Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Aspen, long time no see." Christina was the first to speak, smiling as she broke the awkward silence.

Aspen's expression turned icy. "You don't need to call me. I don't recognize you as family. Your family is in Jayrodale, and mine's in Bridgefields. We were never close, and we never will be."

Christina kept her smile steady. "It's been so long, and you're still holding a grudge? But don't forget-when the main family fell apart, and you ended up as Andrew's servant, that was mostly your own doing."

Aspen let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, I'll admit it. Everything back then was my own fault. But Christina, do you dare say you didn't stir the pot from behind the scenes with that sweet, scheming smile of yours? I know it was you who lured the main Stevens family to Jayrodale, just to use them against Andrew."

Christina did not even try to deny it. "You're absolutely right. I brought them there. But I only did it to help you to settle the score on your behalf. Things just didn't go how I expected, and you got burned instead."

Aspen looked at her with disgust. "So you admit it. You really are a manipulative, two-faced woman. I know how big your ambitions are. You want to prove yourself, turn the Stevens Corporation into an empire, and crown yourself a business queen."

She added, "Once upon a time, I was just like you. I believed in myself, too. But now, Christina, let me give you one piece of advice-quit while you're ahead and stay in your lane. Otherwise, you'll destroy the Jayrodale branch and take yourself down with it."

Christina tilted her head, her eyes full of mockery as she laughed softly. "Aspen, maybe you should focus on your own life first. You're out here playing loyal little servant to Andrew, doing whatever he says like a glorified maid. So, really, what right do you have to lecture me like you're still standing on some kind of high ground?"

Aspen bit her lip, filled with a mix of humiliation and anger. She had once been just as admired as Christina-if not more. They were cousins, and they had even talked about taking over the business world together.

Nonetheless, fate had different plans. Andrew nearly wiped out the Bridgefields Stevens family, and to save what little was left, Aspen had handed herself over to him. She had come to accept it as

karma-punishment for her arrogance and pride.

Meeting Andrew was her misfortune.

However, realizing that

Christina-her own cousin-had exploited their family during its

lowest moment, that wound hado et

never healed. Whatever sisterhood they once shared was long gone. Now, there was only rivalry and hatred.

Just then, a warm hand gently landed on Aspen's shoulder. She turned and froze it was Andrew.noveldrama

He said with a relaxed smile, "What's there to be upset about? You're now managing a multi-billion dollar investment firm, expanding into the capital. That's growth-a massive upgrade from your days in Jayrodale or Bridgefields, wouldn't you say?"

Aspen's thoughts spun, seemingly unable to process the possibility of Andrew comforting and standing up for her. A strange warmth bloomed in her chest, and she thought maybe the demon of a man was not always cruel.

Christina watched the subtle exchange between them, and the look in her eyes grew even colder.

She mocked, "Andrew, don't tell me you've got your eye on Aspen too, now? How interesting-you seem to have a thing for women from the Stevens family."

Her voice was dipped in sarcasm, but there was no mistaking the jealousy laced between the lines.