Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

After leaving the Aroma Exchange, Andrew got into the car and said, "Drive. I'm tired and just want to rest."

However, Aspen did not start the engine. She had been holding back her curiosity all evening and finally asked, "Was Mr. Fischer really your subordinate?"

Andrew kept his eyes on the window and replied calmly, "Something like that."

Aspen's heart skipped a beat. She had suspected that Andrew was not an ordinary man. She pressed on, "Mr. Fischer called you... General. Andrew, were you some kind of military general before?"

Andrew glanced at her and said, "Why the interrogation? Are you trying to run a background check?"

The Ferrari shot forward with a roar, and Aspen huffed, "Fine, don't tell me. It's not like I'm dying to know anyway."

Andrew said, "The more you know, the more dangerous it gets for you."

Aspen scoffed, "There it is. The mysterious act. You think you're in a movie or something?"

A vein popped on Andrew's forehead. "Aspen, I just complimented your performance. Don't push me, or I'll have to deal with you."

The car suddenly fell silent. Whenever Andrew got serious, Aspen still got a little scared.

Andrew chuckled and said, "That Seth guy looked pretty into you. He even came to me trying to 'negotiate' for you. Think it over. If you're actually into the Haywoods' golden boy, I can sell you to them, no problem."

Aspen's grip on the wheel tightened, and through clenched teeth, she spat out, "No need!"

Andrew glanced over. "So you're saying you don't like Mr. Haywood?"

Aspen snapped, "Like him? Are you trying to gross me out? It's Seth who keeps pestering me. I've rejected him so many times, but the guy's full of himself and just won't give up."

Andrew nodded. "Makes sense. I mean, you've got a few issues arrogant, dumb —but you're definitely hot. Nice figure, great skin, and most importantly, a pretty face."

He sighed like he genuinely felt bad. "If you really wanted to marry into the Haywoods, I'd give you the green light, so long as they're willing to cough up the cash."

Hearing that smug tone, Aspen slammed on the gas, gritted her teeth, and said, "If you keep treating me like trash, I swear I'll take us both down!"

Seeing she was actually about to lose it, Andrew quickly shouted, "Alright alright, I won't bring it up again! Just slow the hell down! If something happens to me, you'll never be able to afford the bill!"

Aspen cracked a small smile. Beating the devil at his own game, even just once, gave her a little sense of victory.

Soon, the Ferrari pulled into an upscale residential area and finally stopped in front of a stunning, luxury villa. Andrew stepped out, gave it a once-over, and whistled. "Let me guess-this mansion was paid for with my money, wasn't it?"

Aspen let out a proud snort. "Wrong this time! The capital loves big investors like you. This house? Basically free. The taxes our company pays, plus your returns here, already cover the entire lease."noveldrama

Andrew gave her an approving nod. "Not bad. Finally doing something useful with the money instead of blowing it."

After stepping inside, Andrew took a cold shower. Then, he walked out with just a towel wrapped around his waist and asked, "Where's my room?"

Aspen was on the balcony doing yoga, wearing a sleek yoga set that hugged every curve. Her long legs looked flawless-toned, shapely, and graceful.

Even her modest chest stood out with every subtle movement, trembling slightly as she switched positions. She quickly stopped, stood up a little awkwardly, and said, "Um... your room's upstairs, left side."

The moment she got home, she had changed and started her yoga routine, totally forgetting she was not alone tonight.

Andrew let out a casual hum but did not move.

Aspen looked up and saw him staring. Then, blushing and irritated, she snapped, "What are you looking at?"

Andrew shrugged. "Nothing."

Aspen's cheeks burned, thinking, 'This pervert clearly has his eyes all over me, yet he has the nerve to say it was nothing!'

She squared her shoulders, smirked coldly, and said, "Whatever. I'm your property now, right? Stare all you want. I don't care. In fact, if you want to mess around, I'm game. Anytime."

Andrew replied flatly, "You're too small. Fran's way better. Your legs don't even come close to Lauren's. And your face? You look like a half-dead zombie, just tired and uninterested in life. I'm not into that."