Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

There was just one more day until New Year's Day. Andrew would be traveling with Zachary to Goldridge, the headquarters of the Southern Martial Union.

That morning, Chantelle drove over to Serenity Villa and was surprised to see Andrew training with his five top disciples, each drenched in sweat.

"You seriously plan to turn them into martial arts masters?" she asked.

Andrew kept a calm expression. "They're still a ways off from becoming true masters, but they've already crossed the beginner's threshold. They can definitely handle your average fighter."

Chantelle watched them for a moment and nodded. "Ms. Stevens already has some martial foundation. Reaching Martial King level won't be a big deal for her. But Ms. Aicker and Ms. Rhodes? That's another story. I'm going to be blunt, even if you don't want to hear it.

"Training them now is just a waste of your time and energy. Their bones are already set. Trying to get them to break into the martial arts world at this point is extremely hard."

To her surprise, Andrew actually looked like he agreed. "You're not wrong. Fran and Lauren got into martial arts pretty late, and it'll be tough. But you're overlooking something important: their mentor isn't just anyone. It's me. As long as I'm guiding them, it's not too late at all. In fact, they'll soon surpass plenty of so- called seasoned martial artists."

Chantelle let out a sharp laugh and looked at him with disbelief. "Andrew, you clearly missed my point. I'm trying to tell you that everything you're doing right now is a complete waste of effort.

"And not just because of those two. You, yourself, are being a little too confident- make that arrogant. You think you're some legendary grandmaster? A martial arts icon? Just because you're a natural doesn't mean they are."

Andrew smirked. "No need for all that talk, Ms. Garcia. You still remember our little bet, right? Well, I'd say it's time to cash it in."

Chantelle gave a cold smile. "Gladly. I've been looking forward to this. Let your students come at me however they want. If I take even one step back, I lose."

She had honestly assumed that the whole bet had just been Andrew messing around.

Who knew he would still take it seriously after all this time? Fine then. She was more than ready to bring him down a notch.

The guy had been getting increasingly arrogant lately, acting like she was nothing. She pulled off her jacket, tied her hair back, and started stretching out her limbs.

"Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Aicker, Ms. Stevens-come at me with everything you've got."

Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen lined up side by side. They looked to Andrew, waiting for his cue.noveldrama

Andrew's face was blank as she said, "Why are you looking at me? Someone just gave you permission to attack her. So, what are you waiting for? Martial arts is all about spirit. You need that one breath, that fire that never backs down Remember this: no matter what, there's only one word-go."

Lauren looked hesitant. "Fran, Aspen... you two go ahead. I'm afraid that if I

actually hit Ms. Garcia, it might be bad. I wouldn't want to hurt her."

Chantelle let out an incredulous laugh. "Ms. Rhodes, if you can land a hit on me, I

won't blame you. In fact, I'll even cover your hospital bill."

Lauren gave a bashful smile. "Gosh, now I feel kinda bad. Alright then, watch yourself. I can't guarantee I'll hold back."

Aspen shook her head. "I'm sitting this one out. Ms. Garcia, I practice assassin techniques. If I go at you, it might draw blood."

That finally pushed Chantelle over the edge. "Forget it! Just all three of you come at me. Even if I drop dead ere, I won't flinch and hold a

grudge."

She was honestly fed up.

What, did they all think she was a joke?

She was not some fake martial artist. She was the real deal, a genuine prodigy. Otherwise, Derek would not have put her in charge of his daily security. She might not be able to beat Andrew, but that did not mean she could not handle his three girlfriends.

Truthfully, Chantelle was secretly competing with Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen.

She hated to admit it, but that was because of Andrew.

They were all Andrew's women, but Chantelle had never been officially

recognized. There was no way she would let herself be outshone by them.

Francesca hesitated, then stepped forward. "Alright, I'll go first. Ms. Garcia, fists don't have eyes. So, watch yourself."