Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Michael caused this whole mess, so it's only fair that he makes up for it. Consider

it balancing out his sins," Lauren said with a laugh./

She added, "Hell, once his horrifyingly ridiculous drag performance hits the internet, it's going to break the internet! People will be so busy gawking at his lingerie fiasco that they'll completely forget about the Wellers

warehouse fire. Dr. Lloyd, you're an absolute genius!"

Andrew also felt pretty satisfied with his own creativity.

However, the usually quiet Shiloh suddenly glanced at him and said, "Mr. Lloyd, it seems to me that you're just as wicked as he is."

Andrew's mouth twitched. "Shiloh, I'm literally punishing evil. How does that make me the bad guy?"

Shiloh looked at him seriously. "There are many ways to punish someone, but coming up with something this twisted? That's rare. So, I have my doubts about whether you're really a good person."

Andrew just chuckled. "Maybe I'm not a good person, but I'm definitely not a bad one either. That makes me... someone in between. And in this world, people who aren't too good or too bad are the ones who climb the highest and go the farthest. That, my dear, is the art of balance."

A few moments later, the photographer finished his work and walked out, holding a USB drive. "Hey, this footage is insane. I've seen a lot in my career, but this? This is next-level."

The man was sweating profusely as he spoke hurriedly, "Here, take it. I need to book my ticket to Terror Town immediately. This video is guaranteed to go viral, I swear to God! But as the guy who filmed it, I really can't afford to have my name attached to it. You have to keep this under wraps for me."

Andrew laughed. "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. Terror Town isn't too far-safe travels!"

The photographer sighed dramatically. "This might just be the most explosive masterpiece of my career. It's a shame, though. I can't even take credit for it."

Andrew patted him on the shoulder. "Go chase your dreams, man. The world is full of people like you-silent contributors. They might go unnoticed, they might never be famous, but the things they accidentally put online? Those can change the world."

With one last wistful look, the photographer left.

Lauren was practically bouncing with excitement. "Dr. Lloyd, give me that USB! I need to see this so-called masterpiece for myself!"

Andrew thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Not yet The raw footage is... well, very raw. If you really want to watch it, l'need to censor some P

first."

Lauren blinked, then immediately grimace "You know what? Good

call. The last thing I need is to see Michael's ugly-ugh. It's probably tiny anyway."

Shiloh, without looking up, added, "And thin."

Andrew nearly choked. "Shiloh, when did you become so brutal?"

Shiloh's tone remained indifferent. "I'm not being brutal. I'm just stating the truth."

Andrew was left speechless. As a man himself, he knew that none wound a man more deeply than having their private part being called 'small' and 'thin.'

After handing the USB drive to Natasha, Andrew washed his hands of the matter.

Natasha, on the other hand,

executed his orders with absolute

precision. She prepared two versions one unedited and one with a tasteful amount of pixelation.

Then, She coordinated with pene

who had over a thousand

no

underground network members, each assigned to share the video across social media.

Within half a day, Michael's barely clothed, lace-covered, wildly suggestive dance moves had taken the internet by storm.noveldrama

[Wait... isn't this Michael Rhodes? The heir of the Rhodes family? No way. No fucking way!]

[Wow, what happened? Did Michael transition or something? Look at him, prancing around in lingerie like that! Like, comment, share-this is pure gold!]

[A boy next door, turned full-on diva. Michael's got a new name now-Queen of Sass]

[Haha! Holy hell, this is beyond viral. Someone, get this man a crown!]