Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen could only imagine how terrifying Andrew's real identity was.

Everyone knew that Holtrien had no shortage of prodigies, but those who made it onto the Titan List were monsters in human form-true legends among legends.

Take Aspen, for example. In her hometown of Bridgefields, she was the pride of the city, admired by everyone. Yet, not a single person from Bridgefields had ever qualified for the Titan List.

Even the Underworld Index only had at most two names from there, and they were way at the bottom.

Andrew stood up and said, "Alright then, I should head back and get some rest. Thanks for the hospitality, by the way."

Zachary stood up right after him, eyes blazing with passion. "Come back with us. Let's rise again together. Once the old crew hears you're back, they'll drop everything and come running!"

Andrew chuckled and replied, "Don't exaggerate. I'm just a regular guy, just trying to live a simple, quiet life. All that talk about fighting and war? I'm not into that anymore."

He patted Aspen on the head, hinting at her to snap out of her daze and hurry up.

Zachary shifted to block Andrew's way, his expression deep and serious. "General, your stage is not this tiny corner of the world. You were the most monstrous genius in the entire organization. How could you let that talent go to waste?"

Andrew replied flatly, "From now on, just call me Mr. Lloyd-or Andrew is fine, too. Anything else, I don't want to hear again. Got it? This is the last time."

With that, he turned and walked off with Aspen.

Aspen smiled sheepishly and said, "Mr. Fischer, please don't take it personally. He's always been like that-stubborn as a mule."

Zachary did not respond. He just stood there, staring hard at Andrew's retreating figure, jaw clenched tight.

Andrew had told him not to push it, so he dared not say another word. However, the frustration and longing on his face were impossible to hide.

Ruth got up too and could not help asking, "Zac, who exactly is that Andrew guy?"

Zachary grabbed a bottle from the

met

table, took a deep swig, then exhaled sharply and said in a low voice, "You're not qualified to know who he is. All you need to know is-whether it's you, your family, or anyone you've ever met-you can't afford to mess with him."

Ruth felt a jolt in her chest and was left speechless. If anyone else had said that, she would have thought they were insane. However, it was coming from the man she admired the most, the one she respected above all. So, she had no choice but to believe him.

"Zac, did I almost mess things up today?" she asked, now realizing just how serious the situation might've been.

Zachary replied, "Relax. You're a nobody to him. Mess things up? Please, don't flatter yourself."

He suddenly shoved Ruth's head down and commanded, "Use your mouth to please me. I need to let off some steam."

Ruth glanced around, blushing. "Right here? Shouldn't we go into the bedroom?"

Zachary gritted his teeth. "Right here. If I don't screw you, I'll go insane from frustration. I just don't get it Why would someone like him choose to fade into the crowd? He could've ruled the world if he wanted to?" sŵnovelnoveldrama

Ruth did not fully understand, but she had a gut feeling Zachary was still talking about Andrew. She did not dare ask more, so she threw him a flirty glance and opened her mouth to start pleasing him.