Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Francesca looked shocked. "Lauren, you can't be serious-we're not letting you take all the blame alone!"

Aspen quickly chimed in, "She's right. If Andrew does get upset, we're not going to leave you out there on your own!"

Lauren held her head high, her expression firm. "I'd never want to disappoint Andrew, but honestly, I don't think he truly cares about the Stevens family anymore. Think about it—he's grown so powerful now. People like them barely register on his radar anymore. He's just annoyed by their presence, not hurt."

Francesca clapped her hands and grinned. "Exactly! I've been thinking the same. Andrew belongs to the three of us now. He doesn't have the energy to waste on others."

Lauren's eyes gleamed mischievously as she made the call. "Alright then-it's settled. We'll let Ms. Stevens and her family stay. Fran, prepare some food and get the rooms ready for them. Just make sure they don't disturb Andrew's rest.

"Aspen, go keep him company. Stick close and keep him busy from coming downstairs. The rest can wait until morning. It's too late for drama."

Francesca laughed. "Got it. Leave everything to me!"

Aspen gave Christina a long, unreadable glance, her expression a mix of emotions.

Eventually, she nodded and said quietly, "Alright, Lauren. I'll stay with him. Just... don't expect me to be nice to them."

And with that, Christina and her family were finally welcomed inside Serenity Villa.

As clever as she was kind, Lauren did not make a fuss about Christina's past with Andrew. She simply fed the family and settled them into rooms where they could rest for the night.

Irene and Leroy were thrilled. They had never set foot in a home as luxurious as Serenity Villa.

They wanted to wander around and admire everything, but Christina stopped them.noveldrama

She was terrified they would embarrass themselves.

When the night had quieted down and everyone had retreated to their rooms, Christina hesitated in the hallway.

With her fingers twisted together, she turned to Lauren and spoke softly. "Ms. Rhodes... thank you."

Her eyes shimmered again with unshed tears.

Lauren let out a quiet sigh. "Ms. Stevens, there's something I've always wanted to ask you. How does it feel to see Andrew so successful and admired, surrounded by powerful people and beautiful women?"

Christina bit down on her lip, eyes lowered, her voice filled with shame. "All I feel is regret-so much regret I can't even sleep at night. It haunts me constantly. A kind of torment I can't put into words."

Lauren gave a soft hum, then offered a faint smile. "I see. Alright then go get some rest."

Christina paused, then hesitantly

added, "Ms. Rhodes... I do have one more favor to ask. My mom and brother might need to stay here a while longer. As for me, I'll start job hunting first thing tomorrow'll earn money, support them, and once we've saved up... we'll leave. I promise not to bother you again."

Lauren gave her a kind smile. "Let's talk about that later. Don't push yourself too hard, okay? You used to be the picture-perfect

l.ne

CEO-pampered, poised, untouched by hardship. Starting over from nothing won't be easy. There's no need to rush into it like it's a punishment."