Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew grinned. "You heard me right-I meant exactly what I said. To put it bluntly, I need the Ulrich family under my control. I need a puppet to manage things on my behalf."

Ryder's face darkened. "So basically, you want me to be your puppet? Trying to 'hold the king and command the lords'?"

Before he could finish his dramatic analogy, Logan smacked him across the face. "Ryder, you're seriously a pile of crap. 'Hold the king'? Who the hell do you think you are, royalty?"

He added, "The Ulrich family isn't an empire, and you're no emperor. Can you stop flattering yourself and spouting this nonsense like you passed eighth-grade civics?"

Ryder turned red, realizing just how out of touch he sounded.

Even Andrew could not help but smirk, thinking this guy was something else. All he wanted was someone obedient to help him steer the Ulrich family, and here Ryder was, acting like he had just been offered a crown.

After thinking for a moment, Ryder shook his head, essentially refusing. He said, "My dad currently controls the Ulrich family, and I'm not old enough to take over yet! Besides, if I were to take over the Ulrich family, what would happen to him? What you're saying is completely unrealistic!"

Andrew smiled. "Alright, I understand what you mean. Get out of the car and scram!"

Ryder was somewhat angry but held it in. "Mr. Lloyd, what exactly are you trying to do?"noveldrama

Andrew waved dismissively. "Get lost! A golden opportunity is right in front of you, and you refuse to cherish it. If that's the case, I'll hand this opportunity to your two brothers instead. Especially that little brother of yours-that kid has real potential!"

Logan picked up the conversation, laughing. "Exactly! Reece is still in elementary school, but he is way more impressive than you! At least that kid has ambition. He's young but has a big appetite. You just keep playing soldier in your military base!"

He continued, "Someday, when you return to the Ulrich family, he will be sitting in the head of family position, demanding you submit to him! If you don't, then there won't be a place for you in the Ulrich family!"

Rachel chuckled lightly. "Mr. Ulrich, even with Mr. Lloyd's support, you're still too scared to take over the Ulrich family. That just shows you're all bark and no bite-a complete coward! I guess it means we'll have to look for someone else, someone with guts and ambition."

She said, "And you, Mr. Ulrich? You've still got a long way to go."

The three of them tag-teamed the mockery, and Ryder could barely contain the fire burning inside. He snapped, "Say whatever you want, but I'll never betray the Ulrich family!"

Andrew looked him over. "Are you really that loyal to the Ulrich family? I can see that your appetite, ambition, and abilities are all much greater than those of your two brothers. Are you not tempted by power? Not fascinated by the position of Ulrich family head? Don't you want to call the shots in the Ulrich family?

"Stop fooling yourself. Why would you be Xavier's lapdog if you didn't want any of this? To put it plainly, aren't you just trying to cozy up to the Haywoods so you can smoothly take over the Ulrich family's power later? I can give you control of the Ulrich family right now, while you're still young!"

Ryder was half-convinced. "Mr. Lloyd, are you really willing to help me?"

Andrew smiled. "Absolutely. It couldn't be more real! But there's one condition-you need to understand why I'm doing this."

Ryder blurted out, "I know... It's because my dad won't listen to you!"

Andrew's smile grew wider. "Smart kid. So if you take power, would you be willing to listen?"

Ryder's face showed excitement as he nodded repeatedly. "If I could really seize power right now and control a major family, then of course I'd listen to you, Mr. Lloyd! But what about my father? I can't possibly commit treason against him!"

Andrew shook his head. "Don't worry about what's possible or impossible. Just ask yourself if you can do it! As for the follow-up support and backing, are you doubting my ability to deal with your old man?"

Ryder pondered for a moment, then gritted his teeth. "Fine. I agree to cooperate with you! As long as you can help me take the head of family position, Mr. Lloyd, I'll be your man from now on! As for my father, I guess it can't be helped. I can't worry about that too much."

He paused, then continued. "To be frank, my grandfather's incident at the nursing home was entirely my father's doing. The Ulrich family has always had a tradition of sons inheriting from their fathers. Since he treated my grandfather that way, I think it's perfectly normal for me to treat him the same!"

Andrew studied him for a long moment, then burst into laughter. "I didn't expect you to catch on so quickly!"