Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Finley was all for Aspen's devious schemes. As long as it was against Andrew, he did not care who it was-he was more than happy to watch.

On the other hand, Christina secretly thought that perhaps this was an opportunity to test Andrew's true abilities. Winston, being the heir of Blumedale's Wright family, certainly wielded tremendous influence.

If Andrew had provoked such a powerful young man, she wondered how he would handle the situation. If he crumbled instantly before Winston and begged for mercy, i would only prove he was not anything special after all.

As time passed, more and more guests filled the hotel lobby. Many had not received invitations but had snuck in just to watch the drama unfold.

A Reckoning Toast ceremony was not something you saw every day. Since it was being hosted by Raymond, the owner of Dream Paradise himself, whoever was on the receiving end would likely end up in a miserable state. "Damn it, he still hasn't shown up. This little bastard is really asking for death!" Raymond cursed impatiently. Winston, trying to impress Aspen and Christina, waved his hand casually and smiled. "Calm down. What's the rush? With me personally overseeing this, when he shows up, his only option will be to kneel and apologize Winston continued. "If he doesn't come, well, I'll personally visit his home tomorrow and make sure his whole family is kneeling at my feet!"

As time continued to slip away, Christina frowned. She wondered if Andrew was too afraid to show up. Finley was also gritting his teeth, thinking Andrew was cunning, treacherous, and despicable. He might actually be standing them up, deliberately embarrassing Raymond.

Just then, there was a commotion at the main entrance. Everyone's attention immediately shifted in that direction.

Stephen led the way, with Andrew walking in the center, Dylan and Natasha flanking him on either side, followed by more than a dozen skilled fighters, all walking in unhurriedly.

The crowd immediately erupted into whispered discussions.

"He actually dared to come. This Andrew has some serious guts!" someone commented.

Another said, "If I were him, I would've bought a plane ticket and fled overseas by now. Most of the third day has already passed, so there's no point in coming now. Mr. Chapman won't accept his apology!"

"What an idiot! Coming to apologize but bringing backup? Isn't he just provoking Mr. Chapman and asking for a beating?" someone else remarked.

"Dylan and Natasha better keep their distance if they know what's good for them. Otherwise, Winston might get angry and wipe out Jayrodale's entire underground in one fell swoop!"noveldrama

Andrew heard almost all the comments from those around him. However, he remained unfazed as he walked directly toward Raymond.

Raymond waved his hand, and immediately, someone brought over a table with alcohol on it.

"Since you're here, don't waste time. Just kneel and toast first," Raymond commanded coldly.

Andrew's late arrival had infuriated

him. Nonetheless, he thought at least the kid knew what was important and had shown up. Raymond planned to toy with him first, humiliate him thoroughly, and then beat him half to death to vent his anger.

Andrew seemed to ignore Raymond's command and instead glanced around the room. When he saw Aspen and Christina, he could not help but think they were really everywhere. Then, there was Finley, looking smug as ever, though Andrew knew the guy was just another pathetic loser.

As for the rest? They were unfamiliar, so he paid them no mind.

"Andrew, are you deaf? I told you to kneel and make the toast!" Raymond shouted again.

He silently cursed at Andrew, 'Damn it, this little bastard is completely ignoring me, looking around instead. He really needs to be taught a lesson!'

Winston sat with one leg crossed over the other, his personal bodyguard Jason standing beside him.

Winston mocked, "This little nobody

is somewhat interesting. Though

he's weak as hell, he's putting on

quite a show! No wonder Raymond couldn't handle him. Seems like he's got something, but not much!"

Aspen smirked coldly. "Andrew, you'd better listen to Mr. Chapman's words. When he tells you to kneel,

you kneel. When he tells you to toast, you toast."