Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew said coldly "Weren't you the one bragging about carrying the Goldings'

heir? Didn't you think marrying into the Goldings made you superior, untouchable? Well, I just slapped the hell out of you, and now you're bawling like a child. So go on, keep insulting me."

He lowered his hand, face expressionless, eyes locked on Sherilyn.

Sherilyn's head was spinning, her face completely numb from the strikes. She stammered, "You little bas-Andrew, you actually hit me... You actually hit a pregnant woman. I swear, you're finished. My husband will kill you!"

Her rage burned to the point she wanted to rip Andrew apart, but the words stuck in her throat.

After that last round of slaps, Sherilyn had started questioning reality itself. Just then, a Rhodes family guard burst into the room, out of breath.

He shouted, "Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes! We've got trouble-the Goldings are here!"

Jameson's face changed. "Shut the gates. Tell them we're not receiving visitors today!"

Tiana shook her head. "That won't help! The Goldings don't take 'no' for an answer. If they want in, they'll force their way through."

She turned to Andrew urgently. "Go out the back. Now. Leave before it's too late!"

However, Andrew stood his ground. "There's no need to run, Mrs. Rhodes. They're already here? Good. Let's settle everything while they're at our doorstep."

Tiana's voice rose in fury. "You idiot! The Goldings are nothing like Aidan! If you don't leave right now, no one will be able to protect you! I get that you're confident, but believe me—the Five Apex Families here in the capital aren't people you can take lightly!"

Jameson quickly added, "Andy, please listen to her. Just leave first. Whatever happens, they won't dare openly go after the Rhodes because they need to upkeep their reputation. We'll buy you time!"

Andrew did not budge. He said calmly, "Leaving? Not happening. I haven't even seen Lauren yet."

Hearing that the Goldings had arrived, Sherilyn suddenly regained her arrogance and shouted, "You

bastard, how you're dead! Elon's net

here, and he brought the Goldings' top fighters! You told me to keep insulting you, right? Fine! Listen

close, you little-"

Andrew struck again, two more slaps cracking across her already swollen face. Blood smeared her cheeks, and her eyes went dazed.noveldrama

The filthy insult she was about to scream got caught in her throat and choked back down.

Kenny's body trembled. "Andrew... You've really lost it. You're still hitting Sherilyn? Are you insane? The Goldings will tear you to pieces!"

Tiana and Jameson stood frozen, completely speechless. They knew Andrew was strong-but they never imagined he would be this brazen.

Outside, the Goldings had arrived in full force. Elon stormed into the

Rhodes estate with over a dozen elite bodyguards. Anyone who tried to block their path was shoved aside

or sent flying-no hesitation

mercy.

Flanking Elon were two semi-martial kings who radiated power and arrogance.

Their very presence forced the crowd to part before them.

"Honey, you're here! Thank God!" Sherilyn ran straight into Elon's arms, sobbing pitifully. "If you came That

even a minute later, I'd be donet

bastard nearly beat me to death!"

Kenny pointed a shaking finger at Andrew and screamed at Elon, "You have to kill him! For Sherilyn! For your unborn child! For Michael, who died because of him— kill him!"

Elon's icy gaze swept across the Rhodes family's grand hall.