Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

After chatting for a while longer, Ryder finally got out of the car with a heavy heart and returned to the military base.

In the vehicle, Rachel laughed and said, "Mr. Lloyd, you're really going to trust this kid so easily?"

Andrew chuckled and asked back, "What do you think?"

Rachel looked completely puzzled and replied, "Mr. Lloyd, I can't figure out what you're thinking!"

Logan sneered. "Andy would never just trust Ryder like that. That mutt was Xavier's lapdog five minutes ago. You think he flips that fast and suddenly becomes our loyal guy? Everything he said earlier was just for show-he was playing along."

Rachel's face went cold. "Then why are we supporting him at all? His two brothers would be way easier to control."

Andrew shook his head. "You're right. Ryder's brothers are easier to control, but that also makes them useless. Even with our backing, they wouldn't stand a chance against Mason for the family seat."

He continued, "Ryder, on the other hand, has decent overall skills and a bit of cunning. It's not much, but enough. And from the look in his eyes, he won't be able to resist the temptation of becoming the next head of the Ulrich family."

Meanwhile, Ryder had returned to his quarters, his mind a storm of thoughts. He sat alone, pacing mentally, heart pounding. Truthfully, he had been pretending earlier, just acting submissive in front of Andrew.

After all, the guy had taken down Xavier, and Ryder had no choice but to play it safe.

Still, Andrew's offer to make him the head of the Ulrich family, and that idea had shaken him more than he wanted to admit.

He did not want to expose his ambitions for fear that Mason would find out and destroy him.

Mason had gained his position by murdering Cillian, so he was extremely paranoid and suspicious. Sometimes, he even suffered from delusions of persecution, constantly worrying that people around him were plotting to steal his position as family head.

Ryder knew very well that if he showed any desire to challenge his father's position now, it would likely be a death sentence. But with Andrew's support, the situation became entirely different.

The Ulrich family was a major member of the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce, which was headed by Andrew himself.

With such a golden opportunity before him, he wondered if he should take the gamble and shoot his shot or play it safe and continue lying low, waiting for another chance.

Mason was currently in his prime and would likely remain in the family head position for at least another 20 years.

Ryder thought, '20 years is such a long time. If I can take the throne now, I'll finally get to live the way I want and become a major player in Blumedale. I can't wait that long. A man should make his mark early. I wasn't born to be mediocre.'

The more Ryder thought about it, the more fired up he became. He stood up suddenly, fists clenched tight with conviction.

Just then, a voice startled him. "What are you doing?"

Ryder jumped and turned toward the door, immediately putting on a smile. "Leslie? What brings you here?"

Leslie stepped in with a cold expression. "What did Andrew say to you outside?"

Ryder quickly waved his hands. "Oh, nothing, really. He just brought up some family stuff, but I brushed him off and walked away right after."

Leslie narrowed her eyes. "Captain Ulrich, do you really expect me to believe that?" You're one of General Phelan's people. I hope you won't fall for Andrew's sweet talk and do something reckless. Because if you do the consequences won't be something you can handle."

Ryder panicked and said, "Leslie, I swear! I didn't say anything to Andrew. I

wouldn't lie to you, of all people!"

Leslie's expression softened slightly,

and she gave a slight nod. "I'll take your word for it... for now. But Captain Ulrich, stay away from that man. He's offended our entire military division, and trust me, he

won't walk away from the he

unscathed."

Ryder nodded immediately. "Absolutely. I'll keep my distance from him."noveldrama

Leslie sighed. "Colonel Haywood's injuries are too severe. I've already contacted the Haywoods. They're sending someone to take him back and call a miracle doctor. I just hope it's not too late."

Ryder hesitated. Then, he suddenly looked at her with a serious expression. "Leslie, about what I asked you before... have you given it any thought?"

Leslie froze, then firmly refused, "Don't even think about it. Captain Ulrich, even though your

development has been quite good, don't forget who I work for. It's not that look down on you, but the gap between us will only grow wider in the future!"