Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew scoffed. "So what if I offended her? I've said before that pride is Luna's greatest sin. One day, it'll come back to bite her."

Chantelle shook her head. She agreed, "Pride is the deadliest sin, but before you start pointing fingers, maybe figure out who exactly is being prideful. Lucifer was prideful, sure, and so is Luna. But don't you think they earned that pride?"

Andrew snickered. "Maybe they did, but just not in front of me."

Chantelle gave a soft snort. "I can't argue with that stubborn mouth of yours. But let me remind you, the reason the Driscoll family has been holding back all this time is because Luna's been smoothing things out behind the scenes. Now that you two have openly fallen out, they won't be so polite anymore."

Andrew did not respond and walked over to a large tree nearby. As he looked at it, he let out a low whistle.

The thick tree now had a gaping hole right through it.noveldrama

And the craziest part? A single leaf caused it.

Chantelle followed him. She leaned over to peek inside and let out a sharp breath. "Damn, she's a monster. A single leaf, and it punched clean through. That's what being a martial saint looks like, huh?"

Andrew yawned. "I mean... It's passable."

Chantelle gave him a skeptical look. "I know you're powerful, but I still want to ask. How strong are you at your peak, Andrew?"

He tilted his head and thought for a second, then grinned. "Let's just say... at my peak, I could make Luna call me Daddy with just one hand."

Chantelle burst out laughing. "Childish. Such a show-off."

The idea of Luna calling him Daddy? Not even if pigs flew.

Andrew gave her a strange look. "Ms. Garcia, have you noticed that you've been smiling a lot more lately?"

Chantelle was caught off guard. She brushed her hair behind her ear and huffed softly. "Have I? You must be imagining things."

Andrew said, "Smiling's not a bad thing. You're gorgeous, you know. And if you keep smiling like that, you'll see you're a full-on bombshell. Guys will be falling for you left and right."

Her cheeks flushed, and Chantelle tried to put on her usual icy front. But in front of Andrew, she knew that the aloofness was all just for show.

Annoyed, she snapped, "I don't need any man falling for me. I'm doing just fine on my own. And Andrew, stop saying such flirty nonsense to me!"

Andrew chuckled coldly. "We've already slept together. What's the point of pretending now? I know your highs and lows better than anyone, don't I?"

Chantelle was mortified and furious. "You pig! You're disgusting! Anyway, I'm here to talk business. Governor McCormick wants to see you. You've been making some waves lately, and he wants to give you a little warning."

Andrew grinned. "So this is you giving me a heads-up in advance?"

Chantelle turned her face away, acting all proud. "I didn't say anything, and you didn't hear anything. Got it?"

Andrew nodded, barely holding back his laughter. Derek probably had no idea that his trusted chief of staff had already changed sides.

Andrew changed into a fresh suit. Then, he followed Chantelle to the state office building.

"Mr. Lloyd is here!"

Derek was reviewing some files. When he saw Andrew walk in, he smiled warmly and greeted him without putting on airs.

Andrew smiled back. "Governor McCormick, sorry to drop in unannounced."

Derek laughed. "It's been a while

since we caught up, and now you're getting all polite on me? Elle, make

us

Po cups of tea. I want to have a

proper chat with Mr. Lloyd

Chantelle responded, "On it!"

As she left, she threw Andrew a meaningful glance. He kept his polite smile, but

deep down, he understood that she was warning him.

Clearly, Derek was starting to look at him differently.

Derek began, "Mr. Lloyd, I've noticed

your businesses and your influence

have grown pretty fast. Your net worth is nearly 100 billion now. I also hear you've been meddling in the

feuds between the Wrights, the

Pecks, and even the Blumedale

underworld networks."

He continued, "They say you even helped take down Marcelo with one of your brilliant schemes."

He paused for a beat, his gaze sharpening as he looked straight at Andrew. "Have you ever thought about easing up a bit?"