Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew let out a cold snort, showing no sign of panic. "If Kenny pushes me too far, I won't hesitate to take him out. The only thing I'm concerned about is the Golding family. I don't know much about them, so it's better to tread carefully."

Dylan chimed in, his voice tense. "But right now, the enemy is in the shadows, and we're out in the open. It's hard to be cautious when we don't even know what they're planning. Even if the Golding family and Kenny are up to something, we won't find out anytime soon."

Andrew smirked, his tone icy. "There's always a way. If they won't show themselves, we'll force them out. Natasha, call Kenny right now."

Natasha grabbed Michael's phone and dialed Kenny's number. When the call connected, Kenny's voice came through, dripping with mockery.

"Andrew, don't get too impatient. I'm still in the city, but soon, the Golding family's experts and I will be in Jayrodale. So, you'd better start thinking about running or surrendering."

Andrew's voice was cold and unyielding. "You have ten minutes to give me a location. Or you can start planning Michael's funeral."

Kenny exploded in rage. "Andrew, you wouldn't dare kill him! We agreed to negotiate today and release him. How am I supposed to get to Jayrodale in ten minutes?"

Andrew laughed derisively. "Stop playing games, Kenny. My people saw you and the Golding family sneak into Jayrodale early this morning. And now you're telling me you're still in the city?"

There was a brief silence on the other end as Kenny seemed to have no response.

Andrew's eyes flashed with a cold glint, and he snapped his fingers. Immediately, Dylan grabbed Michael by the hair, yanking him up and delivering two sharp slaps across his face.

Michael, who had been sleeping soundly, woke up screaming in pain, blood trickling from his mouth. "Please, stop! Don't hit me anymore!"

His pitiful cries echoed through the phone.

Kenny's furious roar came through the line. "Andrew, if anything happens to Michael, I swear you'll pay with your life! Do you hear me?"

Andrew chuckled darkly. "He isn't just in trouble, Kenny. He's in deep troubles So, I'll ask you again-three tes. Where's the meeting point?"

Kenny shouted, "You just said ten minutes! How did it become three?"

Andrew's voice was calm but menacing. "One minute left. Give me the location, or

you'll be picking up Michael's body."

Kenny was seething, his anger

boiling over. Ten minutes had turned

into three, and now, in what felt like

blink, it was down to one. Andrew

was toying with him, and he had no choice but to comply.

"Jayrodale Grand Hotel, the Royal Suite," Kenny spat out.noveldrama

"Listen carefully, you little punk. Bring Michael to me unharmed. If he has so much as a scratch, I promise you'll regret it. You may have had the upper hand before, but now I have leverage too. Let's see who comes out on top!"

After quickly giving Andrew the location and throwing in a final threat, Kenny hung

up, sounding confident and in control.