Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew smirked. "Poisoning the air ensures that even those who didn't drink the tea would still be affected. This was the brilliant master plan you and Michael were so confident about, wasn't it?"

His casual, almost mocking tone sent a chill through the room.noveldrama

Michael was not the only one looking shaken now. Even Bane, who had been grinning wickedly before, had gone completely silent. His expression darkened, filled with unease.

"You actually noticed the colorless poison? Impressive, Andrew. You continue to surprise me," Bane admitted.

He was shocked but refused to let it show. Men like him had spent their lives in the underworld, and they were masters of deception, skilled at keeping their emotions hidden.

"But even if you did figure it out and even if you didn't get poisoned, it doesn't change a thing," Bane sneered. Michael grinned menacingly. "Yeah, Andrew, you might've dodged the poison, but so what? Bane and I have more than enough people here to take you down."

Bane chuckled. "We don't even need all of us. Just me and one of my men will be more than enough to finish you off."

Tiana's voice was sharp and urgent. "Mr. Lloyd, the safety of everyone in this company is now in your hands. If you can get us out of this, I'll agree to anything you ask for!

Lauren, breathing heavily from the poison's effects, shook her head. "Dr. Lloyd, don't worry about us. Just run- get out of here and call the police. That's the best chance to save everyone!"

Marcus agreed. "Mr. Lloyd, you're outnumbered. Fighting them head-on is too risky. Forget us. If you call the authorities, Michael and his thugs won't escape." Michael scoffed. "Call the cops? Do you think I'd give you that chance? Right now, all of you are too weak to move, and only Andrew is still standing."

His grin widened as he pulled out a gleaming knife, holding it against Lauren's throat. "And Andrew-if you so much as twitch, I'll slit her throat."

Lauren's eyes burned with fury. "Michael, you coward! You have no shame!"

Michael sneered. "Like I had a choice! You all forced me into this! And especially you, Andrew. Today is the day you die!"

Andrew remained unfazed. "You've been ranting for so long about how you're going to kill me. But if that's the case, why haven't you done it yet? Or is it that you're just all talk-too much of a coward to actually make a move?

11

Michael's face twisted in rage. "Bane! Get rid of him! Now! Once he's crippled, I'll finish him off myself!"

Andrew chuckled. "Oh? So you're scared, Michael? You want Bane to die first just so you don't have to face me yourself?"

Bane's expression darkened.

"Andrew, you're getting way too cocky. I've been waiting for a chance to teach yo lesson. Finally, the

chance has come for you to learn

that experience always bene

tafent!"

He snapped his fingers. "Simon-do it!"

raw

At his command, a thin, frail-looking man stepped out of the shadows. His face was gaunt, his eyes sunken, his figure almost sickly. He slowly pulled down the hood of his cloak, revealing his skeletal face, and let out a low,

sinister duckde.

"Andrew, I've waited for this moment for so long, You dyed me, shutter my red pandexing me i shell of a man. 1 swear, I'll make you pay in blood today

Andrew raised a brow, looking him up and down. Then, wizi wprice, he muttered, "Sin? You will alive?"

Simon's eyes blazed with fury, "You're still alive, so why the hell would be dead!! You stole

Francesca from me and exiled me from the Alckers. I'm here to settle our scor

The moment the words left his mouth, his hands turned back, coated in a toxic

sheen as he lunged at Andrew with a feral rage.

"Andrew, maybe I wasn't your equal before, but after being trained and empowered by Mr. Ealinger-if I don't kill you tonight, then I'm not a man!" Today's Bonus Offer