Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Chantelle explained further, "Over the years, Rafael's wealth has grown incredibly fast, and one of his major income sources is dealing in antiques and rare treasures from ancient Holtrien. Whenever that guy sets his eyes on something, you can bet it's the real deal."

Andrew frowned. "Selling off Holtrien's cultural relics like that is a serious crime. Hasn't the government tried to intervene?"

Chantelle shook her head with frustration. "We've tried intervening, but it hasn't been very effective. Rafael has specialized contacts abroad, and they're no small players either.

"Most importantly, he's extremely skilled at the antique, tomb raiding, and treasure hunting business. Our famed military unit, The Predators, has raided him several times but never caught him red-handed."noveldrama

Andrew said firmly, "Then this time, the government should definitely step in. I just don't think treasures left behind by our ancestors should fall into the hands of someone like Rafael."

Chantelle gave him a look. "Mr. Lloyd, if I'm not mistaken, you want in on this too, right? You're trying to get rich beyond imagination. You want us to go after Rafael, but what about you?"

Andrew answered without hesitation, "You guys should turn a blind eye when it comes to me. First, we're on the same team. If I strike gold, you'll benefit too. Second, I'm not out here robbing graves. I'm doing this to protect national heritage and promote our cultural legacy."

Chantelle's expression turned icy. "Mr. Lloyd, when you shamelessly twist the narrative like that, you really do take the cake."

Andrew stayed unbothered. "So give me a straight answer. Are you in or not?"

I could use more hands on this."

Chantelle snorted. "Even if I join,

there's no way I'm taking orders from you, represent Governor

McCormick. I answer to the statene

report everything to him. If he disapproves, then none of you are touching that treasure."

וויד.

Andrew scoffed. "Ms. Garcia, you're being way too naive. You bring official authority into this, and sure, you'll stop a law-abiding citizen like me. But what about Rafael and Mosby?

"You already said it-those guys have their own channels, and this is their specialty. You crack down on me, and you're just making it easier for them to quietly strip the treasure clean."

Chantelle fell silent, knowing Andrew was not wrong. Just like he said, the government's hands were tied here. If the treasure had already been uncovered

and confirmed, Derek could have just sent in troops to secure it.

But right now? The location was still a mystery, and Andrew only had one

fragment of the map. The rest were in Rafael's hands. Even if the state wanted to intervene, they had nowhere to act. It would be like grabbing at shadows.

Andrew said calmly, "Go back and talk it over with Governor McCormick.

Whatever your stance, I've been entrusted with this mission, and I won't just stand

by and let Rafael and Mosby walk away with that treasure."

Chantelle exhaled sharply. "Alright, I'll bring this to Governor

McCormick: Mr. Lloyd, if this

treasure really exists, unlocking in et

means saying goodbye to the

natural order. Most of those@ncient sites are cursed grounds. Death and bloodshed are practically

guaranteed. Knowing that, do you really still want in?"

Andrew's voice was light and steady. "That's exactly why I invited you I need capable people around me. Besides, I've got to stay on guard against Driscoll and the rest."

Chantelle nodded slowly. "Got it. I understand where you're coming from now. I'll head back and report everything to Governor McCormick right away. Whether we get involved or not-and how we move, if we do I'll follow his lead."