Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Mr. Driscoll, make yourself at home!"

"Don't listen to him, Joe. We're neighbors-feel free to stop by anytime!"

"Come hang out more often, Mr. Driscoll!"

Joe smiled and gave a polite nod before walking toward the front gates of Serenity Villa.

Andrew called out, "Hey, hey, you just show up uninvited like that? If you're dropping by, you could at least bring something with you!"

The three women quickly grabbed him and covered his mouth.noveldrama

"Honey, you're such a typical clueless man!"

"Can't you tell he's here to see Shiloh?"

"Quit yelling. Let's keep training and just let him go."

Several muffled thuds echoed from the villa, and Joe came stumbling out of the main gate, completely disheveled. His face was bruised in patches of blue and purple as he staggered like a drunk.

"Ms. Greene, why did you start throwing punches out of nowhere?"

"So what if I did? You totally deserved it, you stubborn fool!"

"You..."

"What? What're you going to do about it, huh? Run back to your rich little Driscoll family and cry? Get lost! You're in my way. I've got a side hustle to get to!"

Back on the lawn, Andrew and the others were completely stunned.

"Holy crap, Shiloh just beat the hell out of Joe, and his face is crooked!"

"Mr. Driscoll really met his match!"

"Guys, look at him! He's not even mad, just grinning like an idiot. Look, he's chasing after her again! Oh my goodness, is this one of those relentless lover tropes? Like 'I'll follow you to the ends of the earth'?"

And just like that, their morning training ended with everyone watching the drama unfold.

Lately, Joe had been showing up at Serenity Villa almost shamelessly, making it clear he was there for Shiloh. Without exception, he never received a warm welcome.

Shiloh would curse him out and beat him up every single time she saw him. While Joe's martial arts skills were certainly formidable, he only ever took beatings when facing Shiloh.

What left Andrew and the others speechless was that Joe never got angry or violent after being beaten. Instead, he would just grin like a fool.

The once cold and arrogant heir of the Driscoll family had completely changed. Andrew could only shake his head at the hopeless fool.

After breakfast, Andrew headed to his office at the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce as usual. soon as he walked in, Ryder immediately said, "Mr. Lloyd, today is my grandfather's burial day! It's also the day my father and Mr. Byrne agreed to make their move against you!"

Andrew remained completely calm and composed.

Soon after, Mason's call came in. His voice was choked with emotion as he said, "Mr. Lloyd, my father's being laid to rest today. I've thought it over and I'd like to ask you to attend the funeral. It would bring some peace to my father's spirit."

Andrew agreed without hesitation. "Alright, I'll come by. Don't be too overcome by grief. Your father lived a full life."

Mason replied hoarsely, "You're right, Mr. Lloyd. We'll be waiting for you at the cemetery."

After hanging up, Andrew turned to Ryder. "Let's go. Time to send your grandpa off."

Ryder hesitated. "Mr. Lloyd... are you going alone?"

Andrew glanced at him. "What, you want me to show up with a marching band? Should I really roll in with drums and horns to 'celebrate' your grandfather's burial?"

Ryder opened his mouth, then shut it again in disbelief. "But Mr. Byrne is planning to ambush you at the cemetery! You're walking into a trap with no backup. This could get you kilted!"

Andrew gave a chilling smile. "Relax. My backup's already on the way."

As he set out, a series of silent orders had already been sent. Ronald, Aaron, and several of the major families were all notified.

This included Tiana, the Wright family, and several key families within the Chamber of Commerce, including Duncan's Irving family and the Keller family.

Marcelo thought he was setting up the perfect ambush, but Andrew was about to show him the truth: He was nothing but a dog about to be put down.