Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew simply chuckled.noveldrama

At that moment, the loudspeaker crackled to life. "Now entering the arena-the Blumedale Hospital team!"

Immediately, led by Thomas, Andrew, Francesca, and Jared stepped onto the stage.

The Grand Medical Summit was being held in Blumedale's largest stadium. All four sides of the arena were packed with spectators, and a large platform, spacious enough for 50 competitors to battle it out, had been set up in the center. Thunderous applause filled the air, echoing off the stadium walls.

Blumedale Hospital held a special place in the hearts of Gabo Creek province's residents, and their supporters were out in full force.

Someone said, "Look, that's Dr. Thomas Bozzelli, one of the top physicians at Blumedale Hospital. He's a respected expert in our province."

"Behind him is his star student, Dr. Jared Bridges. I've heard his skills are impressive."

Another chimed in, "And that beautiful, doll-faced woman beside them is Dr. Goddard's student. She's said to be quite talented too."

One asked, "Those three are famous enough, but who's that guy at the back? I've never seen him before."

Amid the roaring applause, whispers of curiosity and confusion rippled through the crowd as they noticed Andrew. Many had no idea who he was or what his abilities might be.

Meanwhile, Aspen sat with her family in the VIP stands. Thanks to the special seating arrangements Chantelle had secured through Andrew's connections, they had a perfect view of the arena.

Still nursing his bruised pride from the previous night's beating, Oscar leaned over with a sneer. "Aspen, it looks like Andrew isn't all that special. Hardly anyone in the crowd even recognizes him—all I hear are confused whispers.'

Aspen replied calmly, "Andrew only arrived in Blumedale recently. It's normal that people don't know him yet. But that doesn't mean his medical skills are lacking."

Oscar snorted. "Well, we'll see. Let's just hope your 'badass' CEO can last more than a few rounds on stage."

Zephyr added, his tone thoughtful, "The Grand Medical Summit is the pinnacle of medical competition in Gabo Creek province. It's filled with geniuses and masters.

If he can even last a few rounds, that's already an impressive feat."

Esther nodded with a smile. "That's true. Aspen, for him to be this young and already skilled in medicine-that's really something special."

Hearing her parents praise Andrew, Aspen's heart swelled with a sweet, comforting warmth. However, a shadow of doubt crept in when her gaze drifted to Francesca, standing beside Andrew on stage. After all, Francesca was one of Andrew's real women, someone with a much deeper bond with him.

Aspen still had not reached that level. To Andrew, she was just a little servant girl.

Esther glanced at her daughter, frowning slightly. "Aspen, what happened to your neck and wrists? Why are they covered in bruises?"

Aspen's heart skipped a beat. She

quickly tugged at her sleeves and

collar, trying to cover the marks. She chuckled nervously, mumbling, "Oh, that...'ve been training in martial arts lately and practice with a wooden dummy every day I guess I just overdid it."

Esther's eyes filled with concern. "Be careful, sweetheart. Don't push yourself too hard. You're a girl, not a man-you should take better care of your skin."

Aspen forced a laugh. "I know, Mom. I'll be more careful next time."

In her heart, she thought to herself, 'Next time, it might be even worse. That devil Andrew nearly broke my soul last night.'

Yet, despite the soreness, she could not help but crave his rough touch again. After all, she was already a senior grandmaster in martial arts. No matter how intense, no matter how wild the position, she could handle it. sŵnovel

"Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, mind if we join you to watch the match?"

Aspen looked up as a group approached their seats.

Zephyr quickly stood up, his face lighting up with surprise. "Oh, it's Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes! Please, take a seat!"

Aspen's heart skipped a beat. 'Wait a minute... the Rhodes? Is it who I think it is?'

She tried to act casual as her eyes scanned the group, and sure enough, there she was—Lauren, with her fiery red lips, as striking as a blooming rose.

"Ms. Stevens, hello! Mind if I sit beside you?" Lauren's smile was dazzling, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint.

Aspen forced a strained smile, her heart sinking. She replied, "Ms. Rhodes, please, have a seat."

She had just survived a night of wild passion with Andrew, and now she had to sit beside one of his other lovers.

Aspen could not help but wonder if the universe was playing some kind of cruel joke on her.