Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Among the Five Apex Families, the Peck family ranked squarely in the middle. They were not the most dominant, but they were not lagging behind either.

However, this would only be the case if they did not count the matriarch, Victoria Sanchez.

Once they factored in the woman, even the Three Titans would tread carefully around. Then, the Peck family might as well be a power to be reckoned with in Blumedale.

However, when it came to financial strength and overall influence, the Peck family was still lacking.

That meant Victoria could keep the wolves at bay. But expansion? That was another story entirely.

Andrew had previously crossed paths with members of the Peck family back in Jayrodale. Specifically, Ernest Peck-the guy who had a stash of rare elixirs and ended up clashing hard with Andrew. It had not ended well for him.

...

Andrew's Porsche 911 pulled discreetly into the Peck residence. The moment he stepped out, he was spotted.

"Are you Mr. Andrew Lloyd from the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce? You think you can just show up at our home unannounced whenever you want? What are you trying to pull here?"

The tension inside the estate snapped instantly. Security mobilized, and dozens of fully armed guards rushed out in formation.

Miles and Liliana showed up quickly after hearing the commotion.

The moment Liliana laid eyes on Andrew, her heart churned with mixed emotions of bitterness, hatred, and fear.noveldrama

"Andrew, you've got guts coming here alone like this! You know the last time isn't settled yet, right? My dad just got out of bed and is ready to deal with you!"

She clenched her fists, seething.

Miles, on the other hand, was more composed. He barked, "Liliana, that's enough! Step aside. Show Mr. Lloyd some respect."

Andrew smoothed his suit and gave a calm smile. "You've always been the more reasonable one, Mr. Peck. Whatever happened was just a misunderstanding, wasn't it?"

Miles' jaw twitched.

Misunderstanding? Only Andrew could say that with a straight face.

His father, Calvin, had suffered internal injuries from sheer stress and still had not fully recovered.

His aunt, Caroline, had all four limbs broken. Even with a miracle doctor on site, she still could not get out of bed.

And Liliana, the one who started it all by kidnapping Lauren, had nearly paid the ultimate price for it. She took a brutal beating and almost got permanently scarred.

In short, the feud between the Peck family and Andrew ran deep.

Hence, when Andrew walked in on his own, Miles could not figure out what game he was playing. He was about to ask why Andrew was here when the family butler, Otis O Hutcherson, ran out.

"Mr. Peck, Mrs. Peck requests to meet with Mr. Lloyd immediately."

Both Miles and Liliana froze in shock.

Liliana blurted out, "How did Mom know Andrew was here?"

Otis replied, "She didn't. But she left specific instructions beforehand. If Mr. Lloyd

ever came to visit, we were to bring him to her immediately."

Liliana looked skeptical and turned to her brother. "Miles, do you think Mom knows Andrew?"

Miles looked equally puzzled and shook his head. "No clue. But I doubt it."

Their mother, the elusive matriarch of the Peck family, rarely showed her face. She had long lived in the inner estate, hidden from the public eye.

No one even knew the current extent of her martial prowess.

Of course, the less people knew, the more they feared her.

Now, this woman, whose words held more weight than Calvin's, was inviting Andrew to a private meeting.

Miles and Liliana could not make sense of it, though something about it felt off. Normally, their mother never met with outsiders, and definitely not with men.

Unless it was one of the Three Titans' family heads or someone like George, those rare few at the top of the food chain.

Anyone else? Victoria never gave them the time of day.

"Mr. Lloyd, please come with me," Otis said, gesturing respectfully.

Andrew gave Miles a glance and smiled. "See you around, Mr. Peck."

Miles forced a polite smile. "Right. Before you meet my mother, Mr. Lloyd, there are a few things you should know."

Andrew nodded. "Go ahead."

Miles grew serious. "How do I put this... My mother can be a bit withdrawn. To be blunt, she has a temper. When you speak with her. it's best to keep your tone calm and

respectful. Go along w

can."

her if you

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "I've never crossed paths with the Peck family matriarch before. There's no bad blood between us. So, whether I go along with her really depends, because I'm not exactly known for having a good temper either."

Liliana snorted. "You may be hot-tempered, but in front of my mom, you'd better learn to behave. Otherwise, she'll teach you real quick how to keep that attitude in check."