Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

From that day forward, Mosby imagined he could ride the waves of influence across Gabo Creek, and maybe even all of southern Holtrien-just by mastering that miraculous acupuncture technique.

Just then, a calm voice broke through the tension. "Dr. Lake, I suggest you show some respect."

Luna had quietly appeared and spoke coldly. "Andrew saved my grandfather's life. And my grandfather personally told me to look after him from now on while he's in the capital."

Mosby gave an awkward chuckle. "Well, if Ms. Luna says so, I won't give this young man any trouble."

Nonetheless, he was already secretly scheming. The moment he got the chance, he would have Andrew captured and tortured until he coughed up everything he knew about the Ninefold Needles.

Luna gave a curt nod, then turned to Andrew. "Come with me. The Phelan family has a reward for you."

When it came to rewards, Andrew was not planning to be polite. The Phelan family was one of the most powerful in the region, and if their inner vaults held any rare medicinal herbs, he definitely wanted in.

Once they reached a quieter corner, Andrew asked plainly, "Let's talk here. Ms. Luna, what exactly does this reward include?"

Luna glanced back at him, a flicker of sarcasm flashing across her face. "Funny... I thought you were too noble to care about rewards from the Phelan family."

Andrew shook his head. "It's not about the reward. What I want is a rightful compensation. I treated Mr. Phelan Senior and saved his life. It's only fair that I receive something in return."

Luna let out a faint scoff. "Don't worry. You'll get credit for what you did. Just say it what do you want? Money? Property? Jewelry? Or maybe women?"

She listed off the most tempting worldly pleasures like they were nothing more than catalog options.

However, Andrew was uninterested and replied, "I only want one thing-rare medicinal herbs."noveldrama

Luna paused, surprised, then shook her head. "The Phelan family probably has plenty of that stuff lying around, but I'm not exactly in the mood to dig it out for you. you'd asked for money or women, I could've arranged something for you on the spot." swnovel

Andrew said calmly, "No rush. I can wait until you find what I need."

Luna gave a cold laugh. "Andrew, do you know how annoying your self-righteous attitude is? Acting like you're above all material things... et е me guess, you're doing this to impress me, right? Trying to make me see you as unique? Someone different from the rest?" swnovel

Andrew took a step closer, eyes locking onto her flawless face, and studied her for a beat.

Luna was just about to throw in another sarcastic jab. In her experience, all men fell into one of two categories when facing her either they bowed before her power, or they got completely swept up by her beauty.

Before she could speak, Andrew calmly said, "Luna, you've got issues-and they're serious."

With that, he turned and walked away. Her excessive pride was seriously starting

to piss him off. If it had been his old self-the prodigious heir of the Lloyds-he

might have already slapped her across the face just for fun.

She thought she was tough? Back then, he was tougher.

Luna gritted her teeth. "You better

stop right there! If I hadn't stepped in earlier, do you really think Mosby would've let you walk out of here? Andrew, I'm giving you one last chance. Beg me-just once. If you do I'll make sure you stay safe here in the capital." swnovel

Andrew did not even bother looking back. "Fuck off."

With that, he walked right out of the Phelan estate and vanished into the busy

streets beyond.