Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"The Ackermann family really thinks they can gang up on me? A father and his sons, all teaming up to take me on?" Andrew laughed as he looked at the ridiculous lineup in front of him.

Oswald let out a furious snort. "Andrew, the Ackermann family only owes your Supreme Capital Group a few million. That's pocket change! But now you've nearly destroyed our entire family!"

He growled and said, "You've seen my two sons. Horatio has mental problems, so my only hope was my eldest, Abel. But thanks to you, my sons turned on each other, and now Abel's life hangs in the balance! Tell me, how can I possibly let you go?"

His expression looked ready to devour Andrew alive.

Andrew sneered coldly in response. "Mr. Ackermann Senior, I really don't understand what you're saying. What do you mean by 'pocket change'? How is it that the Ackermann family is in the right when you're the one owing money now? "It's funny how when you came to Supreme Capital Group begging for investment, you had a completely different attitude! And now, the borrower's the boss and the lender's the doormat? From where I'm standing, it looks like the Ackermann family is the one bullying me today, don't you think?"

Oswald's eyes turned ice-cold. "At this point, Mr. Lloyd, whatever you say is pointless! Either way, you're not leaving here today! Not until I get word from the hospital that my son is safe and sound!"noveldrama

Andrew nodded approvingly. "Amazing! So you think I'm easy to push around, and now you're blaming me for your idiot son's life-or-death situation!"

He pulled out his phone and made two quick calls.

The first was to Rachel. "Notify all chamber of commerce members that anyone doing business with the Ackermann family needs to cut ties immediately!"

The second was to Logan. "Bring the crew over to Ackermann Pharmaceutical. Since Mr. Ackermann Senior wants to play games, let's give him a show."

From the side, the heavyset woman, Martha Cox, sneered. "Mr. Ackermann Senior, this show-off is trying to bluff! Calling for backup? He probably has no idea that the Ackermann family's connections could scare him to death!"

Oswald backhanded her across the face, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. "Shut up! A mere staff like you has no right to speak here!"

Martha clutched her pockmarked cheek and did not dare retaliate. Instead, she turned her venomous glare toward Andrew. She silently

cursed, 'This little bastardo

going to pay!'

A savage grin spread across Oswald's gaunt face. "Mr. Lloyd, maybe no one told you that pulling strings won't work here—not our turf. I know you have Governor McCormick's ear and significant influence with the authorities, but even if government officials get involved, the Ackermann family still has the upper hand here!

"At worst, we'll pay back every cent we owe you. But you must take full responsibility for whatever happens to Abel."

Andrew shrugged. "Bringing in officials only makes things messier. But don't

worry. If you want to play dirty, Mr. Ackermann Senior, I'm more than happy to play along."

Oswald's face darkened instantly, and he wondered if Andrew was actually not relying on Derek's backing.

If not, then what cards was this guy holding?

Then again, it did not matter. While the Ackermanns might not rule the business world, they were a feared name on the streets.

Since Andrew was not calling for Derek's backup, there was nothing the Ackermanns should be afraid of.

Just then, someone rushed in and reported, "Mr. Ackermann Senior, we just received an update that Mr. Abel's situation has stabilized, but..."

Oswald's face twitched. "But what? Is he dead or alive? Give me a straight answer!"

The subordinate trembled as he delivered the news. "Mr. Abel is out of immediate danger, but his brain seems to have been damaged from the impact, and his internal organs are severely injured!"