Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

After Cillian's death, unrest spread throughout the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce. Many members had grown increasingly hostile and resistant toward Andrew.

"He's nothing but a killer, a thug!"

"Putting him in charge was a mistake from the start!"

"We need to elect a new chairman. We refuse to be led by someone so ruthless!" Several members had already stepped forward, openly attacking Andrew.

Left with no choice, Andrew called for another internal meeting with the Chamber of Commerce members.

"Everyone suspects I'm the one who killed Cillian," Andrew said calmly from his seat at the head of the table. "So where's the evidence? Where's the proof?"

An elderly member wearing reading glasses angrily replied, "Cillian is dead, and you're still alive! That's evidence enough! Mr. Lloyd, do you plan to eliminate everyone who displeases you? Are you our Chamber of Commerce chairman or a tyrant?"

Duncan slammed the table. "Mr. Benson, watch your language!"

The elderly Tyrell Benson chuckled with disdain. "Cillian and I are from the same generation, and I've lived long enough anyway! I'm not afraid to die, Duncan. Mr. Lloyds, if you two have the guts, come to my company and finish me off!"

With that, he left the meeting directly, showing Andrew no respect whatsoever.

Mason, sitting at the far end, had a mocking smile on his face. The effect he wanted was being achieved step by step, and Andrew definitely would not be able to hold onto the chairman position much longer!

The only problem was that he had lost contact with Nathan, his handler, and did not know what had happened.

Rachel looked grim. "Let's bring Mr. Benson back. Even though he's a senior member, it's too much for him to disrespect the chairman like that!"

Andrew waved it off. "No need. If Mr. Benson wants to leave, let him go."

Rachel looked surprised. "Mr. Lloyd, if we let this slide, others might follow. Things could spiral fast."

Andrew remained calm. "So what if one old guy walks out? Even if the entire Gabo Creek Chamber flips upside down, I still won't be fazed."

Mason sneered quietly. He thought Andrew was clearly panicking inside, yet trying

to play it cool. He wondered just how long he could keep that act going.noveldrama

"Mr. Ulrich!" Andrew's voice suddenly rang out.

Mason flinched, quickly clearing his throat and switching to a respectful tone. "Mr. Lloyd, you called?"

Andrew leaned forward, gazing at

him across the table with a smile. "Mr. Ulrich, you seemed a little distracted there. What were you thinking about? You're not hoping that karma will catch up with me as chairman and drag the Ulrich family down with me, are you?"

Mason almost blurted out, "How did you know that?"

Thankfully, he caught himself in time and put on a frightened, trembling act. "Mr. Lloyd, please don't wrongly accuse me! I'm your supporter, so how could I think such things about you?"

He added, "As for my father, I already explained-it was sudden, a complete accident. It had nothing to do with you, Mr. Lloyd. Anyone who says otherwise is just making things up, and if I hear anyone slandering you, the Ulrich family will speak up and clear the air!"

Andrew nodded. "I appreciate that. Your father's burial should be soon, right?"

Mason put on a solemn face and shook his head. "Not just yet. I plan to hold an extended memorial service for another two weeks. He contributed a lot to the Chamber of Commerce during his lifetime, so I have to honor him properly."

Andrew nodded. "You're quite the devoted son."

However, Rachel and the others exchanged cold, amused glances. This shameless Mason was really milking Cillian's death for all it was worth.

"By the way, Mr. Ulrich—and everyone else," Andrew said, clapping his hands

with a smile. "I'd like to introduce someone new to the group. Please welcome Mr. Ryder Ulrich!"

Ryder, dressed in a sharp suit, strode into the room. "Mr. Lloyd, good day. Greetings to all the board members."

His tone was polite and well-mannered.

Mason frowned. "Ryder, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at

the base? And where's your uniform?"

Ryder grinned. "Dad, I took some leave to come back for Grandpa's funeral."

Andrew stepped in. "He's so

thoughtful. He knows you're under a

lot of stress, so he came back to help. Besides, I could use someone

like him by my side, so I've ask

him to help out with some Chamber business. It'll be a great opportunity for him to gain some experience."

Many members turned their heads in surprise.

A seat at Andrew's side was like gold. After all, anyone positioned close to the

chairman was seen as one of his trusted few.