Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Bullshit!" A furious roar exploded through the hall, cutting through the tension.

Quinton pointed a trembling, furious finger at Andrew, his face twisted with rage. He growled, "Andrew, even now, you're still trying to stir up lies and mislead everyone, aren't you? I see through you. You're just trying to throw the blame elsewhere and walk away clean!"

Andrew instantly put on a wounded expression. "So, even you-my own godson -don't believe me now? Quinton, how could you say that to your godfather? How could you break my heart like this?"

Quinton nearly lost it. His saliva flew as he snapped, veins bulging on his forehead. "Shut up! I said shut the hell up—did you hear me? I'm not your goddamn godson, and you sure as hell aren't my godfather. Stop trying to force that on me!"noveldrama

He was older than Andrew, yet was constantly being called 'godson'.

He had had enough-the humiliation was unbearable.

Who else in this family had to suffer like this?

Off to the side, Aspen had been struggling to hold in her laughter since the start of the argument. Her delicate face twitched, on the verge of bursting into giggles. She thought Andrew was just too much, pulling stunts like these left and right.

He was just too good of an actor.

"Andrew," Quinton growled, sneering, "you killed our security team. Even if you didn't do it yourself, you're definitely tied to it!"

He stayed cold and unmoved. He knew Andrew too well-this man was cunning, ruthless, practically demonic.

Andrew let out a soft sigh and shook his head. "Since even my godson won't believe me, I suppose there's nothing more I can say."

He turned to Kevin, his voice low with sorrow. "Kevin, this is my offering as a brother-it's the least I can do to honor those brave men who gave their lives. Please, accept it."

He reached for a finely crafted box from Aspen and personally handed it to Kevin.

Kevin blinked in surprise. "Andrew, what is this?"

Andrew forced a faint smile. "You've mentioned before how much you wanted

Titan Essence Pills. As your brother, I've always kept it in mind I never forgot. Go ahead and open it. I hope it brings you some comfort."

Kevin's eyes lit up as he opened the box. Nestled in velvet were four porcelain vials, each filled with fragrant, glowing pills.

"Ha! This is the good stuff!" he exclaimed, snapping the box shut with excitement. "Andrew, thank you. You really are a true brother!"

Andrew gave a weary smile. "As long

as you're happy. It's just... this

godson of mine has always been

suspicious of me. Now, he's

accusing me of murder. Kevin, I've kept my pain inside, but it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."

His expression of silent suffering made Quinton's blood pressure spike. He scanned the room, itching to grab something to beat Andrew with.

There was no way that devil of a man could be hurting. He was a wolf in sheep's clothing, never up to anything good.

Aspen almost lost it again. She had to bite her lip so hard it hurt just to keep from laughing out loud.

Kevin, meanwhile, was beaming, the

pills in hand clearly winning him over. He waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Andrew. I don't blame you! If Grand Viper was the one behind this, then the Wrights would settle the score with him, not with you. You brought us the truth, and you brought us gifts-how could I not be touched by that?"

His words came straight from the heart. At first, he had suspected Quinton was right-maybe Andrew was involved. However, the man had come here openly, in mourning, carrying offerings and the truth. He even looked sincere, and the way his eyes were red felt genuine.

At that moment, Kevin could not find a single flaw to pick at. Surprisingly, he even

felt his fondness for Andrew grow a little deeper.