Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Just as expected, the moment Andrew left the Phelan estate, someone started tailing him. Even so, he did not care in the slightest.

He casually pulled out his phone and called Aspen. "Come pick me up. I'll send you my location."

Then, he spent the next few minutes strolling through the streets, purposely leading the tail through a maze of turns.

Once he reached a busy part of the city, Andrew made a few quick moves through the crowd and lost the stalker without breaking a sweat. At the arranged pickup point, a cherry-red LaFerrari was parked boldly at the curb, gleaming under thenoveldrama

sun.

Leaning coolly against the hood, wearing sunglasses and radiating confidence, was Aspen—a full-on showstopper. The second she saw Andrew, she did not say a word just grabbed him and shoved him into the passenger seat.

Then, she quickly slammed the gas and shot off like they were escaping a crime

scene.

"Okay, you're being a bit dramatic," Andrew said with a laugh, watching Aspen drive like she was fleeing from a car chase.

Grinding her teeth, Aspen muttered, "I still don't get how you have the guts to act like this. As long as that bounty is active, someone could take you out at any moment, you know?"

Andrew shrugged. "That's why I've got you running backup. What's there to be afraid of?"

Aspen snorted and said dryly, "Don't count on me. Honestly, I'd love to see someone take you out."

Andrew chuckled, a sly glint in his eye. "Been a while, but you've definitely filled out. But what really changed is your whole vibe-back in Jayrodale, you used to sound like a bitter housewife. Now you've actually got class."

Aspen sneered. "Wow, I didn't expect you to give compliments. I thought all you knew how to do was trash people."

Andrew ignored her bitter words and casually ran a hand along the car's leather interior. He raised a brow and teased, "This ride isn't cheap. Last I checked, this model costs over a few million dollars. Where did the money come from?"

Aspen hesitated. Then, she sighed like she was bracing herself. "I bought it as a reward-for myself. in the capital, if you want to be taken seriously in business, you need a car that turns heads. No one even looks at you otherwise. So, I used your money to buy it. If you're mad, take the car back."

Andrew laughed. "A

few-million-dollar ride isn't exactly pocket change. But since you already bought it, and you set up the company for me, I'll let it slide-consider it your bonus."

With a hard brake, the flashy LaFerrari stopped smoothly at a red light.

Aspen turned to him, genuinely surprised. "You're not mad? You're not going to scream at me for wasting your money?"

She had honestly been expecting

full-blown verbal assault-if not

something worse. After all,

had always treated her

Andrew

dike a

servant-in-training than a partner.

Andrew replied flatly, "I'm not as stingy as you think. Plus, I'm actually satisfied with how you've been handling things here. Take it as a reward well-earned."

Aspen let out a soft "oh" and went quiet.

Andrew did not say anything else either. He simply gazed out the window, watching the scenery blur past in streaks of sunlight and glass.

"We'll get lunch first. Consider it a welcome-back dinner for our fearless CEO," Aspen said as she pulled up in front of an upscale restaurant.

She turned and added, "I already made reservations. This place is known for being discreet—they've got private VIP access, so we'll be safe eating here." Andrew gave a nod. "I'll go with whatever you planned. But..... CEO?"

Aspen gave a smug little smirk. "That's what you are now-CEO of Supreme Capital Group."

Andrew raised an eyebrow and joked, "Supreme Capital Group'? You actually named the company that? That's so tacky it's almost impressive."

Aspen rolled her eyes. "I know it sounds tacky, but it's already registered, so deal with it!"