Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"I've always handed over my paycheck. I'm used to it," Nyla murmured.

Andrew gave Francesca a small smile. "Fran, let's drop it for now. This is between

Nyla and her stepmother-we shouldn't interfere too much."

Camilla smirked. "At least Dr. Lloyd knows how to behave. Well then, I'll be heading out."

She stood up and, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, ordered, "Nyla, help me to the car."

Then, in a warning tone, she added, "I'll be back this time next month, so don't even think about hiding your paycheck. If you don't have the full amount ready, don't bother trying to step foot in the Goth family's house."

Nyla quickly nodded. "I understand, Madam. Don't worry 'll give you everything."

Camilla nodded in satisfaction, putting on a fake, affectionate smile. "That's a good girl. At least my efforts in raising you haven't been in vain. You know how busy your father is, and I'm the only one managing the household. Even in my rare moments of rest, I still have to look after you.

"So Nyla, you should understand just how much effort I've put into you."

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Nyla opened her mouth slightly but said nothing. After seeing Camilla off, she walked back in looking utterly dejected.noveldrama

Francesca's patience finally snapped. "Nyla, be honest with me-is that bitch abusing you? Is she manipulating you?"

Nyla avoided her gaze. "Dr. Aicker, please don't ask. I don't want to talk about my family."

Francesca grew even more frustrated. "Nyla, I'm asking you one last time-is she mistreating you? Has she been controlling and pressuring you this whole time? If you don't speak up, no one will be able to help you. If we don't step in, you'll be stuck living like this forever!"

Nyla pressed her lips together, remaining silent for a long time. Then, tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out, "I appreciate your concern, Dr. Aicker... Andy...

I really do. But right now, I don't want to talk about it. I just want to be alone."

Francesca looked heartbroken and furious, ready to press further.

However, Andrew held her back, shaking his head. "Let her be for now. She's too proud to air her family's dirty laundry. If you keep pushing, you'll only hurt her more-it won't help."

Francesca clenched her fists. "So what, we're just supposed to stand by and watch that witch steal everything she's worked for?"

Andrew remained calm. "At the end of the day, this all comes down to the head of the Goth family. We should find him and see what's going on."

Francesca scoffed. "Dominic Goth? He's known for being spineless in Jayrodale's elite circles. Talking to him probably won't change a thing!"

Adrew and Francesca both knew this was not an easy situation to meddle in.

After all, it was an internal matter within the Goth family, and Nyla was refusing to say anything.

Andrew decided it was best to wait and observe for now, keeping Francesca from getting further involved. Just then, his phone rang-it was Natasha.

The moment he answered, her voice came through, cold and sharp. "Darling, Quinton is using his status as the heir of the Wright family to summon all the major players in Jayrodale for a meeting. From the looks of it, he's trying to use the Wright family's influence to stir up trouble and put pressure on you."

Andrew, however, remained unfazed. He chuckled. "Then you and Dylan should

go and listen. Let's see if Mr. Wright has anything worthwhile to say."

Quinton was clearly still unwilling to give up. He was dead set on getting his hands on the Vitality Pill and

Titan Essence Pill. If that was the

to play this game to the endomet

case, Andrew was more than ready

swnc

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