Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

With an exaggerated seriousness, Andrew handed over the blade and said,

"Kevin, since you're determined to purge your house and serve justice

impartially... then fists and kicks won't cut it-use this. It's sharp, clean, and gets the job done in one swing!"

Kevin and Tora were left speechless.

Meanwhile, Quinton internally screamed, 'You motherf*cker, Andrew. You're f*cking inhuman!'

Aspen could not take it anymore. She turned around, her back facing the entire Wright family. Then, she burst out laughing, tears spilling from her eyes.

The chaos Andrew stirred up made her pity the Wrights. He was terrifying, like a devil playing dress-up.

Of course, Kevin did not actually end up killing his eldest son on the spot.

However, his disappointment and disgust toward Quinton were written all over his face.

And just like that, an opportunity opened-a perfect time for Yara to rise.

...

Back in the car after leaving the Wrights estate, Andrew leaned back in his seat and said to Aspen, "Tomorrow, take Yara out. Get closer to some of the Blumedale officials. See if Ms. Garcia's connections have any projects Yara can get involved in."

Aspen frowned. "You jerk. Don't tell me this is all just to get in Yara's good graces... or get in her bed?"

Andrew burst out laughing and flicked her on the forehead. "What's going on in that head of yours? Do you think I'm that insatiable?"

Aspen replied flatly, "Yes, you are. Even after resting for a day, Fran and Lauren are still sore everywhere. You tell me!"

Andrew coughed, slightly embarrassed. He thought he had gone easy that night.

Just then, he realized Aspen seemed fine. He asked, "What about you? Don't your legs hurt?"

Aspen blushed, then grumbled softly, "Of course they do. They're sore... and a little raw. But my tolerance is better than theirs."

Andrew nodded knowingly. "Makes sense. You're into it when I go hard. If I'm not rough, you're not satisfied-so yeah, your endurance is on another level."

Aspen turned red from head to toe. "Please shut up!"

It was true that she liked it when he was forceful-a full-on case of Stockholmnoveldrama

syndrome. The more Andrew broke her, the more alive she felt.

Aspen also knew that it was not healthy; it was warped. Over time, her pleasure threshold would keep rising. Eventually, a simple smack on the butt or a squeeze of her chest would not do it anymore. She would need more intensity, more pain... more everything.

The shame made her cheeks burn. Yet deep down, she craved it.

Meanwhile, Andrew looked at her thoughtfully. "Putting Yara to work has nothing to do with me wanting her. It's about raising her value within the Wrights. Quinton was useful, but I've already crushed him.

"Now, it's Yara's turn to rise. If we can get her to the top-make her the new head of the Wrights-then I basically control the whole family."

He did not usually explain this kind of thing to anyone, but Aspen had earned his trust. She was not just a servant anymore—they were bonded in every way.

Aspen's eyes widened, horrified. "You want to take over the Wrights? That's one of the Five Apex Families, and they have a martial king guarding them!"

Andrew scoffed. "Take over is a strong word. Let's call it a small investment. The real threat is the Driscoll family."

At that name, Aspen fell silent. After

all, the Driscolls were one of the Three Titans, and she wondered if Andrew could actually go toe-to-toe with them. Even with her

unconditional loyalty, a flicker of doubt crept in.

Andrew had originally been waiting to see if Black Viper would make a move. Yet, nothing happened-no message, no movement.

So, he gave up and drove back to The Sovereign Residences. As the car's

headlights swept over the entrance of Serenity Villa, three figures came into view, kneeling on the ground.

Lauren and Francesca were beside them, trying to persuade them gently, but clearly helpless.

The three remained silent, unmoving.

Aspen glanced toward Andrew, her

voice complicated. "It's Christina,

Irene, and Leroy... the whole Stevens family. Stevens Corporation has been completely taken over in Jayrodale. They've lost everything and don't even have a place to stay anymore."