Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

When Zachary said Andrew was the buyer of his property, the group was dumbfounded. The wealthy heirs even stared at him in disbelief.

One asked, "Mr. Fischer, you can't be serious! Of all people, you'd sell Serenity Villa to some nobody?"

Another laughed. "I get it-this is one of Mr. Fischer's jokes! It has to be!"

There was simply no way the crown jewel of The Sovereign Residences could be sold to some bottom-feeder. The heirs burst into forced laughter, scrambling to smooth over the absurdity.

Even Xavier, after a stunned pause, joined in with a chuckle. "Zachary, you had me going there for a second! We're both military men-that's a bond thicker than blood. Come on, name your price. This villa... let's just say it's critical for me."

Zachary shook his head. "I'm not joking. The ownership of Serenity Villa is ready to be transferred."

Xavier's smile stayed polished, but his grip tightened on Zachary's shoulder. "Perfect. Then let it change hands to me. Unless... Our brotherhood isn't worth a damn to you?"

The young heirs turned their scornful gazes toward Andrew, their expressions dripping with disdain.

"Hick, get it through your skull-Mr. Fischer's buyer is obviously Colonel Haywood!"

"You? Looking at houses here? Hah! That's the funniest joke I've heard all year!"

"Scram already. You're embarrassing yourself. This is the summit of The Sovereign Residences-only three villas exist here. Hell, you probably can't even afford to breathe the air up here..."

Aspen's brow furrowed, thinking, 'They're being too harsh. Looking down on someone is one thing, but this is just cruel.'noveldrama

Luna, unable

to stomach the scene any longer, cut in coldly. "Andrew, if you need a place to stay, the Phelans can arrange something in Blumedale-consider it a favor to Marvin. But coming here to spout nonsense? Honestly, it's disgusting." Cóntent belongs to

Andrew's face turned grim. "Ms. Phelan, are these idiots rubbing off on you? I've

said it already-I'm here to look for a house."

Luna smirked. "Oh? Then enlighten

us-which villa, exactly, are you 'looking at? And just how muck money or what influence do you have to buy any of them?"

Andrew pointed directly at Serenity Villa, his expression unshaken. "This one's passable. I'll take it."

The young elites erupted into another round of mocking laughter. "Take it"?

Had this fool's tongue slipped, or was he genuinely delusional?

Xavier shook his head, turning to Luna with a dismissive smirk. "Ms. Phelan, there's no need to waste breath on this clown. It's beneath you."

Luna scoffed but stayed silent, though the contempt on her face was unmistakable. Even she had to rely on Xavier's connections for a chance at Serenity Villa. Yet here was Andrew, a newcomer to Blumedale, already despised like a rat in the streets.

What possible leverage could he have to spout such nonsense?

Andrew's voice cut through the noise. "Zac, hand me the keys to Serenity Villa. The rest isn't your concern."