Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Tiana let out a cold scoff. "What do you know? Andrew's strength is far beyond what you and the rest of your generation can even comprehend! If I hadn't stepped in today, he wouldn't have beaten you half to death."

Howard clenched his teeth. "Fine, maybe I can't beat him-but our Lambert family isn't afraid of him."

Tiana sneered. "Still clinging to your family name for protection? Pathetic. Let me ask you this-when Andrew made his move, who was backing him? Did he have anyone supporting him? He walked in alone, and yet he crushed you—and that useless fool Michael-without breaking a sweat."noveldrama

She shook her head with disappointment. "Watching you weaklings struggle is honestly embarrassing for the Lambert family. But Marvin managed to cultivate someone this powerful. That's something I can't afford to ignore."

For once, there was a rare trace of exhaustion in Tiana's voice, as if the weight of the situation was finally getting to her. Howard was too stunned to even be upset at her insults.

He had never seen Tiana wary of anyone before. Yet, Andrew actually made her hesitate.

That was completely beyond his comprehension. To him, dealing with Andrew should have been as simple as snapping her fingers.

Tiana shot him a sharp look. "Listen carefully. From now on, do not listen to anything Michael tells you. You're a member of the Lambert family, and I refuse to let you become cannon fodder in the Rhodes family's internal power struggles."

Howard hesitated before muttering, "But I thought Michael was the one you were supporting. Helping him means helping you, doesn't it?"

Tiana let out a mocking laugh. "That idiot? Do you actually think he's worthy of my support? If it weren't for the situation with the family's business in Blumedale, I would've made sure Michael disappeared from Jayrodale without a trace long ago."

Howard fell completely silent, too afraid to say another word. For the first time, he realized he had no idea which side Tiana was actually on.

Tiana studied him for a moment, then said coolly, "Go home. And forget everything you just heard. One more thing-stay far away from Andrew. Don't provoke him, don't cross him, and don't think for a second that you can challenge him.

"I used to think he was just another pawn-one that was being manipulated. But I severely underestimated him. A pawn with a mind of its own... one that knows how to fight back can be dangerous."

Howard hesitated. "Mrs. Rhodes, are you saying that even you can't suppress him?"

Tiana's lips curled into a smirk. "Suppressing him would be nothing more than a flick of my wrist. But I'm not after him. The real battle is against the one behind him-Marvin."

Evening came, marking the end of the workday. Marcus had already taken his team out to handle the logistics for the upcoming product launch.

Lauren stayed behind at Rhodes Corporation, managing the

company's internal operations. She said, "Dr. Lloyd, you should head

home first. I'll be here late-I'll

probably be working past midnight!"

Whenever she worked, Lauren's focus was unwavering. She flashed Andrew a quick smile before immediately turning her attention back to her computer.

Andrew chuckled. "Alright, do what you need to. But don't stay too late. I'm

heading over to Moonlit Apothecary to check on things."

Lauren beamed. "Okay! Just don't stay out too long either-get some rest when you're done. Love you!"

Andrew smirked before heading out, driving straight to Moonlit

Apothecary: When he arrived, he was surprised to see that even though it was already past 7 p.m., the waiting area was still packed with patients.

Cedric was running around, completely swamped. Yet, despite the chaos, his face was full of joy. Francesca had even come by after her shift to help out, and Moonlit Apothecary's appointment list was completely booked up.

"Doctor, thank you so much! My back pain is so much better!"

"Dr. Aicker, you're such a kind person. You work all day, and then you still come here in the evenings to help us seniors. You must be an angel sent from above!"