Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

However, Andrew had overestimated Michael's driving skills. Once they left Jayrodale and hit the winding roads toward The Southern Highlands, Michael miscalculated a sharp turn and scraped the car against the guardrail.

Luckily, he hit the brakes in time. Andrew stepped out to inspect the damage and found only a minor dent-not enough to affect the car's performance.

Michael climbed out of the driver's seat, looking annoyed. "Damn it! These roads are absolute garbage. Why don't they just widen them or make the turns less sharp?"

Andrew shot him a glance. "Oh? So instead of admitting you suck at driving, you're blaming the roads?"

Michael stiffened and huffed. "Am I wrong? If these roads were as wide as the city highways, I wouldn't have hit anything!"

Andrew let out a cold laugh. "By that logic, if I were your dad, does that mean I could smack you upside the head right now?"

Michael's expression immediately darkened. He did not dare talk back-out in the middle of nowhere like this, he was genuinely afraid Andrew might just finish him off.

Andrew said casually, "The car's fine. Let's keep moving."

Michael waved a hand. "I'm done. You drive."

Andrew smirked. "Already scared?"

Michael argued, "I'm not scared. I just wanna take a break."

"If you're scared, just admit it. No need to pretend. I can see your legs shaking."

Michael replied, "Andrew, for the last damn time, I just wanna rest! Do you really think I'd be scared? Since when have I ever been scared?"

"Then why won't you drive?"

"Because I just don't feel like it! What's it to you?"

"Then you're just a coward—no need to hide it, Michael Rhodes, the Mouse."

"You little-"

Andrew's taunts nearly infuriated Michael. He pointed a trembling finger at Andrew, too furious to speak.

Andrew scoffed. "Fine, I'll drive. Honestly wouldn't trust your terrible skills anyway. Also, you might wanna step aside. Standing in the middle of a sharp turn like this is just asking for an accident

Michael sneered. "What, you trying to scare me? If anyone dares to hit me, I'll make sure they regret it for life!"

Still sulking from their argument, Michael deliberately ignored Andrew's warning.

Andrew shook his head, done wasting his breath. He opened the car door and got into the driver's seat.

Just then, a loud boom rang out.

Andrew turned his head just in time to see Michael getting launched into the air after being hit by a Bentley coming around the corner. He barely had time to scream before slamming into the ground like a

ragdoll. n

Right where he landed, a road sign loomed over him, and bold letters stated: [Dangerous Curve Ahead-High Accident Rate. Over 32 Fatalities. Drive With Caution.]

Andrew raised an eyebrow, wondering if the idiot just got himself killed. Suppressing his amusement, he got out of the car and walked over to the

groaning mess on the ground.

"You dumbass! Who the hell drives like that? Get the fuck out of your damn car!" Michael roared, voice full of pain.

His whole body felt like it had been disassembled and barely put back together, Ignoring his injuries, he pushed himself up, his rageenoveldrama

outweighing his pain as he stomped toward the Bentley.

Michael had never felt so humiliated. One second, he was arrogantly arguing with

Andrew. The next, he was flying through the air like a crash dummy.

Was Andrew's mouth cursed or something?

The Bentley had come to a stop, and two women stepped out. The moment Andrew saw them, his expression darkened.

He recognized them instantly-Aspen and Christina, the infamous Stevens. He had not expected to run into them here, of all places.

"You blind bitches! Do you even know how to drive?! Who the hell do you think you are hitting me?! If you don't wanna die, I swear I'll—"

Michael was mid-rant when he finally got a clear look at them, and he immediately stopped mid-sentence.

His fury twisted into something cold and calculating. "Oh. It's you two. Well, I don't care if we know each other-you still owe me money."