Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Mosby's second apprentice, Old Hayface, had bandages wrapped around his swollen face and a freshly splinted arm.

He screamed through gritted teeth, "Yeah, it was that little bastard! Mr. Lake, you've ruled Blumedale for years—when have we ever been humiliated like this? We've got to kill Andrew. Not just kill-wipe him off the face of the earth!"

Mosby's face was dark as thunder, his fists clenching so tight that his knuckles cracked. "Andrew, you arrogant little runt... you've gone too far. Way too far."noveldrama

With rage in his eyes like flames ready to erupt, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

He called Richard, patriarch of the Golding family.

"Mr. Golding Senior, I want to increase the payment-add another 500 million!" Mosby growled. I want that punk Andrew dead by tomorrow. No tonight. I want his body in pieces!"

His furious roar was so loud it nearly burst Richard's eardrum on the other end. "Dr. Lake, calm down! Lower your damn voice!" Richard snapped.

"You already know-we've canceled the Golding family's hit order. No matter how much you add, we can't help you."

His tone was full of helplessness, but firm.

Mosby growled low. "Mr. Golding Senior, I'm not talking about pocket change here -I'm offering 500 million more! With the 100 million I already paid, that's 600 million in total! That's enough to hire any top-tier assassin on the dark web and still have leftovers. Killing Andrew with that should be easy!"

Richard sighed. "Yeah, that's a crazy amount. You could probably hire one of those legendary killers from the black market with that much. But even, our family really can't get involved right now. The Kellers already spoke to us, and at the

moment, we can't afford to go

toe-to-toe with them."

Mosby scoffed coldly. "Mr. Golding Senior, you don't strike me as the type to back down from a fight. If the Kellers want to protect Andrew, does that mean the Golding@just

throw in the towel?

"Doesn't your family care about its reputation? You're really gonna let that scandal with Elon eating shit slide like it never happened?"

Richard's voice turned icy. "Dr. Lake, make no mistake-our family's pride will be restored. And what happened with my son? That humiliation will be paid back, in full.

"But as for Andrew... at least for now, we can't make a move publicly. I hope you understand—we've got to balance getting revenge on Andrew while preserving our ties with the Kellers."

Richard silently cursed at Mosby for pushing his buttons. Just when he had finally started to forget about that disgusting mess with Elon, Mosby had to bring it up again.

He had been forcing himself to share meals with Elon for days-breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and now, thanks to Mosby, the memory came roaring back.

Richard gagged quietly, suddenly feeling like his mouth still had that taste in it. Mosby snarled. "Fine! If the Goldings are backing out, then I'll handle it myself! I won't play the coward like you, Mr. Golding Senior!"

Richard clenched his jaw to hold back his fury. "You're really going all-in, huh? Why are you bleeding so much money just to kill Andrew? What the hell did he do to you?"

Mosby growled, voice dripping with venom. "What do you think he did? That little bastard showed up at my place and smashed Genesis Dispensary to pieces! You think I can just let that go? If I don't retaliate, how the hell am I supposed to keep my place in Blumedale?"