Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Victoria's cheeks flushed crimson, and she looked utterly embarrassed and ashamed. She raised her hand as if to strike him, but then lowered it again.

She gritted her teeth as she said, "You little bastard, you've been keeping this pretty well hidden! Why didn't you tell me earlier that your father is Reginald, and let me make a fool of myself?"

Her heart pounded uncontrollably as she recalled all the things she had said and those exaggerated gestures she had made. Even at her mature age, she could not stop the wave of heat rising to her face or the strange, complicated feelings churning in her chest.

Andrew rolled his eyes and said bluntly, "I didn't want to bring up my dad at all. I didn't want to trigger your resentment or make things worse, but you seriously crossed the line, so I had no choice."

Victoria let out a frustrated laugh. "So you're Reggie's son. Even if I'm angry with you, I wouldn't have the heart to lay a hand on you. No wonder when I first saw you, I was so confused! How could there be someone in this world whose temperament and looks are so similar?"

She continued staring at Andrew intently. "Turns out you're his son!"

The adoring look in her eyes, along with her conflicted expressions, made Andrew extremely uncomfortable.

Noticing Andrew's embarrassment, Victoria's face flashed with shame. She quickly composed herself and laughed. "Don't mind me! It's just that I miss Reggie so much that I got a little carried away for a moment!"

Andrew nodded. "I understand. Mrs. Rhodes was the same way back then."

The moment the words left his mouth, Andrew regretted them, thinking that this would be trouble.

Sure enough, Victoria's expression turned cold, and she snorted. "Don't mention that bitch in front of me! Reggie only loved me, and Tiana was just delusional!"

Andrew quickly said, "Yes, of course. My dad only loved you."

However, he silently apologized to Tiana. He had no choice but to appease Victoria for now. Otherwise, who knew if she would start getting jealous again?

"Since we're on the same side, you can just call me Victoria from now on." She gave an embarrassed smile as she stared at Andrew, clearly finding more and more to like the longer she looked at him.

She added, "You're every bit as impressive as he was back then! If you had come to find me earlier, I would have already helped you dominate the entire Gabo Creek province!"

Andrew shook his head and smiled. "Thanks for the kind offer, Victoria, but initially, I didn't know you and my dad had a history together! Besides, I didn't dare approach you carelessly. I figured you probably harbored a lot of resentment toward him."

Victoria's expression turned thoughtful as a hint of nostalgia crossed her face. Then, she let out a bitter laugh. "Saying I didn't hate him would be a lie. I was ready to give up everything for that man back then, but he still left me and walked away!"

She hissed, "The only thing that's ever comforted me since is knowing he left that bitch Tiana, too. That proves I was never beneath her!"

She really could not go a minute without comparing herself to Tiana. Always bitter, always jealous.

Andrew muttered something under his breath, then said aloud, "I came here to pay you a proper visit, Victoria. Now that I've done that, I should get going."

Victoria quickly said, "No rush. Stay a little longer with me!"

When she say how guarded he looked, she blushed with anger and snapped, You brat, don't get the & wrong idea! You seriously think I'd stoop so low and mess around withnoveldrama

you? Your dad is Reginald! I'm not about to become some old cougar chasing after his son!"

Andrew figured that if he did not sweet-talk her a little now, he would fail as a self- proclaimed charmer.

He grinned and replied, "Victoria, you're not old at all. You're in your prime. Your skin's so smooth it puts teenage girls to shame!"