Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew and his group normally would not have been able to get into the

Blumedale military base. However, after making a phone call to Chantelle, they were immediately granted access.

At the entrance, they happened to run into Luna's aide, Leslie.

"It's you? Andrew, you've got some serious nerve coming to the military base!" Leslie sneered the moment she saw him.

Andrew replied indifferently, "Hello, Lieutenant Terrell. I'm here to find Ryder from your unit."

Leslie snorted coldly. "Unauthorized personnel are strictly forbidden from meeting our soldiers, and that's the rule!"

She added with a mocking smile, "But since you're here, Andrew, I can make an exception for you. Whether you can handle the consequences of this special treatment is another matter entirely!"

Andrew chuckled. "I'll take my chances. So go ahead and get him for me, Lieutenant."

Leslie narrowed her eyes. "Fine, but let me be clear. General Phelan is on vacation down south, and most of our senior officers are gone. If something happens here, just know I won't be stepping in."

Andrew sighed, impatient. "Just go get him. What, you want to remind me your boys are ready to rough me up? That's fine. I'd actually like to see who dares."

Leslie let out a sharp laugh. "Suit yourself. You asked for it."

She honestly questioned whether Andrew had lost his mind. The soldiers in this military base weren't the same as those street thugs and lowlifes in civilian society. When they got rough with someone, they could easily put a person in the hospital!

Leslie marched into one of the training halls and shouted, "Line up!"noveldrama

Immediately, a dozen soldiers stomped into formation, boots echoing against the ground. Two of them came strolling over slowly, still shirtless from training,

muscles coiled and gleaming with sweat.

"Leslie!" one of them called with a smile.

It was Xavier, the eldest of the Haywoods. He was known as one of Blumedale's golden heirs, trailing just a step behind Joe from the Driscoll family, a hardcore military man, Luna's obsessed admirer, and Andrew's self-declared arch-nemesis.

Of course, self-declared was the keyword. In Andrew's eyes, Xavier did not even make the cut to be called a rival.

Behind him stood Ryder, Mason's oldest son. A captain's insignia hung proudly on his uniform, and though he kept his expression reserved, he snuck a glance at Leslie.

It was one filled with admiration he tried hard to hide.

"Perfect timing, Xavier," Leslie said with a smile. "You'll never guess who came all the way into our base today."

Xavier's eyes lit up. "Wait... Is Luna back early from vacation?"

Leslie waved it off quickly. "No, not her. It's Andrew. Yes, that Andrew Lloyd, the one you've been dying to get your hands on."

The excitement in Xavier's face evaporated instantly. In its place was ice-cold hostility and venomous intent.

"You're telling me Andrew walked into our camp? Voluntarily? How many people did he bring? Are there any skilled fighters with him?" Xavier asked with icy calm.

Leslie replied, "He only brought three people. Besides Logan, the others aren't worth worrying about! Xavier with the General away, you're in charge of this base right now.

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Anyway, I don't want to get involved, and I'll pretend I didn't see whatever happens!"

Her words were vague, but Xavier caught the meaning immediately.

"Understood. I know exactly what to do. This arrogant little bastard finally stuck his neck out, and I'll be sure to chop it off and use it as a soccer ball."

Xavier grinned, teeth clenched tight with hatred.

Ryder stepped forward eagerly. "Let me handle it, Xavier. This is a

l.ne

military base. Civilians who trespass arent protected. If something happens, well... it's just protocol."

He let out a cold chuckle as he spoke.

Leslie nodded. "Captain Ulrich, that works out perfectly. Andrew's actually here to

see you."

"Me?" Ryder blinked, then smirked.

"Oh right... I've heard of Andrew. My dad mentioned him. He's the

Chairman of the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce, a big shot with a big reputation. Even my old man's wary around him. But me? I'm not just some spoiled rich kid."