Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Hank chuckled. "Hope I didn't make things awkward, Ms. Driscoll. I just arrived in Gabo Creek, and the moment I met Hannah, it was love at first sight. I figured I'd bring her along today. I hope you don't mind?"

Scarlett smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "Why would I mind? You've clearly got charm and skill. I mean, to win over Ms. Keller in such a short time? That's impressive."

She gave a low chuckle and teased, "Judging by how close you two are, I wouldn't be surprised if you already slept together! I'm pretty direct when I speak. I hope you both don't take offense!"

Hannah flushed, a mix of embarrassment and irritation on her face. Even so, she did not deny it, which was as good as admitting it.

On the other hand, Hank looked smug, practically glowing with pride. "Hannah and I are genuinely in love. Some things just happen naturally, and we couldn't help ourselves."

Scarlett's smirk. "Passion between a man and a woman isn't a crime. But from what I've heard, Mr. Keller Senior is known for being very strict with his daughters. He may not be so thrilled about this."

Hank puffed up with arrogance and smugness. "I'm a Special Ops agent. I won't say too much about my status, but at the very least, I'm more than worthy of Hannah!"noveldrama

Hannah looked at him with starry eyes. "Hank is a hero who saves the world, a handsome and cool agent. My dad is just an old-fashioned man, and my business is none of his concern!"

Scarlett did not press further, but inwardly, she sneered in disgust. She thought Hannah was just another brainless tramp.

And Hank? He came from Chetvine, so there's no way he was innocent. He was nothing but a scumbag in a Special Ops uniform.

Who knows how many hookers he had been with since landing in Blumedale?

It was laughable how this Hannah was throwing herself at him like some lovesick fool.

Scarlett's face showed pure amusement as she eagerly anticipated George's reaction when he learned about this. She said, "Alright then, Mr. Armstrong, Ms. Keller, let's head inside!"

The group chatted and laughed as they walked toward the corporate building entrance. But at that very moment! Bang!

Just then, a muffled gunshot rang out. By the time the sound reached them, the Barrett's devastating bullet was already speeding straight toward Scarlett's face!

"Watch out, there's a sniper!" someone shouted.

"Protect Ms. Driscoll!"

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The executives and bodyguards around them yelled in unison. However, their actions were perfectly coordinated-they all dove for cover, prioritizing their own lives first.

Everything else could go to hell.

In the critical moment, Hank's expression darkened as he grabbed a nearby bodyguard and yanked him into place behind Scarlett like a human shield.

The bullet ripped clean through the bodyguard and kept going, straight for Scarlett.

Nevertheless, that brief delay was all she needed. With a fierce shout, she twisted her body in a nearly inhuman motion and dodged at the last possible second.

The bullet that was originally aimed

at her arm grazed her skin and slammed into the concrete floor Even so, her entire right arm went numb, blood gushing in every direction.

She did not stop. She ducked through the building's front doors in a flash, avoiding any follow-up attack.

From inside came a furious roar. "Find that bastard now! I want him torn apart and ground to dust!"

Outside, Hank turned sharply, eyes locking onto the building across the plaza. "The shooter is on that rooftop! Surround the building immediately!"

Desperate to win favor with Scarlett, he sprinted off at full speed toward the source of the shot.

However, Andrew was already gone. He never intended to kill Scarlett outright, and this was just retaliation—a warning. Had he wanted her dead, she would be gone.

Nevertheless, the fallout would have been massive, and too many innocent people would have been dragged into it.

Andrew was not afraid of consequences, but he did not want to implicate the Keller or Peck families just yet.

There was also Derek to consider. Openly declaring war on the Driscolls now would put Derek in a difficult position.

Hank's interference had reduced the damage considerably. If he had not gotten involved, Scarlett would have lost her entire arm. Yet, Andrew was not bothered by the result.

Hank was not useless. As a trained Special Ops agent, his reaction speed was top-tier.

And Scarlett? She was clearly elite. That almost impossible dodge confirmed she was already at the peak of martial king level.

If Andrew wanted to fight her head-on without unleashing his second seal, it would take everything he had.