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Chapter 34
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 35
Michael praised, "Fran, you truly live up to being Dr. Aicker's protege! Your medical skills put us men to shame!" Francesca could not help but feel smug at the compliment, glancing at Andrew. She said in a condescending tone, "Well, Andrew, I'm sure my detoxification technique and medication choice are beyond your capabilities. Since you watched the whole process, you might want to take notes. It could really improve your skills." Andrew just shook his head with a smile, which prompted Francesca to raise an eyebrow. She asked, "What? You seem unconvinced." "Oh, I'm convinced," Andrew replied. "It's not every day you see someone put on such a dramatic show with zero actual results. That's quite an achievement." Francesca's expression turned cold. "Are you questioning my medical expertise?" Coming from a prestigious medical family with a legendary grandfather, she had always been confident in her abilities and could not tolerate any challenge to her skills. "I wouldn't da
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 36
Andrew ignored Francesca and immediately began treating Eunice. The silver needles danced between his fingers as he inserted them into specific pressure points on Eunice's body, all while stopping the spread of the toxin with a few taps. His mastery left Francesca dumbfounded. She stuttered, "Y-You actually know the pressure-point technique?" "Isn't it basic knowledge? Anyone with hands can do it," Andrew replied casually, leaving Francesca nearly choking with anger. Her grandfather, Cedric, had trained his whole life and, at 80 years old, had barely mastered the basics of pressure point techniques. Yet here was Andrew, wielding it as if it were child's play. Francesca thought Cedric would probably faint if he saw this. One by one, the needles drew out the poison, their silver surfaces turning black. Lauren beamed with pride and exclaimed, "Dr. Lloyd, you're amazing!" Then, she turned to Francesca with a smirk. "Well, Fran, are you convinced now?" Francesca stubbornly argu
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 37
Andrew calmly pointed out the flaws in their logic. "If they learn that Ms. Rhodes has access to someone who can neutralize poison, what's to stop them from using more lethal methods next time? Are you ready to take responsibility for that?" His sharp questions made Michael's face turn bright red. "You worthless parasite, how dare you speak to me like that! I'll…" Lauren cut him off, pointing toward the door. "Michael, I run Rhodes Corporation now, not you. If you're going to be useless and disrespect Dr. Lloyd, you can get out!" Michael glared venomously at Andrew. "Fine! Let's see what this loser can do!" Lauren flashed Andrew a charming smile. "Dr. Lloyd, since you've already saved Eunice, would you help us figure this out? Pretty please?" It was impossible to say no to a beautiful woman. Even though he thought Lauren was a flirt, he still replied, "I have a theory, but I'll need more information from you, Ms. Rhodes." "Ask away! I'll tell you everything," Lauren said ea
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 38
Lauren gazed at Andrew with sparkling eyes. "Dr. Lloyd, please tell us how you figured it out." Andrew explained, "It's quite simple. You have a predictable routine between three locations. Since the culprit couldn't act at photo shoots or your home, that only leaves the company." Francesca chimed in, "That's obvious. But how can you be so certain it's a high-ranking insider at Rhodes Corporation?" Andrew replied calmly, "Think about it—as CEO of the corporation, would regular employees have access to her? To poison her food or drinks, they'd need access to her office or personal items. Only executives have that kind of privilege." "Dr. Lloyd is absolutely right," Lauren exclaimed. "At Rhodes Corporation, only senior executives have that level of access to get near me." Michael snickered. "Then how do you explain Cece's poisoning? She didn't eat or drink anything—she just visited briefly and got poisoned. Your theory makes no sense!" "Exactly. You can't explain that part w
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 39
Francesca looked at Andrew with a hint of jealousy. "Well, well, it seems like you've got some skills after all." Michael scoffed beside her. "It's just a basic theory! Anyone who's watched 'Detective Kobe' could figure that out. Nothing to brag about!" Lauren shot him a cold smile. "Says the guy who spends all day watching 'Idiot Bears'." Michael's face flushed red as he argued, "I don't watch 'Idiot Bears' all day! Lauren, there are other people here. Can't you cut me some slack!" Lauren feigned understanding. "Oh right, my mistake—you're too busy watching adult films." Michael's face turned crimson with rage. "Did you go through my computer?" Lauren ignored him, her expression turning deadly serious. "Now that we know it's someone from senior management, they shouldn't blame me for showing no mercy." "Ms. Rhodes, I'm sure you already have some suspicions about who's behind this," Andrew commented. Lauren nodded hesitantly. "I do, but suspicions alone aren't
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 40
After leaving Lauren's office, Andrew did not head to the nearest restroom. Instead, he went straight to a different section of the building. To be exact, it was where Michael's office was located. He had noticed it earlier during his visit and slipped quietly into the only bathroom in that area. As soon as Andrew entered, he heard Michael on the phone, clearly panicking. "Remember, no matter what Lauren does, act normal. That damn girl is getting suspicious, and if she finds out you're behind this, I'm dead too!" Andrew smirked, his suspicions about Michael confirmed. Soon, Michael grew agitated. "What are you afraid of, you idiot? I'm covering for you here. As long as Lauren can't find proof, she can't do anything, even if she suspects you!" Michael added, "We shouldn't contact each other for a while. And watch out for that pretty boy hanging around Lauren—he's sharper than he looks. Damn him! If he hadn't helped Lauren, we wouldn't be in this mess!" As Michael hung up and
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 41
Michael's head buzzed as he felt his blood pressure spike. He could not believe Andrew, whom he deemed a loser, was asking for such an outrageous amount. While Rhodes Corporation was rich, 15 million dollars was not pocket change. "Fine, I'll give you the 15 million," Michael agreed unexpectedly. "But remember—if I find out that you breathed a word of this to Lauren, you'll be dead." After that, Michael rushed back to his office and wrote a massive check, his heart bleeding at all those zeros. Andrew accepted the check happily. Then, as if afraid that Michael would not believe him, Andrew even made an oath, saying, "Mr. Rhodes, you're so generous. I swear on my life I won't tell Ms. Rhodes. May all the poisons in the world strike me if I break this vow!" As Andrew left grinning with the check, Michael sneered. "Idiot, you're playing a game you can't win." He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Mr. Garner, it's Michael. I need your men to take care of
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 42
In the Rhodes Corporation conference room, Lauren called an emergency executive meeting. After all the executives had entered, Andrew locked the door, drawing immediate disapproval from those present. "Ms. Rhodes, what's the meaning of this?" "First, an unannounced emergency meeting, and now we're locked in? What are you planning?" "Hey, you! Unlock that door now, that's an order!" Andrew returned to Lauren's side, ignoring their protests. When one furious executive tried to speak up, a warning look from Michael silenced him immediately. At the head of the table, Lauren looked over the gathered executives, her tone cold and direct. She began, "I've called this meeting because of an urgent matter. Someone has been trying to poison me for some time, and I've just discovered who it is." The executives' faces changed dramatically with this revelation. "Who could stoop so low? Ms. Rhodes is our CEO—who would do something so despicable?" "Whoever it is should get on their
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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
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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
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1161
Aspen said, "As long as I have the power, I'll do everything I can to block Stevens Corporation from expanding in Blumedale. Andrew may have spared the Stevens family, but I'm not Andrew—I'm Aspen Stevens. "And you, Christina, are nothing but a vicious, two-faced bitch. I'd rather be a straight-up villainess than show you an ounce of mercy." With those cold parting words, Aspen turned and walked away. Dylan followed behind her, casting a mocking glance at the Stevens family trio. He thought they really were pitiful. With Aspen backed by Andrew and holding massive influence, the amount of resources and wealth she could mobilize was practically limitless. Crushing a small-time family like the Stevens? That was nothing to her, and she could do that with a flick of her finger. Christina snapped, "Mr. Garner, how does someone like you end up as Aspen's bodyguard? Doesn't that feel beneath you?" Dylan shrugged. "What's there to feel beneath about it? Ms. Aspen is with Mr. Lloyd
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1160
Christina opened her mouth but felt utterly drained. "Go beg him? Please… even if I swallowed my pride and got down on my knees, I doubt he'd show me the slightest bit of mercy." She forced a bitter smile, full of self-mockery. Aspen looked even more pleased, unable to hide the glee in her eyes. "My dear Christie, watching you regret everything like this… God, it's so satisfying! And honestly? I owe you some thanks. If you hadn't tripped me up so badly in front of Andrew, I wouldn't be where I am today, turning my humiliation into opportunity." Christina snapped, her composure unraveling. "Have you rubbed it in enough? Feeling powerful enough? Do you really think that someone like you—a servant—can hold any real place in Andrew's life? "You think you're on the same level as Francesca or Lauren? Let me tell you—Andrew never saw you as one of his own!" Aspen scoffed. "Of course not. I was his servant. Why would he? But here's what you don't get about that man, Christie. Back wh
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1159
"I'm here to meet with Supreme Capital Group, not you," Christina said sharply. "You declaring anything—don't you think that's completely pointless?" Aspen gave a sly smile. "Then you're the one who's confused. You might not have heard, but Supreme Capital Group is a new company founded by Andrew and me right here in Blumedale. "You tried borrowing money from your old rival? Christie, looks like you're not doing so well in this city after all." Christina's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. "What did you just say? Supreme Capital Group was founded by you and Andrew? "That's impossible. The company's registered capital is 50 billion! You and Andrew could afford that? Do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds?" Her composed expression crumbled, replaced by panic and disbelief. Aspen felt incredibly satisfied seeing the humiliation on Christina's face. Without saying another word, she pulled out her phone and showed her the company's registration license. Christi
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1158
"But luckily," Derek continued, "I did find out that his name was Reginald Lloyd." Chantelle sneered. "Reginald Lloyd… Andrew Lloyd—what a coincidence. They're both Lloyds. Too bad one of them earned your admiration as a once-in-a-generation strategist…" "And the other?" She gave a dry chuckle. "Let's just say… he doesn't quite measure up." Derek smiled. "Elle, seems like you've got a bit of a grudge against our Mr. Lloyd. Care to share why?" Chantelle hesitated, visibly grinding her teeth. She obviously could not tell Derek that Andrew had already seen every inch of her thanks to an earlier incident. Instead, she cleared her throat. "Mr. McCormick, stop pulling my legs. We're public servants, and since Mr. Lloyd is working with you, I have no right to dislike him." She deflected smoothly with a rehearsed tone. Derek nodded. "It's obvious Andrew has potential. The old money clans have been monopolizing power and locking up economic control for far too long. Seeing someone
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1157
Chantelle let out a cold laugh. "That's right. That's exactly what he did. Mr. McCormick, don't you think the man's out of his mind?" Derek narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. After a long pause, he finally exhaled and said, "No. On the contrary, I think you're completely wrong about him. I don't see Andrew as a lunatic—I think he's playing a long, dangerous game." Chantelle had not expected Derek to say something like that, and her expression turned tense. "Mr. McCormick, without the protection of The Sovereign Residences, do you even realize what kind of storm that madman has invited upon himself? "Two of the most powerful families in Holtrien have issued bounty kill orders at the same time. The combined reward is nearly a billion—enough to send every killer and martial artist across Gabo Creek Province, maybe even the entire country, into a blood-fueled frenzy!" Derek gave a faint sneer, his tone laced with disdain. "It's true—money can make even the dead dance. The old sayi
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1156
Richard had always tried to be considerate about his son's humiliating past. Still, every now and then, he could not help but accidentally bring it up. After all, eating literal crap was not something easily forgotten. … Meanwhile, over at the Haywoods. Roy set down his teacup and asked, "Xavier, what's the latest on eliminating that bastard?" Xavier's sharp-jawed face was full of murderous intent. "The killers we sent were either stopped outside The Sovereign Residences or killed inside, their bodies dumped in the sewage canals." Roy scowled. "500 million was too tempting. Every lowlife out there thought they could take advantage of the Haywoods. Seth's body is still lying in the ice casket, waiting for a proper burial. You need to speed this up." Xavier's tone turned ice cold as he nodded. "Don't worry, Father. The moment Andrew laid a finger on our family, his death was sealed. Those who've died so far were just trash. "This time, I've prepared something special for And
