Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

All the board members' sons and daughters who had returned from their studies were dying for Andrew to notice them and call them to work by his side. But now, such a coveted position had fallen into Ryder's hands.

This was unexpected for many people, including Mason himself. He was somewhat puzzled but ultimately expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Lloyd, for thinking so highly of my son! I'm grateful for your mentorship!"

Andrew waved his hand dismissively, "It's nothing. Well, that concludes today's meeting!"noveldrama

The meeting ended, and everyone went their separate ways.

Mason walked silently with Ryder, hurrying into the underground parking garage. Only when they were alone did he turn around and slap Ryder across the face.

"You bastard, who told you to leave the military? Not only are you skipping out on your job, but you're even running around without my permission!"

Looking at his father's furious expression, Ryder sneered inwardly but appeared terrified on the surface. "I was only worried about you, Dad, so I took leave without permission. Our family is going through turbulent times right now, and I wanted to help you manage family affairs!"

Mason sneered, "Helping with family affairs is just an excuse. You're really after my position as family head, aren't you?"

Ryder put on a wounded look, his eyes glassy with fake tears. "I didn't think my good intentions would make you so suspicious of me, like I'm some kind of threat. How could I have the qualifications or ability to challenge your position as family head? If you just think about it, you'd realize this makes no sense!"

He added, "Besides, my brothers are still too young to help the family at all. That's why I took it upon myself to come and assist you, Dad!"

Mason frowned deeply, staring at Ryder.

Was he overthinking things?

He shook his head, thinking he needed more rest lately. His nerves had been on edge for so long that he was becoming paranoid. He could suspect anyone, but not his own son.

"Fine, since you're already here, do your job well! But there's one thing I don't understand... How did Andrew approach you?" Mason pressed again.

Ryder lowered his head, hiding the cold gleam that flashed in his eyes. Then, he gave the explanation he had prepared in advance.

"When Mr. Lloyd reached out to me, he seemed really guilty. He said he felt he owed the Ulrich family, and offering me a position was his way of making up for what happened to Grandpa."

Mason finally relaxed and dropped

his guard. He warned his son, "Don't

believe a word that monster says.t

He's the one who killed your grandfather. Back in that meeting, I had no choice but to play along because his influence is too strong right now."

He added, "But don't worry, Ryder. That arrogance of his won't last long."

Ryder clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "I knew it. I knew he was the one who killed Grandpa. Don't worry, Dad. As long as we work together, we'll bring him down."

Mason nodded, clearly pleased. "Good. Come home with me. And since you're working under Andrew now, you can keep me posted on his every move."

Ryder climbed into the car and casually pulled out his phone, sending a quick message. [All set.]

The message went straight to Rachel since Ryder was under her supervision, per Andrew's instructions.

"Mr. Lloyd, Mason took the bait!" Rachel reported immediately after receiving the message.

Andrew was still lounging in the now-empty conference room, legs kicked up on the table. He let out a nonchalant grunt, clearly unfazed. Just then, a message from Yara popped up on his phone.

[Yara: Uncle Andy, dinner's on me tonight!]

[Andrew: Not going. And stop calling me Uncle.]

[Yara: Then I'll call you Daddy!]

[Andrew: Will you stop with all the flirting?]

Yara responded with an angry emoji, but Andrew did not even bother replying.

Ever since taking over the Wright family, Yara had grown bolder and more

reckless.

Honestly, if Andrew wanted to have her, it would not even take effort. However, he truly had no interest in her that way.

He simply told Rachel to prepare the gifts.

Since it was still early in the day, he drove straight to the Peck residence in Blumedale. Tiana had asked him

to pay a visit, so he figured he might as well see what was up.