Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Leslie did not leave, looking like she was waiting for someone.

Before long, Ryder arrived with about five bodyguards behind him. It was an impressive entourage that befitted the head of the Ulrich family.

Leslie stood up with a bright smile. "Ryder, you're here! Come, have a seat!"

Ryder grunted and sat down casually. He said matter-of-factly, "Did you ask me out for something specific? I've been pretty busy taking over the family business lately, so if it's nothing urgent, I'll head out."

Leslie playfully scolded him. "Even with all that going on, you should still make time to relax! I already ordered drinks, and they'll be here soon. I just wanted to sit down and talk with you tonight."

Ryder was not particularly interested and said flatly, "Wow, now that's unexpected. You never used to be so warm to me before, let alone invite me out for drinks. Honestly, this sudden friendliness kind of throws me off."

Leslie looked a little awkward and let out a dry laugh. "Oh, come on! Don't say that. Back in the military, you know how the General was. She didn't like us goofing off. But this is a bar, and the vibe is totally different. Of course, I'm being nicer!

"Besides, our drinks just arrived. Believe it or not, this is my first time having drinks with a guy in public."

She gave him a shy little smile as she spoke. Unfortunately, Ryder was not taking the bait.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the booth on the second floor, Andrew and his three ladies were leaning over the glass railing, watching the interaction below with great interest.

"Didn't she used to look down on Ryder?" Aspen asked with a puzzled look. "Now she's acting all sweet on him?"

Lauren chuckled. "What's so hard to understand? Ryder just became head of the Ulrich family, and his status shot through the roof. She may have looked down on him before, but things are different now."

Francesca rolled her eyes. "Let's be real. She saw him get rich, and now she's trying to cozy up. Pretty typical move if you ask me."

Aspen grinned mischievously. "So what do you think? Will Ryder fall for it?"

Lauren took a sip of her wine and gave it some thought. "If you ask me, odds are high. Ryder was totally hung up on Leslie, practically her doormat back then. Now he might look successful, but that clingy nature doesn't just vanish. All she has to do is act a little interested, hint that she's finally open to being with him, and boom.

"His feelings for her will kick in, and he'll be willing to bend his back for her. Guys

like that? They'd give you the world just for a smile."

Francesca shook her head. "I'm not so sure. Ryder's now the head of a powerful family, and he should've developed better taste. Leslie might be Luna's aide, but she's nowhere near Ryder's level. He could do so much better now."

Aspen giggled and shook her head. "That's not how it works. Even if Ryder doesn't worship her like

before, all Leslie has to do is act et

little vulnerable. Throw in a few subtle glances full of admiration or longing, and maybe toss in some push-and-pull tactics, wear something a little revealing, and make 'accidental' physical contact.

"And just like that, the old doormat instincts come flooding back. Before you know

it, she's got him wrapped around her finger."

Just as she finished speaking, they watched Leslie dabbing at her eyes like she

was about to cry. She looked pitiful and fragile, giving Ryder a wounded look like he had wronged her somehow.

Ryder, clearly flustered, leaned in to comfort her.

Leslie took full advantage of the moment, leaning on his shoulder, her chest brushing against his arm ever so suggestively.noveldrama