio. Lauren was there with Shiloh, discussing some final details with the photographer. When Eunice spotted Andrew approaching, she called out, "Mr. Lloyd, over here!" She wore a bright smile, and any previous complaints she had about Andrew were long gone. Now, all she felt was admiration. After all, Andrew had stood up for Lauren without hesitation, even going against Tiana. That kind of loyalty deeply moved a girl like Eunice. Andrew walked over with a grin and said, "Ms. Brooks, thank you for your hard work!." Eunice quickly waved her hands. "It's nothing! You're the one working hard, Mr. Lloyd!" Andrew glanced toward the photography set and asked, "Are Lauren and Shiloh almost done?" Eunice's expression darkened as she scoffed. "They were about to wrap up, but Mr. Rhodes barged in with his team and deman
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 822
Lauren was furious. "I'd like to see who dares!" At that moment, Andrew walked in, his tone calm. "It's fine, Lauren. If he wants to force Shiloh, let him try." Lauren gritted her teeth. "But Dr. Lloyd, look at that disgusting lingerie in his hand! He actually wants to force a woman who's taken vows to wear that—tell me that's not perverted!" Andrew's gaze landed on Michael, his smirk ice-cold. "Didn't you get enough of a beating yesterday? I'd advise you not to push your luck." Michael let out a sinister laugh. "Speaking of yesterday, Andrew, I haven't even settled the score with you yet. Don't get too comfortable—I promise, your days of swaggering around won't last long!" Andrew's expression remained relaxed. "Great. Let's see which one of us goes down first." Michael's face darkened. Instead of ordering his assistants to act, he grabbed the lingerie himself and strode right up to Shiloh. "Here. Put this on and come out so I can get a good look." His Adam's apple bobbed
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 823
Andrew's smile was cold and menacing. "Mrs. Rhodes has given me full authority, so you'd all better do exactly as I say, or would one of you rather take Michael's place and wear the lingerie yourselves?" The lackeys turned pale, their lips trembling in fear. Andrew was currently in charge of all operations at Rhodes Corporation, and even Tiana had to tread carefully around him. If they defied him, they would not just be out of a job—they would be as good as blacklisted. Under Andrew's increasingly icy stare, the men exchanged looks, their gazes filled with silent agreement. It was every man for himself. Gritting their teeth, they reluctantly began stripping Michael down. They removed his jacket, his shirt, then his shoes and socks. Soon, he was left in nothing but a pair of bright red boxers. Andrew raised an eyebrow and turned to Lauren. "Does he always have a peculiar taste in underwear?" Lauren wrinkled her nose in disgust. "I wouldn't be surprised." Andrew looked back a
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 824
"Michael caused this whole mess, so it's only fair that he makes up for it. Consider it balancing out his sins," Lauren said with a laugh. She added, "Hell, once his horrifyingly ridiculous drag performance hits the internet, it's going to break the internet! People will be so busy gawking at his lingerie fiasco that they'll completely forget about the Wellers warehouse fire. Dr. Lloyd, you're an absolute genius!" Andrew also felt pretty satisfied with his own creativity. However, the usually quiet Shiloh suddenly glanced at him and said, "Mr. Lloyd, it seems to me that you're just as wicked as he is." Andrew's mouth twitched. "Shiloh, I'm literally punishing evil. How does that make me the bad guy?" Shiloh looked at him seriously. "There are many ways to punish someone, but coming up with something this twisted? That's rare. So, I have my doubts about whether you're really a good person." Andrew just chuckled. "Maybe I'm not a good person, but I'm definitely not a bad one
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 825
Andrew sprawled out on the couch, phone in hand, eagerly waiting to enjoy the show. Shiloh sat beside him and nudged his arm. "Mr. Lloyd, move over. I want to watch too!" Andrew shifted to make space but gave her a curious look. "Shiloh, aren't nuns supposed to be above worldly distractions? Besides, this kind of video isn't good for your pure and innocent heart." Shiloh was unfazed. "I might sin, but the teaching of the religion remains in my heart. I can watch anything without being affected. Unlike some people, who clearly have demons in their hearts." Andrew chuckled. "Well said. My heart is as pure as freshly fallen snow!" Before long, Eunice arrived with her phone, excitement written all over her face. Lauren grinned. "Dr. Lloyd, I need to see this too!" Andrew thought for a moment before making a suggestion. "Everyone seems interested, so why don't we cast it on the big screen?" Lauren burst out laughing. "Now that's a brilliant idea! Watching it on a big screen will
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 826
Tiana watched the video, her face first twisting in jealousy and disgust before she suddenly fell into deep thought. Jerry hesitated before asking, "Mrs. Rhodes, this video could seriously impact the Rhodes family's reputation. Should we have someone take it down?" Tiana immediately waved her hand. "No need! Send out a company-wide notice under my name—every single one of Rhodes Corporation's 500 employees is required to share and repost this video at least once." Jerry looked at her in shock. "What?" Tiana smirked. "Don't you see? This video couldn't have come at a better time. It's the perfect distraction to bury all the bad press the company was getting before. Now, this is all the public will talk about." … Meanwhile, at Bane's mansion, Michael was undergoing treatment to detox his system. Bane said, "Mr. Rhodes, your body is fine. You just have some lingering effects from a strong aphrodisiac, which left you overheated and exhausted. You'll be back to normal in a co
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1194
Justin instantly sensed something was about to spiral. He rushed forward and tried to defuse the tension. "Mr. Hopkins, please calm down. We're all just here to have a nice dinner—no need for this." Archie clutched his swollen cheek, his face twisted with rage. "Calm down? Get out of my face! If you say another word, I'll end you too!" Justin flinched and quickly backed off, no longer daring to speak. However, as he glanced toward the Rhodes family, his eyes burned with resentment. He cursed them for being foolish. Despite knowing they could not go up against the Hopkins, they still had to throw punches. He could not help but think they were just asking for it. Lauren's voice rang out cold and firm. "Mr. Hopkins, what are you trying to do? Start a war?" Archie bellowed with laughter. "Big mouth on you, you little bitch! With your trashy Rhodes family, you're not even qualified to go to war with the Hopkins!" He sneered, eyes gleaming. "But don't worry—I'm not just gonna tak
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1193
Justin's face twisted in discomfort, but before he could say anything, a loud voice boomed across the entrance. "Mr. McGrath, you can step back! If Mrs. Rhodes wants to dine in our Celestial Suite, then she's more than welcome!" As the voice faded, a burly man with a thick beard strode over. The giant crystal ring on his hand and the heavy gold chain across his chest made it clear—this man was rich, but absolutely tasteless. Jameson snorted coldly. "The Hopkins family sure has some nerve, snatching up someone else's reservation like it's nothing." Archie Hopkins cracked a wide grin, revealing a mouth full of blackened teeth, and laughed without a care. "Mr. Rhodes, you sound way too naive!" Archie shrugged and said, "In this world, it's all about money and muscle. The Hopkins family's got both. So stealing a little dining room from the Rhodes family? It's nothing." Tiana's voice turned icy. "Since you're admitting it's theft, then do us a favor and get the hell out." Arch
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1192
The place Jameson picked for dinner was one of the most well-known upscale restaurants in Blumedale—The Palace. "Andy, you might not know this, but around here, this spot is top-tier," Jameson said as he adjusted his tailored suit and smiled. He added, "It's not like I'm trying to flaunt my wealth or anything. But sometimes, even if you don't care for appearances, you've still got to show up with style!" Andrew chuckled and replied, "Mr. Rhodes, I get what you're saying." Tiana spoke up coolly, "Jameson, no need to put on this kind of show in front of Andrew. Otherwise, you'll just end up looking ridiculous. This guy probably poops in places you haven't even dreamed of stepping into." Jameson froze for a second, clearly shocked. "Well now, Tiana, you're really singing Andy's praises today. Could it be… the classic case of a mother-in-law who's starting to really like her son-in-law?" Tiana gave a snort. "This has nothing to do with liking him. I'm just telling the truth."
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1191
Lauren said, "Funny thing, Andrew—you probably don't know this, but my mom's been all about dressing up lately. For the longest time, I only ever saw her in simple outfits. She never really cared about appearances. "But now, she's all glammed up and polished! If you didn't know better, you'd think she was dating someone!" Andrew did not know how to respond, so he stayed quiet. He had a pretty good idea why Tiana suddenly started caring about her looks. It was probably because his presence reminded her of her first love—his father. Even though he was not the man himself, they were still father and son. Much like Aspen, Tiana clearly had something not quite right going on in her head. Only someone like her could project her feelings for a man onto his son. Nonetheless, no matter how he looked at it, Andrew just could not shake the weirdness of it all. After all, this woman was supposed to be his future mother-in-law, and yet, she was just a little off. Not that Tiana acted c
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1190
"Andrew, my mom didn't give you a hard time, did she?" Lauren asked as they stepped into the Rhodes residence's front parlor. She had noticed right away that Andrew did not look so great. "It's fine. Your mother was… gracious enough," Andrew said with a small smile. There was no need to bring up Tiana's moment of madness—it was better buried. Jameson chuckled. "Andy, sorry to trouble you again! But today wasn't just about getting your help with her condition." Lauren beamed. "That's right, Andrew. Now that you're part of the family, you're not an outsider anymore. So, Dad planned a little family dinner. We thought we'd introduce you to some people too, help you make some connections around Blumedale." Jameson added, "Exactly! And I heard from Lauren that you've been looking for some rare medicinal herbs. Well, turns out, I know some folks who might be holding on to a few." Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "I am looking for rare herbs, that's true. But as for opening doors, Mr.
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1189
Truthfully, Tiana was by far the most challenging woman Andrew had ever dealt with. He could not hit her or offend her. To make things worse, she was Lauren's mother and Jameson's wife. No matter what insanity she pulled, Andrew could not actually do anything to her. Seeing Andrew so obviously trapped, Tiana felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. She chuckled smugly. "Andrew, you're the Dragon Prince of the Lloyds. There's no way I could ever win against you—not in a million years. "But you lost the moment you started dating my daughter. I'm your mother-in-law. That means I can mess with you, tease you, and you won't be able to lift a finger." Andrew replied evenly, "You're right—I can't fight you. But if I can't win, I can still walk away." Tiana waved her hand. "Alright, alright. Let's stop arguing. Just promise me one thing—what happened here today stays between us. Lauren can never find out." Andrew let out a dry laugh. "You're only worried about Lauren? What ab
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
