Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew was completely speechless. "Ms. Wright, you can eat nonsense if you want, but you can't just say nonsense like that! I haven't even touched a single hair on your body! And now you're accusing me of violating you? That's just making things up out of thin air!"noveldrama

Yara was so furious that her whole face turned bright red. The way she glared at Andrew made it seem like she wanted to kill him.

Aspen snapped, "Andrew, that's enough! You did look at her photos. Don't act innocent!"

Andrew sighed. "Fine, I'll accept Ms. Wright's proposal to work together. But there's one condition-and you need to agree to it. If not, then we're done here."

Yara gritted her teeth. "Say it."

Andrew said calmly, "The only reason I'm even considering this is because I can tell you're serious about this. You and your half-brother Quinton must be at a point where you're ready to destroy each other.

"But even so, I still don't fully trust you. So from here on out, I'm in charge, and you follow my lead-no questions asked."

Yara snapped, "Absolutely not. That's completely unreasonable!"

Andrew's expression did not change. "What's so unreasonable about it?"

Yara flushed with anger. "So if you told me to sleep with you, to go to bed with you, I'd have to say yes?"

Andrew shook his head. "You can relax. My little assistant is way more fun in bed than you'd ever be."

Yara paused and glanced at Aspen, then nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. I believe you. That secretary of yours isn't bad. Probably good enough to keep you satisfied."

Aspen clenched her fists and shouted, "Andrew! You filthy jerk! When did I ever let you touch me? Don't you dare slander my name like that!"

Andrew frowned. "Such a mouth on you. Talking back to your boss like that in front of outsiders? Aspen, looks like you need to be reminded who's in charge. Aren't you mine? Didn't we already do something together?"

Aspen was fuming. "Oh really? Then tell me what exactly happened? I'd love to hear what story you'll make up now!"

Andrew replied coolly, "Nothing much. Just smacked your ass a few times, and my hand ended up getting wet."

Aspen nearly died of embarrassment, and she wanted to tear that devil's mouth off.

How could he just say it like that?

How was she supposed to show her face after this?

Yara laughed mockingly. "Mr. Lloyd sure knows how to have fun. Sounds like you

and my bastard brother would get along just fine."

Andrew looked disgusted. "Sorry, but I'm nothing like your brother."

Aspen seized the chance to take a

jab. "Oh yeah, they're definitely

the same. Your brother's a

velove

beast-but Mr. Lloyd? He's even

worse than one."

Andrew chuckled, deciding to rein himself in a little. This little assistant of his

clearly had not gotten over what happened.

He figured it was fine. As a man, taking advantage with his hands was enough—

he could let her win a round with her words.

Yara picked up the stack of racy

photos from the table and looked at Andrew. "Well then, here's to a successful partnership. Mr. Lloyd,1 can tell you're not just some average guy. Just don't let me down in the end. Oh, and one more thing-you'd better keep a close eye on Quinton. I think he's onto something, and he's moving fast with his investigation."

Andrew snorted. "That bastard brother of yours is always up to something. As long as he doesn't get in my way, I don't care."

Yara frowned, "You should care

because Quinton's got his sights on the Rhodes family. And I overheard him talking to Christina-something about a treasure. He said that once he finds it, not even you, Andrew, or the Five Apex Families, or even the Three Titans, could stop him; he'd crush them all under his feet."

Andrew cursed silently. That bastard Quinton really was quick on the draw-sharp

as hell too.