Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen and Lauren exchanged a weary glance. Both women understood that this kind of bold, reckless attitude was just part of Andrew's nature. He was not trying to intimidate anyone-this was simply who he was.

Chantelle, sitting beside Derek, was practically grinding her teeth in frustration. She growled, "That bastard! The competition hasn't even started, and he's already making enemies left and right!"

Derek, however, just chuckled. "Elders, why not just give the young man an answer? I have to admit, he makes a good point."

Meanwhile, in another section of the stands, Quinton let out a scornful laugh. "What a clown. He's got no real skills, so he's resorting to playing the fool."

Christina, who had been silent until now, sneered. "With Dr. Lake and the Advanced Medical Institute here, he's just waiting to get crushed. Let's see how long his bravado lasts."

On the other hand, Yara calmly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. "I don't know. I think Andrew's just being real. He says what he thinks-that's what real confidence looks like."

Leroy, sitting beside her, frowned. "Ms. Wright, you seem to think quite highly of Andrew. Shouldn't you be on our side, though? Supporting him is like slapping your own family in the face."noveldrama

Yara's eyes turned icy. She leaned in and spat directly into Leroy's face, her expression cold. "Trash like you think you can lecture me? I do what I want. If I say I support Andrew, and I like him, what are you gonna do about it? Bite me?"

Leroy's face turned a sickly shade of green, still dripping with her spit. His expression was one of pure humiliation, like he had just watched his own funeral. "You fucking b—"

Even so, he did not dare finish the sentence. He knew full well that Yara could crush him without breaking a sweat.

Beside him, Irene quickly fumbled for a tissue, hurriedly wiping her son's face. She usually had a sharp tongue, but when faced with someone like Yara, a true blue-blooded heiress, she could only shrink back, her usual fire extinguished.

Christina ignored the pathetic scene beside her and instead fixed her sharp gaze on Yara. She asked, "What did you just say? You like... Andrew?"

Yara's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and she let out a shy, almost bashful giggle.

"Yes, that's right. I like Andrew. Tell me, what girl wouldn't be drawn to a man like him?"

Christina felt a sharp, bitter pang in her chest. First Aspen, and now Yara?

Andrew's luck with women was becoming downright infuriating. And what about her?

She was already yesterday's news, slowly forgotten.

Quinton's face darkened as well. His little sister was slipping further out of his grasp; her loyalties shifting to Andrew Worse, Kevin had recently begun favoring Yara over him, further eroding his once secure position.

Back on the main stage, Preston and Clifford finally responded, their faces twisted with suppressed fury. "Fine Since you're so obsessed with this 'first place' business, we'll give you an answer! If multiple contestants clear all ten rounds, then they'll share the title of champion. Will that satisfy you?"

Andrew raised two fingers and slowly waved them side to side. "Nope, still not good enough."

A fresh wave of curses erupted from the stands. They all thought Andrew just did not know when to quit.

Even Derek, who had been enjoying the show, could not help but step in. "Mr. Lloyd, that's enough. Don't push your luck."

Andrew's voice-boomed through the stadium. "Apologies, Mr. McCormick, but I'm going to need just a little

more time. You see, the idea of met 'shared first place just doesn

sit

right with me. If there's a first place, it should be a true first place-one person at the top, not a split title. Why should I have to share the spoils with someone else?"