Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Leslie rushed over with a few soldiers and helped Xavier sit up.

"Colonel Haywood, how are you feeling?"

Xavier looked completely crushed. He groaned, "My arms and legs... they're ruined! I want revenge! I'll make him pay!"

Leslie quickly cut in, "Forget about revenge. The General is not around, so I'll get you back to the Haywoods to see what can be done."

Andrew said flatly, "Relax. I only crushed his arms and snapped his legs. His meridians and energy core are still intact. He won't be useless in martial arts, but he's definitely going to be stuck in bed for a year or two."

Leslie shouted, "How's that any better? That doesn't earn you any gratitude from us!"

Andrew said impatiently, "Nobody needs your gratitude. Go get Ryder from the Ulrich family. I have business with him!"

With Xavier down, Leslie had no choice but to take charge herself. "You can leave now. Our base doesn't welcome you, and we're not agreeing to any of your demands!"

Andrew frowned. "So, Lieutenant Terrell, everything you said before was just hot air? You provoked us first, and when you get beaten, you turn into cowards and won't face the consequences?"

Leslie's chest heaved as she exploded with rage. "Then what do you want?"

Andrew said coldly, "I already told you to go get Ryder! I have business with him, and if he doesn't come out, I'll destroy the entire Ulrich family. That's my exact message. Make sure he hears it."

Leslie was infuriated. She pointed at Andrew, trembling with rage. "Y-Y-You..."

Andrew sneered. "Inside this base, you may be in charge, Lieutenant Terrell. But outside? You've got no say over me. If Ryder won't come out, then his whole family's done for. Logan, we're leaving!"

He walked away casually with his group in tow.

Behind them, the soldiers clenched their fists, seething with anger.

"Lieutenant Terrell, they almost killed Colonel Haywood. Are we really just letting them go?"

"We need to detain them and wait for the General to return!"

"This is Gabo Creek Base! We've never suffered such disgrace!"

Listening to the chattering soldiers around her, Leslie felt her irritation building to the breaking point.

"Shut up, you're all useless too! Who among you morons is going to stop them from leaving? Go ahead, which one of you has the guts? Go kill that Andrew!" She shrilled, and the soldiers looked dejected, hanging their heads in shame.

...

Andrew and his group left the base gates. Once inside the car, Logan asked, "Andy, were you really planning to kill Xavier back there?"

Andrew replied calmly, "I definitely wanted to finish that guy off, but this is a military base, so that would be quite an inconvenience."

Rachel patted her chest. "Thank

goodness you held back! Ms. Phelan

is an untouchable force innoveldrama

Blumedale. She herself is

a top-tier

existence, and her backing comes from Holtrien's military department!"

Andrew appeared thoughtful as he wondered if he could handle Luna if he

unlocked his second seal. But currently, he was not that confident.

Before long, Ryder came out of the

base gate with his head hanging low, wearing a different set of clothes. He spotted Andrew's cold profile through the car window and immediately walked over.

"Mr. Lloyd!" His tone was polite, worlds apart from how he acted before.

Andrew said, "Open the door and get in."

Ryder hesitated. "Mr. Lloyd, whatever you need, we can talk right here. I don't think I need to get in the car."

Andrew simply flashed him a smile.

Ryder's stomach clenched, and with a shiver, he pulled the handle and got in. The moment he did, Logan, seated in the back, wrapped an arm around his neck.

"Wow, moving up in the world, huh? Already a junior officer! You sure were acting high and mighty before. How does it feel being Xavier's lapdog? Bet you got real comfortable down there."

Ryder's face turned red as he slapped Logan's arm. "Let go! Please let go. Spare me!"

Andrew said calmly, "Logan, let him go."

Logan released him, but not without slapping the back of Ryder's head.

A cold glint flashed in Ryder's eyes, but he dared not make another sound.

Andrew gave him a half-smile. "I know you're still upset, but tough luck-this world runs on strength. Anyway, I called you here because I've got a job for you."

Ryder whispered, "Yes, Mr. Lloyd. I'm listening."

Andrew's tone turned sharp. "I'm no longer supporting your father as the head of the Ulrich family. Your two

brothers are both worthless, so I've

decided I'm going to back you

instead. Now tell me-are you in or out? Don't waste my time.

Ryder's breath caught. "What? Mr. Lloyd, y-you're really planning to back me?"