Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

After leaving the great hall, Andrew pulled Zachary toward the back exit.

Zachary looked puzzled and asked, "Captain, why are we going this way?" Andrew said flatly, "We're not taking the front entrance. There's trouble there." Zachary was startled. "You mean the Yeagers and Scarlett and those people?" Andrew's tone was somewhat helpless. "Those are fine. In the worst case, I'll just kill them if they get in my way. The real trouble is Rowan! That woman has her sights set on me, and I don't want to see her."

Zachary forgot about his injuries and grinned mischievously. "Captain, really? Have you and Rowan already hooked up?"

Andrew gave him a smack on the head. "Hooked up my ass! Doesn't your wound hurt? Why are you so damn nosy?"

Zachary just kept laughing. "Hey, I'm in a great mood! The wounds hurt, but I made it to the inner circle! Captain, let me say it again: you're as awesome as ever!"

Andrew waved him off, telling him to cut it out. The back exit also had guards, but they successfully slipped out onto the street after showing their identification. Then, they hailed a cab to return to the hotel and meet with Lauren and the others.

At the headquarters' main entrance, people who had come to observe the inner disciple examination were continuously streaming out. Several pairs of cold eyes swept back and forth over the entering and exiting people, not missing any figure.

A black Mercedes stopped, and someone opened the car door. Scarlett, looking elegant and noble but with a cold expression, got in.

She scoffed silently. 'What an idiot for offending the local major families in Goldridge. I really don't know what this guy was thinking.'

She let out a mocking laugh once she sat down.

From the front seat, her trusted aide frowned. "Ms. Driscoll, that Andrew guy's luck is something else. Our people chased him relentlessly, and he still made it here in one piece!"

Scarlett answered flatly, "I didn't expect much from those useless hitmen anyway. Andrew's no average fighter. If I wanted him dead face-to-face, I'd have to do it myself. But looks like I won't need to lift a finger."

Her aide's expression shifted into a sly grin. "You mean... the Yeagers have him marked already?"

Scarlett snorted. "Those dozen pairs of eyes outside? All Yeager scouts. All because Andrew embarrassed Matthew in public for that disciple trial spot. If he doesn't get out of Goldridge fast, then what awaits him is death." noveldrama

The aide clenched his fists with excitement. "Perfect. That bastard might finally get what's coming to him! If we weren't tied up with bigger things, I'd suggest we cripple him ourselves while he's exposed."

Scarlett replied coolly, "Drive. Focus on the real mission. Jerome's reign as the head of the Southern Martial Union is over. The Driscoll family will rise under my hand into the core of the Union."

Her expression gleamed with ambition, cold and sharp.

The luxury car drove off.

As it rolled down the road, Scarlett's gaze drifted out the window. Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure standing on tiptoe, peeking inside the hall.

That figure seemed to be waiting for someone.

Scarlett muttered, "Rowan... is waiting for someone? She doesn't look like a guild president at all. If she were mine, I'd have whipped her into shape ages ago."

Back at the Union's grand hall, most of the crowd had already dispersed.

Rowan stood outside with her arms crossed, waiting for half an hour. However, Andrew never appeared.

She huffed. "That bastard... Did he pull the same disappearing act like five years ago?"

Her expression turned stormy, her canines grinding together in frustration.

Evan, who had stuck close to her the whole time, finally could not help but ask, "Rowan, just who exactly are you waiting for?"

Rowan snapped, pacing in irritation. "Stop asking, okay? That damn guy's just as slippery as ever."

Then, she scoffed. "Goldridge isn't that big! I will find you!"

Evan could not help but whisper, "The one you're waiting for... it wouldn't happen

to be the guy who took on Mr. Yeager Senior, would it?"