Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Dylan, Natasha, Silas, and even Cedric watched Andrew with strange expressions. They were all waiting to see if he would take up on Aspen's offer.

Rodney looked downright disappointed. He thought it was a shame. After all, Aspen might be nothing but trouble, but there was nothing to complain about her beauty.

Especially those long, toned legs he had lost count of how many times he had fantasized about wrapping them around himself. Nonetheless, it was clear that this prime piece of meat was no longer on the menu for him.

Seeing that Andrew still had not responded, Aspen thought that maybe he was not satisfied.

She quickly wiped her tears, smoothed out her clothes, and forced a sweet smile. "If you think there are too many people here watching, and it makes things inconvenient, I can... I can go to a hotel with you right now."

As long as Andrew was willing to spare the Bridgefields Stevens family, she did not care about anything else. If she had to become his personal plaything, then so be it.

Andrew frowned slightly. "Are you sick?"

Aspen froze, then flushed red with embarrassment and anger. "I-I'm not sick! If you think I'm unclean, we can go to a hospital right now so I can get a full check- up!"

Dylan snickered. "Wow! I didn't expect Mr. Lloyd to be so particular in this area!" Rodney grinned shamelessly. "Of course! Mr. Lloyd isn't like us desperate guys- he's got standards. He doesn't just jump on anything with a pulse!"

Natasha pouted. "Darling, you better not be thinking about sleeping with Aspen! I'm telling you right now-I go before her!"

Andrew's patience snapped. "What the hell are you people even talking about? I don't understand a single word of this nonsense!"

Then, turning to Aspen, his voice turned ice-cold. "Put your thoughts away-I don't need them. I asked if you were sick, not because I was worried about cleanliness, but because I genuinely think something is wrong with your brain."

Aspen stared at him in shock. "So... you don't want me?"

Andrew remained indifferent. "I have a girlfriend. And besides... you're too ugly for my taste."

Aspen's face turned bright red, her humiliation boiling over into rage. She could not believe it—she hadnoveldrama

practically thrown herself at him et

and he had rejected her. With her face her body, her everything was there any normal man in the world Who would say no?

Andrew ignored her wounded pride and turned to Zephyr. "Take your family and get the hell out."

His voice was flat, almost bored. "Treasure the days you have left because the only reason you survived this is because of her."

Zephyr hesitated for a moment, but in the end, no one really wanted to die.

He was no exception.

Hearing Andrew's words, he finally let out a breath of relief. "Andrew, I won't forget this favor."

He paused, glancing at his daughter. "But Aspen... can she-"

Andrew cut him off coldly. "That's enough. I'm already being generous by letting you walk away alive. Aspen might be arrogant and stupid, but at least she has some value. So she stays-as interest for your family's survival."

Aspen forced a weak smile. "Dad, just take everyone back to Bridgefields. From now on, don't worry about me. Also, never set foot in Jayrodale again. You don't have to think about me anymore."

Zephyr's eyes burned red as he turned to Andrew and growled, "Andrew, name your price! How much do you want for me to take Aspen back?"

Andrew shook his head. "I don't want money. Aspen is staying, first as collateral to make sure you don't try anything after this. Second, the Bridgefields Stevens family needs to pay for what they've done. Keeping her here in Jayrodale is the punishment."

Seeing Zephyr's utterly defeated expression, Andrew added, his tone impatient, "Relax. When Aspen proves useful enough to me, and if I'm in a good mood, then maybe... maybe I'll consider letting her go."

Zephyr knew there was nothing more to say. In the end, those who were

powerless had no choice but to submit.

As for the Bridgefields Stevens family? Whether now or in the future, they would

never stand a chance against Andrew.