Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Luna's chest rose and fell with anger, her gaze cold as ice. "The nerve... No one's ever dared speak to me like that, especially not some backwater hick. You're the first."

Nonetheless, he did not plan to take Andrew to heart. He was just a small-time nobody at most, a temporary annoyance. Now that he had left the Phelan estate, she figured it was better this way. Out of sight, out of mind.

...

Back at the mansion, Luna found Montgomery resting in his room.

"Grandpa, earlier... when you said Andrew looked familiar, what exactly did you mean? Who does he remind you of?"

Montgomery's eyes grew distant as he murmured, "He really did look familiar. Back when I was in Chetvine, I caught a glimpse of a young man like him once— dashing, bold, and absolutely unmatched in presence."

Luna was caught off guard and grew even more curious. "Grandpa, who exactly are you talking about? You always say I'm the only one worthy of praise-now you're giving that to a stranger? I don't like that!"

Only in front of Montgomery did Luna ever drop her guard and act like a playful granddaughter.

Montgomery chuckled. "Oh Luna, don't shake me around like that—these old bones can't take it. The one I'm thinking of... Well, you've heard his story before- the prodigious heir of the Lloyds, from the royal family of Chetvine."

Luna froze, her whole body stiffening as disbelief washed over her. "The prodigious heir of the Lloyds? But didn't the rumors say... he's already dead? Grandpa, you don't seriously think Andrew is him, right? We can't just say things like that—someone from the Lloyds could catch wind of it!"

Montgomery smiled gently. "That's why I said he only resembles him. Honestly, it was just a fleeting impression... probably nothing more than an illusion. But he's a good young man. Marvin brought him here, and I still trust Marvin's judgment."

Luna scoffed. "I saw his medical skills and thought about bringing him into the Phelan family's service. But the guy's arrogant and full of himself. He already walked out the door, and I couldn't care less."

Montgomery nodded with a warm smile. "You're the jewel of the Phelan family. I know there aren't many men in this city who can catch your eye. But this young man came all the way from Jayrodale, and Marvin already put in a word on his

behalf-so Luna, do give him a bit of support."

swnovelnoveldrama

Luna smirked. "Even if you hadn't asked, I would've helped him anyway. Marvin

did so much for our family back then-I won't forget that."

She added, "But that guy... He's wild, reckless, and acts like he fears nothing. Letting him suffer a little might do him some good."

Montgomery looked at her with

pride. "Good girl. I know you carry yourself with pride, but deep down your heart is kind. After Andrew's treatment, I'm feeling much better. Honestly, I haven't had this kind of energy in years. swnovel

"And since I'm in the mood, would you like to hear the story of the prodigious heir of the Lloyds?"

Luna blushed slightly and nodded. "If you're willing to tell it, of course, I want to hear it. I've had everything handed to me in life-it's like the universe favors me. But I still want to know... just how freakishly talented was that heir?" swnovel.net

Montgomery beamed with excitement, clearly eager to tell the tale. "Luna, you're brilliant-near perfect, really. But the Lloyds' prodigy? He was flawless. The one and only in my lifetime."

As the grandfather and granddaughter dove into their conversation, somewhere across the city, Andrew suddenly sneezed.

"Must be Lauren... or maybe Fran thinking about me again," he muttered.

In their culture, it was said that when you sneezed out of nowhere, someone was talking about you behind your back. At that moment, Andrew's thoughts drifted to Lauren and Francesca.