Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Tiana felt a chill run down her spine, but she still sneered, "Sherilyn, you married into the Goldings and made a name for yourself. I just didn't expect that all this time, you've still been eaten up with jealousy and hatred for your own family.

"But you've clearly overestimated yourselves. Even if Jameson and I fall today, Lauren will be just fine. She's set to marry into the Driscolls, and one day, she'll use their power to make you and Kenny pay for everything you've done-blood for blood."

Kenny scoffed. "You're the one dreaming, Tiana. That little tramp you raised will never marry into the Driscolls. She's already lost her purity, messing around with that street rat Andrew. Do you seriously think the Driscolls would ever accept her?

"No! The second they learn the truth, they won't just reject Lauren-they'll join me in wiping out you two and your shameless daughter."

Tiana's expression changed again and again. It was clear-there was no peaceful way out of this. Her anger toward Andrew flared to new heights.

If that little bastard had not clung to Lauren like a leech, the Rhodes family would not be facing this nightmare right now. She and Jameson, especially their beloved daughter, would not be standing on the edge of ruin.

Jameson's voice turned cold. "Tiana, there's no point in saying more. If Kenny and Sherilyn are this far gone, acting insane and dead set on destruction, then we'll let our hands do the talking. If Kenny wants to take my place as the family head so easily, he better be prepared to pay the price."

Tiana's voice cracked as she snapped, "You make it sound so simple! Sure, we might be ready to die. But what about Lauren? She's our precious daughter! If we're gone, who'll protect her? Who will she rely on in this world?"

Her eyes brimmed with tears as they spilled over, trembling with sorrow.

Jameson sighed and replied solemnly, "I know how deep your love for her runs. And I know how hard you've worked all these years. You poured everything into planning her future, hoping she could live the rest of her life in peace. But some things are just fate, Tiana. We can't control everything."

He added, "And even if we're gone, Andrew will still be here. I believe that he can give Lauren the life she deserves."

Tiana let out a bitter laugh. "You still believe in him? Even now, at a time like this? Jameson, I really don't understand you. When it comes to Lauren, how did you become so blind-so damn foolish?"

Jameson's face stayed firm, his voice unshaken. "Whatever you say, it's too late. And I don't believe I'm blind or foolish. Andrew just needs time togrow. One day, he'll rise up and protect Lauren from all the storms ahead. Of this, I have no doubt."

Standing in the back corner, Andrew felt a wave of emotion stir in his heart. He knew this exchange between Jameson and Tiana was partly for his ears—a final message, a parting wish.

They were leaving Lauren's future in his hands, and their attitudes couldn't be more different.

Jameson always believed in him, spoke to him kindly, and never doubted his potential. But Tiana? She had always shut him down, rejected him, tried to push him away.

Still, Andrew could not help but think they were making this whole thing sound way too dramatic.

So what if Kenny had brought in some big-name reinforcements? What was the big deal?noveldrama

He smirked, taking a step forward, ready to walk out and crush Kenny right there. That so-called martial arts master ranked fifth on the Underworld Index?

So what?

Since they came knocking, then there was no need to talk-it was time to throw down. Sometimes, blood and violence were the only ways to settle things.

But right then, the unexpected happened.

Tiana suddenly stepped forward, moving quickly across the room toward Aidan. Before anyone could process what she was doing, she dropped to her knees in front of him and bowed deeply, her forehead hitting the floor.

"Mr. Haywood Senior, I, Tiana Lambert, am begging on my knees. Jameson and the rest of the Rhodes family are stubborn and doomed. If they want to die, that's their choice. But refuse to go down with them for nothing."

She pleaded, "Please, Mr. Haywood Senior-take me in. Spare my life. I'm willing

to serve you from now on!"