Semua Bab Rising from the Ashes: Bab 271 - Bab 280

While Andrew had single-handedly driven away the Weller family and saved both Stevens Corporation and her, Christina felt little joy. Instead, she was a little uncomfortable. "Even now, you can't let go of that ridiculous pride and arrogance?" Douglas scoffed at her. "Without Andy, do you think Stevens Corporation would have survived the Weller family's attack today?" Christina was at a loss for words. Picking up her glass, she turned to Andrew and said, "Andrew, you truly saved us. Let me offer you this toast." "Is a single toast enough to repay the enormous debt of saving our entire family?" Douglas interrupted before Andrew could respond. Christina swallowed her pride and added, "Grandpa, you're right—a toast isn't enough. Andrew, to show our gratitude, I'm offering you 20% of Stevens Corporation's shares to manage." Irene and Leroy immediately showed their jealousy. Irene protested, "Christie, 20% is worth nearly 150 million dollars! Isn't that too much?" "Yeah, 20% is

Christina stated firmly, "Once I make a decision, I never regret it. And speaking of decisions, why are you single now? What about Ms. Rhodes or Ms. Aickers? These two Jayrodale beauties have been throwing themselves at you." She had not realized the jealousy that tinged her voice as she spoke. "Well, Andrew, your love life certainly blossomed after breaking up with Christie," Irene remarked with an eye roll. "You must be living the high life now, being Ms. Rhodes's kept man." "You're absolutely right," Andrew replied with a smile. "Ms. Rhodes has been very good to me. In fact, I'm planning to confess my feelings to her soon. I look forward to that sweet sugar baby lifestyle and retiring 30 years early." Irene scoffed. "That's all you'll ever amount to. No wonder Christie doesn't want you. You should really take a look at yourself." Christina interjected coldly, "Mom, that's enough. It isn't easy to win over someone like Ms. Rhodes, and we should be happy for him." Leroy ea

Dylan forced an awkward laugh and ducked his head sheepishly. "I was just kidding, Mr. Lloyd. Please don't be angry." He had no doubt about Andrew's influence. With one word, this man could actually have him performing stand-up comedy for the rest of his life. … The SUV pulled up in front of a towering building in Jayrodale's West End district. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Madam Vostokoff's headquarters—the main base of West End's underground operations," Dylan explained while opening the door for Andrew. "Impressive…" Andrew nodded after taking in the sight. At that moment, an alluring woman wearing a veil and dark smoky eye makeup approached them, surrounded by several imposing bodyguards. "Mr. Garner, you've finally arrived. Please come in. Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore are getting impatient," she said with a smile, her eyes deliberately lingering on Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Natasha Vostokoff, the leader of Jayrodale's West End," Dylan introduced. Before he could introduce

"Finley and Atlas can't be trusted," Dylan warned. "If you believe their lies, once they destroy South City, West End won't be spared either." "Oh? What makes you say that?" Natasha asked with a smile. "Are you suggesting Northern District plans to take over West End as well?" Before Dylan could respond, Atlas cut in, "Dylan's just a brute—don't take his words seriously. Northern District and West End have always maintained peaceful relations, and even if we wanted your territory, we wouldn't have the strength after dealing with South City. That would be suicide!" "Mr. Giordano is right," Finley added smoothly. "In fact, West End stands to gain the most from this. The only reason we're pursuing this vendetta against South City is because Dylan treacherously killed Mr. Giordano's lieutenant. Such a betrayal demands justice." Their coordinated pitch seemed to sway Natasha, while her lieutenants behind her nodded approvingly. "Madam, we should stay neutral and let them fight it

He leaned forward, his voice biting as he said, "Answer me this: Atlas promised you a 50-50 split of the territory once he takes down South City. Did you seriously believe that just because he said it?" Natasha's glare intensified, but before she could respond, Andrew continued. "Second, Jayrodale has three major underground organizations, with Atlas and Northern District being the strongest. Surely, you know this much. And now, with Finley and the Hidden Dragons backing him, Atlas is more powerful than ever. After he crushes South City, do you really think he won't turn around and wipe out West End next?" Natasha scoffed, though there was hesitation in her voice. "Do you seriously think I don't understand the dynamics of Jayrodale better than you? After taking South City, Atlas will be weakened. How could he possibly come after me?" Andrew shook his head, smirking. "Calling you stupid is honestly being too kind. As I said, Atlas has the Hidden Dragons and the ambitious Finley by