Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Victoria was furious and raised her hand to slap Liliana, but in the end, she held back. She said coldly, "Listen carefully. Nothing happened between me and Andrew. This situation isn't nearly as filthy or shameful as you're making it out to be."

She added, "That boy is the son of an old friend I once knew, and we were just catching up, nothing more."

Liliana still did not buy it. "Then where's the proof? Mom, you've never let a strange man into your room all these years, but Andrew gets special treatment— he even outranks Dad. He came in alone, and who knows what the two of you did behind closed doors!"

Victoria snapped, her voice icy. "That's enough. I don't owe anyone explanations, not in this house, not in this world. But since you're here, Liliana, I'll just get straight to the point—I've decided to marry you off to Andrew."

She continued, "From now on, I want you to spend time with him. Show some care and attention. If you can win his heart, you will be the next head of the Peck family."

Liliana stood there, completely stunned, forgetting to even wipe her tears. "What did you say? You want me to marry Andrew? Mom, have you lost your mind? What are you trying to do? Have us both serve him together? You want to hand that bastard to achieve the ultimate fantasy and reach the peak of his life?"

Even Victoria, with her unshakeable composure, could not help but feel mortified and nearly fainted from shame. She slapped Liliana across the face and cursed, "You idiot, what kind of garbage is floating around in your head?

"I'm only asking you to marry him, not for us to serve him together. Get that straight! Andrew is a junior to me—my favorite junior! That's the only reason I want to match you with him. And you should know exactly what kind of man he is. You marrying him would be more than a good deal for you."

Liliana held her cheek, wanting to argue back, but before she could, Miles stepped in.

"Liliana, enough. Don't cause a scene. I believe Mom and Andrew aren't like that."

Liliana looked confused. "Why? How are you so sure?"

Miles did not answer her. Instead, he turned toward Victoria and asked, "Mom, why such a sudden change of heart toward Andrew? Do you really want Liliana to marry him?"

Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Whether I want to or not is beside the point. But Miles, you're the sharpest one in this family. Let me ask you would you approve?"

Miles fell into thought. "Andrew really is extraordinary. Just looking at what he's accomplished so far, he's already surpassed most of us who came from elite families. Rdo feel a little jealous, but I can't deny he's simply better than me. If Liliana really could marry him, then as her older brother, I'd honestly be happy for her." noveldrama

Liliana's face turned pale. She shouted in protest, "Miles, I'm not doing it! What has he done to deserve me?"

Miles frowned. "Oh, please! He

probably doesn't want you either it's

still too early to talk about this, so

don't act like it's a done deal. And to

be blunt, you're not on his level.

That's just the truth."

Liliana looked like she had been slapped again. She opened her mouth in rage,

but no words came.

Miles turned back to Victoria, his face conflicted. "Mom, all these years, you've never shown even the slightest affection for Dad. But with Andrew... it was different. The way you looked at him... we all thought you'd fallen for him."

Victoria flushed with embarrassment. "Nonsense! I don't ever want to hear that kind of talk again!"

Miles nodded. "Understood. We won't bring it up again, and we wouldn't dare to."