Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Quinton muttered, "Christina's a tough one. She's still on guard and clearly doesn't trust me fully yet. So before I can truly get her under my thumb, I need to hit her with something big-something she won't see coming."

Harvey chuckled coldly. "Fine, Quinton. I'll play along. I've been itching to make a move on the Stevens family anyway."

Quinton nodded. "Good. Then wait for my signal, and act when the moment's right."

Meanwhile, over at Moonlit Apothecary, closing time had arrived.

"Dr. Aicker, Dr. Lloyd, I'm heading home for the night!" Nyla said cheerfully.

It was as if Camilla stealing her paycheck had never happened. Andrew smiled warmly. "Alright, Nyla. Get home safe."

Nyla gave him a bright smile and walked out with her bag swinging gently by her side.

Francesca watched her go and scoffed. "I can't believe how naive that girl is. She's being walked all over and doesn't even make a sound. Honestly, I don't get her."

Andrew spoke softly, "Nyla's a kind girl. She clearly doesn't want to burden us by sharing too much-she's probably thinking of her family."

Francesca snorted. "Thinking of them? Please. I'm telling you, her father— Dominic, head of the Goth family-is one of the worst people I've ever met. In our social circle, no one takes him seriously. He's a total joke.

"I really don't know how that girl manages to live with a vile stepmother and a father like that, especially without a biological mom around."

Andrew sighed lightly. "That's exactly why I say she's kind. To survive all that and still stay gentle... that's rare."

Francesca crossed her arms. "Sometimes kindness isn't a strength. When you let yourself get stepped on without ever pushing back, what's the point of it?"

Andrew chuckled. "Alright, don't get all worked up. I know you care about Nyla. Come on, we're off the clock. Let me treat you to some grilled skewers." Francesca's mood softened instantly. "Fine, but I'm ordering a lot of barbecue."

After feeding the busty little firecracker a table full of meat, it was already well past seven. When Andrew returned to his hilltop villa, his phone started ringing-it was Natasha.

"So, let me guess," Andrew said with a smirk. "All that drama Quinton stirred up was his attempt to rally the city's powers and come after me?"

Natasha's voice was ice-cold. "Exactly, darling. Just like you guessed, Quinton called in pretty much every heavyweight in Jayrodale, anyone who had a shred of influence.

"But in the end, that spoiled prince from Blumedale became the laughingstock of the night. No one gave a damn. I even told him off straight to his face and dropped a 'fuck you' on my way out."

Andrew laughed. "That sounds like you-no filter, no mercy."

Natasha gritted her teeth. "That bastard wanted to use us to take you down. He seriously needs to look in the mirror. Does he look like someone who's in our league?"noveldrama

Andrew's eyes turned cold. "Besides you and our people, did anyone else agree to be his pawn? Anyone willing to die for him?"

Natasha let out a dry laugh. "Not a single one. Raymond practically ran off mid-meeting, looking like he was about to wet himself. Even

Harvey that slippery little

weasel-turned him down flat. He's

too scared to mess with you again."

Then, in a teasing voice, she added, "Darling, you don't even

daret

realize-around here, you're like a walking nightmare. No one come at you. Quinton offered up billions in investment deals, and not

one person gave a damn."