Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew smiled and said, "Relax, Mrs. Rhodes. Don't worry-I'm not here to settle the score for the things you did in the past."

Tiana instinctively wanted to snap back. However, the moment she remembered this guy could probably pin her down with one hand, she swallowed her temper fast.

She huffed, "Fine. You did the Rhodes family a huge favor today and even saved both our lives. If you wanted to come after me, I'd honestly have no choice but to take it."

Jameson chuckled and said, "Tiana, you don't need to be so passive-aggressive. Andy's not that petty. He never had any intention of coming after you."

Andrew nodded. "Mr. Rhodes gets me."

Jameson looked Andrew up and down with admiration in his eyes. "Andy, I totally misjudged you. I never thought you were hiding your true power-you're on a whole other level!"

He laughed heartily, adding, "You and Lauren are a perfect match!"

Tiana scoffed unwillingly. "It's too soon to say things like that! Aidan might be gone, but Kenny and Sherilyn are still standing!"

Jameson's expression darkened as he glanced toward the door, where Kenny and Sherilyn were already trembling with fear.

Sherilyn's voice was shaky with disbelief. "Dad, how could Mr. Haywood Senior lose? And to Andrew, of all people? Maybe he's just too old and past his prime?"

Kenny looked like he had swallowed poison, his face twisted in disbelief. He had gone through hell to bring Aidan here, hoping to win it all in one move and take over as head of the Rhodes family.

Old and weak? Not a chance. After all, Aidan was ranked fifth on the Underworld Index. His strength was at its peak; even Tiana had nearly fallen under his hand.

How could anyone say he was washed up?

"It wasn't Aidan who failed. It was us who underestimated Andrew!" Kenny growled, his hatred burning hotter with every word.

Back in Jayrodale, he had taken a humiliating slap from Andrew just because it was not his turf. He had swallowed that loss because he had no other choice.

However, this was the state capital-his home turf. He had the Goldings backing him, and he had brought in someone as legendary as Aidan.

Even so, they still lost badly.

It was simply unbelievable. If things kept going this way, how was he supposed to take Andrew down?

If so, Michael's death would be for nothing.

Jameson suddenly spoke in a cold voice. "Kenny, this ends here. I won't hold you accountable for everything that's happened, but from this point on, all past grudges must be buried. Agreed?"

Kenny let out a harsh, mockingnoveldrama

laugh. His expression was twisted. "Wow, listen to you, dressing your

words up like you're doing me a favor! You make it sound like I'm on my knees begging you to spare me!"

Jameson frowned. "Aren't you? You brought outsiders into our family and almost caused a massacre. By family law, that's a death sentence. But we're brothers, and over the years, you have done things for the family. sŵnovel

"If I kill you, that's blood on blood. It'd be fratricide. So I'll let you go this one time. But from now on, you're done with me, with Andy, and with the Rhodes family. We're finished."

Kenny roared, "In your dreams! You listen to me, Jameson-the position of head of this family? That's mine and I'll take it no matter what! And if you think I'll just make peace and walk away? Keep dreaming! You got lucky again today, Andrew. But next time... I swear, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

Sherilyn glared and hissed, "That's right, Andrew. We underestimated you. We

didn't expect you to actually take down Mr. Haywood Senior!"