Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Looking at the two defeated West End fighters, Andrew smirked. "You two weren't bad. Even though you didn't meet the challenge's conditions... I'll still reward you with something. Take It."

With that, he tossed them a small bottle. Inside were two weaker versions of the Cleansing Pill-leftovers from when he refined the real thing.

The two swordsmen were stunned for a moment before their faces lit up with excitement. They nearly dropped to their knees in gratitude.

"Mr. Lloyd, we lost. We couldn't even last a single round against you... Why would you still reward us?"

The two looked at him, completely baffled."

Andrew waved them off. "You both have potential. That alone makes you worth investing in."

Natasha shot them a look. “What are you idiots standing around for? Say thank you!"

Snapping back to reality, they quickly bowed. "Thank you, Mr. Lloyd!"

Andrew stepped down from the ring and turned to Natasha. "Now, do you understand why I said your people are just decent"?"

Natasha sighed in defeat. "Fine, you win! But don't worry I'll keep a close eye on their training until they meet your standards."

However, Aspen could not stand his attitude. To her, this was just another display of arrogance, a strong man nitpicking the weak.

3

She let out a cold laugh and said, "Some people are ridiculously powerful, yet they still act like it's a big deal to judge those weaker than them. It's honestly amusing.

"Natasha's men are strong enough to serve as an elite guard for an entire noble family. If even that only counts as decent' to you, I can't imagine what would actually impress you."

Andrew narrowed his eyes and glanced at her coldly. "Aspen, I've noticed you have a habit of butting in whenever I speak. Is that intentional?"

Aspen froze for a second before scoffing. "I'm just stating facts. Andrew, you're holding everyone to your own ridiculously high

standards. Sometimes, admitt

someone else is good at something isn't that hard."

Andrew let out a mocking laugh. "Oh? So, you think you're good enough?"

Aspen's pride flared up instantly, and she lifted her chin with confidence. "I wouldn't say I'm the best, but I'm definitely not below your so-called 'standards'!"

Andrew's smirk deepened. "Is that so? Then let's do this-won't move, and I'll even give you a handicap by using only one hand. Same deal as before. If you can land a hit on me, I'll let you go free. Sound faira

Aspen's heartbeat spiked as adrenaline rushed through her veins. "You mean it?”

Andrew's eyes gleamed with amusement. “Oh, I mean it. I couldn't be more

serious. But don't expect to walk away unscathed if you fail to touch me."

Aspen did not hesitate. "If I can't even brush against your clothes while you're standing still and only using one hand, I might as well drop dead. Andrew, I'll make you eat your words. You underestimate me, and that's going to be your downfall!"

5

Andrew spread his legs slightly, planting his feet firmly on the ground. One hand was tucked behind his back, while his free hand gestured at her lazily.

"Come on, then. Let's see if the so-called 'pride of the Stevens family' is any different from an old lady."

Aspen's face burned with anger. She lunged forward with a burst of speed, her long leg sweeping toward Andrew's torso with full force. She was determined to make him regret looking down on her.noveldrama

Natasha folded her arms, watching with amusement. If her guess was right, Aspen was about to learn a painful lesson.

She did think Andrew was being a little too dismissive, standing there unmoving and offering only one hand. Nonetheless, it did not matter-Natasha had absolute faith that Andrew would never lose.