Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The creditors who had come to collect their debts were now pale and on edge.

With Horatio's temper and sheer brute strength, he had probably been torn to

pieces by now.

Whatever the Ackermann family owed, they no longer dared to ask for it.

Just then, Abel, the ever-polished CEO of Ackermann Pharmaceutical, finally

appeared. He strolled in with a perfectly composed smile, his gold-rimmed

glasses perched on his nose. A sleek designer suit framed him in that carefully

curated image of a high-society professional.

The moment he appeared, he smiled apologetically. "Sorry, everyone, I'm late! But

rest assured, the Ackermann family will repay what we owe-every last cent."

However, no one answered. The creditors kept their heads down and avoided eye

contact, unwilling to challenge the man behind that gentlemanly mask.

Abel was quite pleased with the effect. As he slowly adjusted the cuffs of his crisp

white shirt, he added with a gentle chuckle, "Now, let's be honest here. It's not that

we're refusing to pay.

"It's just that, perhaps, some of you have been a bit... aggressive. The company

is going through a rough patch-a matter of life or death, really. Yet here you are,

choosing this moment to demand repayments. Isn't that a bit like pushing our

family off a cliff?

"We're all part of Blumedale's business community, after all. We see each other all

the time. And frankly, I think some of you are being unfair to the Ackermann

family."

A broad-shouldered man with a square jaw could not hold it in anymore. He

barked, "Mr. Ackermann, only you know whether the Ackermann family is truly

struggling! When you borrowed the money, it was all in black and white, signed

and sealed!

"Now you ghost us, make excuses, and even let Mr. Horatio harm people. That's

just-"

Abel cut him off mid-sentence, still smiling. "Just what, Mr. Kirk? I'd be careful with

your words. I've always been polite and respectful to you. But Horatio... well, we

all know he's not quite right in the head.

"He's got a diagnosed condition. You rile him up, and even I can't control what

happens. No one walks away happy."

Anthony Kirk froze; the words caught in his throat. He did not dare speak another

syllable, but the fury burning in his eyes said it all.

The Ackermann family brothers simply were not human. They were not trying tonoveldrama

repay anything. They were using threats, violence, and dirty tricks to scare

everyone off and dodge every debt.

Suddenly, the sounds of fighting and furious shouting from inside the office

stopped.

Abel let out a cheerful laugh. "Well then! Why don't we all go in and see Horatio

together? He's the one who handles most of the finances anyway. I'm sure he's

had his fun and is in a great mood now. Maybe he'll even give you what you came

for if you ask nicely."

No one moved they were all trembling with fear.

Seeing this, Abel's face showed a hint of coldness and disdain.

What a bunch of cowards. They actually thought they could come here and collect

their debt?

Not from the Ackermann family.

The brothers' good cop, bad cop routine had been tried and tested countless

times with perfect success.

"Sigh, forget it! Mr. Kirk, let's go. We'll

consider that three million as

charity! And who knows if that guyzin

there is even still breathing... It's only

a matter of time before karma

catches up with those two o

Ackermann monsters."

Another chimed in, "You heard that

noise earlier, didn't you? Those

screams nearly ruptured my

eardrums. That kid's probably not

even alive anymore."

Most of them were ready to give up and walk away, hearts crushed and heavy.

But deep down, they were still curious-what had become of the man inside?

Just then, the door to Horatio's office creaked open.

Everyone froze mid-step and even the ones who had turned to leave stopped

dead in their tracks and turned around, eyes wide.

The fat woman by the door grinned wickedly, and Abel's expression lit up with

anticipation.

Abel stepped forward, smiling.

"Horatio, had your fun? Perfect.

timing. There's still a crowd outside

that wants a turn. Come out and join

us."

To their surprise, Andrew stepped into view, grinning from ear to ear. "I don't know

about Horatio, but I sure had a good time."

The smile on Abel's face vanished instantly, replaced by stunned silence. "Y-

You're still alive?"

The rest of the group stood frozen, jaws dropping one by one.

Not only was this guy alive-his clothes were not even wrinkled, and he even

looked fresh and relaxed.

What the hell just happened in there?