Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Irene shouted, "You actually brought her to a hotel room? Ugh, have you no shame?"

Andrew replied coolly, "It's none of your damn business."noveldrama

Then, he casually walked over to the front desk and booked a deluxe suite.

Leroy called out, "Hold up, Andrew!"

Andrew stopped and turned, shooting him a glance.

Leroy looked at the unconscious Aspen and asked, "So, are you two officially sleeping together now?"

Andrew snapped impatiently, "If you've got something to say, say it. If not, get lost."

Leroy snorted. "Relax, man. I'm just saying that you're impressive. You're actually sleeping with Aspen? Honestly, if it weren't for us being related, I'd be tempted too. She's seriously top-tier-any man would want a shot."

Andrew sneered. "Is that so? Well, you're even more of a shameless animal than I thought."

Leroy's temper flared. "And who are you to insult me, Andrew? Don't forget, the woman you're sleeping with is still a Stevens. She's still one of ours. So, you better be ready to pay the price for that.

"That G-Wagon of yours-still driving it? If not, hand it over. Consider it payment for sleeping with Aspen."

Andrew was honestly impressed. Leroy had been eyeing his ride since their time back in Jayrodale. That idiot had the thickest skin he had ever seen-persistent to a ridiculous degree.

Just then, Christina spoke coldly. "Andrew, I never thought you'd end up accepting a woman you once hated, someone who hurt you. Shows what kind of man you really are-you'd throw away your principles just to get laid."

Andrew said with complete indifference, "You can say and think whatever you want. That's your business. But yes, you're right. I've accepted Aspen because she's miles better than you in every way."

Christina's frosty expression darkened. "Do you really think Aspen is better than me? Andrew, you think I'd believe you're not just saying that to piss me off? Tell me-what exactly makes Aspen better than me?"

They were both from the Stevens family, but now Aspen had clearly grown close to Andrew. By the looks of it, Aspen was already one of Andrew's women, and that stung Christina with jealousy and rage.

After all, she had once begged, groveled, and still failed to win Andrew back. Yet, Aspen was the one lying in his arms.

Andrew said calmly, "Aspen's better than you in every single way. So Christina, do me a favor and stay far away from me. This little obsession you have is pathetic. You're just making yourself look worse."

Christina let out a bitter laugh, her voice tinged with fury. "Andrew, Aspen's badly hurt, isn't she? Most likely because of you, right? From the looks of it, you're surrounded by enemies in this city. You're barely holding on."

Andrew repeated coldly, "Still none of your damn business. In fact, it's none of

your whole family's damn business."

Then, he carried Aspen into the elevator, heading straight for their room.

...

Down in the lobby, Christina's whole family stood there fuming.

Irene snapped, "Christie, thank God you didn't get back together with that little bastard. Look at him-he's even sleeping with Aspen. I'm so furious I could scream!"

Leroy rolled his eyes. "Mom, why are you even mad? You're just pissed that Andrew chose Aspen instead of Christie, right? Admit it—you're jealous and bitter!"

Irene's face flushed with embarrassment. "Shut your mouth! Grown-ups are talking-who asked you to chime in?"

Leroy was about to fire back when he noticed how strange Christina looked and asked, "Christie, what are you thinking right now? You've got that look... like some villainess from a movie."

Christina answered calmly, "Right now, I'm relying on Quinton, and Andrew is basically his sworn enemy. So if I tell him where Andrew and Aspen are staying... don't you think that's the right thing to do?"

Irene jumped in without hesitation. "Of course it is. That's exactly what you should do. Quinton has done so much for our family. He sends me gift cards for spa days, bracelets, and gold rings-he's always thinking of us! Naturally, we should return the favor and help him out."

Leroy added viciously, "Exactly. Andrew and Aspen are clearly on the run. If we

tell Quinton, he'll make sure the Goldings get word. Those two lovebirds won't know what hit them."