Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Shawn finally dragged himself off the ground, his face twisted in rage as he turned to see who kicked him. To his shock, it was just a security guard-one of Moonlit Apothecary's own.

"You son of a bitch, you're just a damn doorman, and you had the balls to kick me? I swear to God, I'm gonna kill you!"

Fueled by fury, Shawn charged forward with two of the Fields family's bodyguards right behind him.

Yet, heavy thuds quickly filled the air, followed by screams of pain.

Shawn's face got pummeled so hard it was nearly unrecognizable, blood pouring down in streams. As for the two bodyguards, they were sprawled out on the ground, totally wrecked, and unable to get back up.

Shawn instantly chickened out, thinking, 'What the hell? Are all the security guards at Moonlit Apothecary this insane?'

Quinton frowned as he studied Phantom Eye, clearly taken aback by what he had just seen.

A simple guard who could fight like that? That definitely caught his attention.

"Impressive skills. Ever thought about working for me?" Quinton stepped forward with a smile.

"I'm Quinton, the eldest son of the Blumedale Wright family. If you work for me, I'll make sure you rise above everyone. You'll be living large instead of wasting your time guarding the door of some run-down clinic."

He said it confidently, convinced the guard would fall to his knees and thank him for changing his life.

Instead, Phantom Eye scoffed and said, "You're just some spoiled brat from the Wright family. Even if your damn father-the family head himself-came here, I still wouldn't work for him! Get lost. And if you ever show your face around Moonlit Apothecary again, I'll beat your ass too!"

Quinton's temper exploded on the spot. It was one thing to get humiliated by Andrew, but now, even a security guard was disrespecting him.

He growled, "Alright, you little guard-and that scrawny clinic owner of yours-just wait. You'll both regret this!"

With that vicious warning, Quinton stormed off, pissed beyond belief. He swore he'd make Andrew and everyone in Moonlite Apothecary beg for mercy once he got his revenge.

Inside Moonlit Apothecary, Phantom Eye walked over and spoke with respect. "Mr. Lloyd, I kicked that guy Shawn. But I didn't touch Quinton," he said. Andrew smirked. "Because you're worried about the Wright family's power, right?" Phantom Eye let out a cold huff. "Wouldn't say worried. I just prefer not to stir up trouble if I can help it. If I were on my own, I wouldn't care if I pissed off the Wrights. Worst case, I'd just pack up and leave Gabo Creek.

11

"But right now, I work for Moonlit Apothecary. I figured I shouldn't drag you into unnecessary problems.'

Andrew chuckled. "I appreciate the thought. But from now on, don't even hesitate. Anyone who shows up here looking for trouble-beat the crap out of them!"

Phantom Eye gave a faint, bitter smile and nodded. "Understood."

That kind of bold talk-throwing out anyone who messed around-only Andrew could say it so casually.

Francesca and Nyla stared at Phantom Eye with wide, curious eyes.

"Andrew, is he really gonna be our new security guard?" Nyla asked, shrinking

back a little. She looked kind of scared of him.

Andrew smiled. "Yep. From now on, this man's guarding the clinic."

Francesca's innocent face twitched slightly, and she gently tugged Andrew's sleeve. "Andrew, he's a semi-martial king. Isn't it kinda... overkill to make him a security guard?

Andrew shrugged. "Why not? If I could, I'd get you someone even stronger!"

Francesca giggled, clearly used to

Andrew's wild ways by now. After all, with all the heavy-hitters gathering around Andrew lately, he pretty. much bad enough pull to

entire Jayrodale if he control the

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Cedric spoke up, his tone serious, "Dr. Lloyd, knew it. With how well the Vitality Pill and Titan Essence Pillnoveldrama

have been selling, and all the attention you're getting, jealous eyes were bound to follow."

Andrew snorted. "No need to worry, Mr. Aicker. These miracle pills may be valuable, but it all depends on whether these greedy bastards have the guts to try and take them."

No sooner had he finished talking than a chilling voice came from the front of the clinic.

"I'm Lionel Thurman, an elder of the Hidden Dragons. I'm here to pay a visit! Andrew, you little brat, get your ass out here and beg for mercy!"