Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The woman with wine-red hair stepped forward, looking at Andrew with complete indifference. "My name is Liliana Peck, and I own this club! Originally, you wouldn't be qualified to know my name, nor would you be qualified to set foot on my territory!"noveldrama

She continued, "But since Joe specifically asked for you to be brought in, I figured I'd at least be courteous enough to say it. And just so you know, if anything happens to you here, I don't care who comes knocking afterward. It won't matter."

Behind her stood several fashionably dressed girls. As with most children of the elite, they were flawlessly dressed, glowing with wealth and vanity. They were fair- skinned, trendy, every outfit designer-labeled and curated for envy.

One girl in a short skirt looked at Andrew with disdain. "Liliana, why are you even talking to him! He's just a clueless nobody. Once Mr. Driscoll gets here, he'll be on his knees crying before he even speaks."

Another girl, wearing a leather jacket and heavy smoky eye makeup, spat to the side with a look of disgust. "Liliana, Mandy, why was your breath on this lowlife? Come on, let's continue our card game! We just agreed that whoever loses has to strip until they're completely naked!"

Mandy Jefferson pouted and said, "I'm not playing anymore. You guys can play if you want! My body isn't for trash to look at. I feel dirty just being in the same room."

She lit a cigarette and puffed casually, clearly done with the conversation.

Andrew ignored all of them and picked a spot to sit, unbothered. Honestly, without their wealthy parents, these flashy, pampered girls would probably be working the curb just to make rent.

Liliana frowned. "Would you mind getting up? This floor is my private space with my close friends, and I don't like outsiders touching things!"

Andrew remained unmoved, boredly surveying his surroundings.

Liliana was immediately angered and yelled, "I said, could you please get up? You've dirtied my chair, and do you know it costs more than your monthly salary!"

Andrew looked at her impatiently. "Ms. Peck, you're from the Peck family of Blumedale, right?"

Liliana froze, caught off guard.

Before she could respond, Mandy sneered. "Liliana, looks like this country bumpkin did his homework. Gross."

Liliana's face twisted into suspicion and contempt. "So you did look into me? I'm warning you, my family is one of the Five Apex Families of Gabo Creek! A bug like you will never have the chance to get close to me!"

Andrew scowled and said, "You're overthinking it. No one investigated you, and in my eyes, you're nothing special either."

Liliana laughed mockingly. "Then

how do you explain knowing who I am? I've seen plenty of men like you! A nobody going for someone out of your league. I really can't understand how you're qualified to be Joe's rival!"

BUMS

Andrew said coldly, "Ms. Peck, you have too high an opinion of yourself! I know you're from the Peck family because of your brother, Miles. He once got eight million in funding from my company."

Liliana was first stunned, then burst

into laughter. "What did you say? Miles got eight million in funding

from your company? You have

company? Miles is the eldest son of the Reck family. Why would be be short on money? Andrew, your brain must be fried to make up such nonsense!"

"What a pathetic loser! He's absolutely disgusting!"

The other girls also laughed scornfully, all thinking Andrew was bullshitting.

Andrew said flatly, "I couldn't care less whether you believe it or not! Anyway, just tell Miles it's about time to pay back the money, so make sure he's on time!"

Liliana was exasperated. She was about to tell Andrew to get lost when a cold, stern voice rang out, "Liliana, step aside! I want to get a good look at what kind of person Lauren likes and see what he's capable of!"

Liliana stared at Andrew and slowly stepped back. She hissed, "Joe's here. You're dead, Andrew!"