Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Since resistance was futile, there was no choice but to submit. Zephyr said, "Aspen, I swear I'll find a way to get you out of this hellhole!"

Leaving behind that one sentence, he led the Bridgefields Stevens family out of Jayrodale in a state of utter defeat.

Aspen watched their retreating figures, silent tears slipping down her face. As long as her sacrifice could ensure her family's survival, then it was worth it.

Andrew glanced around. "That's enough. Let's head back."

Without another word, he stepped out of the Stevens mansion doors.

Christina clenched her teeth. "Andrew, what exactly do you plan to do with Aspen?"

Andrew did not even turn his head. "I haven't decided yet, but it depends on how she behaves. If she's useless, I'll sell her off abroad and let fate decide the rest."

Aspen, trailing behind him, turned even paler. Right now, she was nothing more than Andrew's property. If he decided to ship her off, she would have no choice but to accept it.

As they left the Stevens mansion grounds, Aspen suddenly spoke. "Mr. Lloyd, may I return for two minutes? I need to ask something."

Natasha smirked. "Trying to use this as an excuse to escape?"

Andrew waved a hand. "Go ahead. I'll give you five minutes."

Aspen lowered her head. "Thank you."

Her tone was submissive-like a servant addressing her master.

Watching her retreating figure, Dylan turned to Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, what's your plan for Aspen?"

Andrew thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Good question. Besides being somewhat decent-looking, she's completely useless."

Natasha scoffed. "Then just leave her to me. I'll have her working the streets every night. I guarantee she'll make you a few million a month."

Dylan smirked. "A few million is too low. She's a Bridgefields heiress, a woman of noble blood, and stunningly beautiful. In my opinion we should market her properly then marry her off to some wealthy tycoon or influential family turn her into a valuable chess piece for Mr. Lloyd."

Rodney, still unwilling to give up, immediately chimed in. "Why bother with all thatnoveldrama

trouble? Mr. Lloyd, I'll pay ten million-just sell her to me!"

Andrew chuckled. "She's a person, not an item for sale."

Rodney sneered. "Come on, she's already a caged bird. Whether we pretend to respect her or not, she's got no say in it. Women like Aspen are used to being so full of themselves, and they need to be broken completely. Crush every last shred of their pride, and then they'll learn their place."

Andrew gave him a bored look. "Forget about Aspen-I have other plans for her."

Rodney narrowed his eyes. "Mr. Lloyd, you're not actually thinking of keeping her, are you? If you do want her, you should've just said so! Obviously, I'd rather let you have the first taste."

Andrew smacked him upside the head. "Do you ever think about anything other than screwing women?"

Andrew had no interest in Aspen's body—what intrigued him was her potential. She came from an elite family, and with the proper guidance, she could be helpful in ways that extended far beyond the bedroom.

At that moment, Aspen returned to the Stevens mansion. She walked straight up

to Christina, her expression blank. "Christie, we've known each other for years. I need to ask you something."

Christina met her gaze with complete calm. "I already know what you want to ask. Yes. I was the one who tipped off the main family."

Aspen nodded, then suddenly smiled. "When I first arrived in Jayrodale, thought you were weak-insignificant. But now, I see how wrong I was. My arrogance was nothing compared to your silent

cruelty. You cut me apart piece by piece, and I never even

saw

the

blade coming."

With that, she turned around and walked out of the Stevens mansion-without looking back.