Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew shouted along, "Yes, that's right! Mr. Potter, go ahead and listen to that dumbass lackey of yours and order them to beat me to death right now! But you'd better be ready, for you and your whole operation are going to be wiped off the face of the earth."

He continued, "Not just you, but your family, your people, everything you've built.

If even one of you survives, I'll take your last name."

Ronald's expression shifted, caught between confusion and unease.

His men started yelling, urging him not to fall for Andrew's bluff.

However, Ronald stayed silent, staring hard at Andrew.

After a long moment, he finally spoke in a menacing tone, "Andrew, what exactly are you trying to do by coming here?"

Andrew sneered and knocked away several guns pointed at him. The gunmen were all furious, but before they could react, he had already lunged forward and delivered several loud slaps across their faces.

Immediately, five tough guys clutched their swollen cheeks, filled with anger, wanting nothing more than to devour Andrew as they roared in fury.

"Sir, this bastard has gone too far!"

This guy absolutely has to die! Kill him!"

"He's mouthing off right in front of you! Are we just going to let him walk all over us?"

Ronald was seething. He shot up from his black leather throne, pointing a trembling finger at Andrew as his voice turned deadly cold.

"Unless you explain yourself right now, I swear I'll make sure you leave here in pieces! I don't care how many big shots are backing you; I'll still crush you myself!"

Andrew snorted and fired back, "Don't you think I've earned the right to sit down and talk with you?"

Ronald grumbled begrudgingly, "Of course you have. I've already acknowledged that you've made a name for yourself. Whether I like it or not, I can't pretend you don't deserve some respect."

Andrew's tone stayed sharp. "Then that's all I'm asking for. I came here to talk business with you, Mr. Potter, so who the hell gave your goons the right to act tough in front of me? I slapped them, so what? If someone on my side started disrespecting you like that, would you sit back and smile?"

Ronald paused, his words caught in his throat.

The men Andrew had slapped were still fuming, but they could only grit their teeth and swallow their pride.

Andrew strolled over to the couch, sat down like he owned the place, and crossed his legs with ease.

Rachel watched him with wide eyes, completely in awe. She thought, 'Now that's what it means to have true boss energy.'

Andrew pointed at a hulking man nearby and casually ordered, "Go get me a cup of tea. I want Earl Grey."

The man covered in tattoos and rippling with muscle was one of Ronald's most trusted lieutenants The second he heard the request, his face twisted in disbelief as he barked, "You want me to make you tea? You think I'm your damn servant?"

Andrew looked at him calmly. "I think you're a nobody. What, got a problem with that?"

The man's face flushed deep red, and his fists clenched until his knuckles cracked.

However, he did not make a move. Instead, he just glanced at Ronald, waiting for his signal.

Ronald felt a headache coming on and finally waved his hand. "Go. Just make the damn tea for Mr. Lloyd. It's not worth making a scene, so just suck it up."

The burly man let out a frustrated roar but obediently went to make the tea.

Ronald gave a bitter laugh and turned to Andrew. "Happy now, Mr. Lloyd? After making such a big scene, can we finally talk business?"

Andrew got straight to the point, "You know Victoria Sanchez, right?"

Ronald was confused, then replied in a muffled voice, "The Peck family matriarch, a legendary woman-who doesn't know her! But why are you bringing up that tough lady out of nowhere?"

Andrew chuckled darkly. "Sir, watch your mouth. Victoria adores me; she's practically like an aunt to me. If I told her exactly what you just said, I don't think things would end well for you."

Ronald's eyes went wide, his tongue practically tripping over itself. "Wait... what? -You're saying Mrs. Peck is close with you? Oh, w-what I said earlier was just a slip of the fongue. Please don't take it seriously!"noveldrama