Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

If the person behind the curtain had been just some ordinary woman or a man, Andrew would have shattered that veil and gone straight into a full-blown fight.

Yet, this was different. This was Reginald's former lover, the matriarch of the Peck family.

Andrew was not some ill-mannered person, and he could not just pounce on her. That would mean he really needed to see a doctor about having some kind of complex.noveldrama

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed. With both of them being top-tier fighters, their clashing energies created a surge of force that blasted through the room. The silk curtains between them could no longer withstand the pressure and were ripped to shreds.

Victoria shouted urgently, "You little bastard, turn around. I'm not dressed!"

Andrew sneered. "After all that? Mrs. Peck, do you really think I'm going to fall for that?"

Without even glancing at the bed, he thrust his palm forward and kicked off the edge of the bed, dragging the chair he sat on backward across the floor in one smooth motion.

Both of them pulled back at the same time, and the turbulent energy in the room slowly settled.

On the bed, Victoria now sat fully clothed in a sleek black gown, her hair swept up into a high bun. She looked poised and regal.

Like Tiana's, her looks carried a sharp, cold beauty-flawless and composed. However, unlike Tiana's flirtatious charm, Victoria had a piercing edge in her eyes that made her seem more dangerous.

Even when she said nothing, her presence exuded authority. She looked at Andrew with a half-smile. "You reacted fast. It's a pity you didn't fall for it. If you'd been dumb enough to actually turn around, completely off guard... then you'd be on the floor right now, coughing up blood and barely breathing."

Andrew stared at her coldly. "So this was your way of settling the score for the Peck family?"

Victoria rose slowly. Though not particularly tall, she moved with a subtle allure. With every step, the slit in her dress revealed glimpses of her pale skin.

"If anyone was going to avenge the Peck family, it should've been my useless husband. You can relax. I don't care about your feud with them. I won't be getting involved."

Andrew frowned. "If that's the case, then why attack me just now?"

Victoria gave a casual shrug. "No reason. Just wanted to see what you were made of. Also, I don't like how close you are with Tiana. Giving you a little scare might make that bitch ache with worry, and the thought of her hurting makes me feel good."

Andrew rubbed his temples. So this was all about jealousy, again. And naturally,

he was the one they all took it out on.

"Come closer. Let me get a better look at you," Victoria ordered.

Andrew snorted but stepped forward anyway.

She studied him for a long moment before murmuring, "Wow... You really do look like him."

Andrew raised a brow. "Mrs. Peck, what did you say?"

Victoria shook her head. "Nothing. Let's get to business. Your talent and what you've already accomplished have impressed the Peck family. From now on, I want you to be our representative. Our voice, so to speak."

Andrew shut it down immediately. "That's not happening."

He was not stupid enough to let the Peck family slap a label on him and hitch a free ride on his success.

Victoria's eyes darkened. "You're turning me down?"

Andrew snorted. "That's right. I'm turning you down. I came here today out of respect, nothing more. I didn't come prepared to make deals, and I have no intention of committing to anything. My conflict with the Peck family was minor. Since you've said you're letting it go, I'll take my leave."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Victoria let out a furious laugh, her hand twitching like she was about to strike.

However, she forced herself to stop and shouted, "Andrew! If I give the order, you won't even make it out of the front gate! Fine. Wait. Let's talk terms Getting the Peck family's support and alliance isn't exactly a bad deal for you."

Andrew finally paused, turned, and smiled. "See? If you'd started with something

sincere, I wouldn't have had to be so rude."