Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew packed up and drove to Rhodes Corporation. Right at the entrance, he ran into Marcus, who had just stepped out of his car.

The moment Marcus saw Andrew, he gave him a once-over, grinning from ear to ear. He chirped, "Mr. Lloyd, you're looking great-full of energy and in high spirits!"

Andrew raised a brow in surprise. "Mr. Chapman, how exactly can you tell I'm feeling good?"

Marcus smirked knowingly. "Mr. Lloyd, let's not play dumb. We're both men. That kind of glow? It's obvious you had a very... satisfying night."

Andrew was even more surprised. Could Marcus really tell something like that just by looking at him?

Then, it clicked. This department head at Rhodes Corporation might appear serious on the surface, but he was a regular at certain high-end clubs. That explained a lot.

Lowering his voice, Marcus chuckled. "Every time I spend the night at a club, I see plenty of like-minded gentlemen walking out in the morning with the exact same look as you.

"It's the kind of vigor a man has after a good workout-strength unleashed, energy restored! And it's no different with women—they'll have a certain type of allure after!"

Andrew cleared his throat and laughed. "Didn't expect you to be such an expert in this field, Mr. Chapman."

Marcus glanced around to make sure no one else was listening before chuckling. "Mr. Lloyd, there's nothing to be shy about. We're men-it's natural to enjoy the company of beautiful women.

"Take me, for example. I love spending nights at clubs, but that doesn't mean I neglect my work. It doesn't mean I fail to be a good father to my sweet daughter. On the contrary, a competent man balances everything flawlessly!"

Andrew frowned slightly. "How do you manage your time, then? If you're at the club, what about Lucy? How do you take care of her?"

Marcus patted Andrew's shoulder, giving him a look of seasoned wisdom. "Mr. Lloyd, you've got a long way to go in this department. Don't you know? Every successful man is a master of time management!"

With that, he walked into the buildingnoveldrama

ahead of Andrew, looking every bit like a seasoned pro, while Andrew stood there, watching him leave, utterly speechless. He could not help but think Marcus really knew how to brag.

"Dr. Lloyd, good morning!"

Lauren arrived just then, her heels clicking confidently against the pavement.

Andrew smiled. "Morning! I brought you breakfast. Let's eat together."

Lauren raised a brow. "Didn't you already eat? Why do you want to have breakfast again?"

Andrew kept a straight face. "I didn't eat. I got this just for you, so we could eat together."

Lauren gave him a knowing smile and took slow steps toward him. Her long legs, wrapped in sheer black stockings, moved with effortless grace as her heels tapped out a hypnotic rhythm.

Then, leaning in slightly, she smirked. "Liar. I was on the phone with Fran this morning." She told me you made her breakfast, didn't you?"

Andrew froze, feeling a sudden headache coming on. "Uh... did I? I don't really remember."

Lauren let out a soft hum, laughing playfully. "Not only do I know you already had breakfast, but I also know you wore poor Fran out last night. This morning, the first thing she did was complain about how you nearly broke her."

Even with Andrew's thick skin, he could not help feeling a little embarrassed. Raising his hands in surrender, he sighed. "Alright, fine. I did eat. But as for nearly breaking Francesca, I think that's an exaggeration!"