Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew pulled his hand back, his face calm. "Ms. Wright, you need to see a doctor."

Yara flushed. "Andrew, if you're not interested, fine-but what's with the attitude? You're calling me sick now? Just say it—you think I'm too slutty, right?"

Andrew blinked in confusion. "What? No-I meant it literally. I think you've got a medical issue. I felt a slight irregularity just now. It could be early-stage hyperplasia. You should get it checked at a hospital."

Yara froze, her eyes suddenly filled with tears. "Wait... that's what that was about? You weren't... You didn't mean anything else?"

Andrew sighed. "What did you think I was doing? You seriously thought, with your brother, your father, and half the Wrights in the room next door, I'd do that right here?"

Realization hit Yara like a slap. God-what the hell had she been thinking?

She had completely lost her mind. Acting like that, throwing herself at him like she was possessed. Her chest still tingled faintly where Andrew had touched her, and her heart started racing again.

Yara asked, "So, Mr. Lloyd... what do you think about my earlier offer?"

Andrew shook his head. "I think nothing of it."

He walked over to the sink and began washing his hands.

Yara was fuming. "Seriously? I let you touch me, and you go wash your hands? What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm dirty?"

Andrew let out a slow breath. "That's not it. It's just... your scent is really strong. My little servant girl at home got a bloodhound's nose. If I go home with this scent on my hands, she'll sniff it out immediately and go into full meltdown mode."

Yara bit her lip and inched closer, voice soft and pleading. "Then why not... take me instead? I'm willing to be your little servant too. No-your slave if that's what you want. Whatever you need, whenever you need it... I'll be there to serve you. Completely."

Andrew raised a hand. "Ms. Wright, you come from a prestigious family. You don't need to sell yourself like this. I'll agree to the brotherhood with your father. But I hope you understand what that means for you and me."

Yara's eyes lit up instantly, fluttering with excitement. She smiled seductively. "Of course I understand. Even if become the head of the Wrights and have the entire family's power behind me, I will still belong to you. Whatever you want from

me-whenever you want it's yours. Even if you want me to lie back and open my legs, I'll do it without question."

Andrew groaned, reaching over to flick her forehead. "Can you not say things like that? I'm just a regular guy, not a superhero. My stamina has limits, alright?"

Yara burst into giggles, her pride fully restored. She thought, 'Once take control of the Wrights, I'll make sure this man has no choice but to take me. Only then will my power be truly unshakable.'

Back in the upscale dining room, Andrew returned with a smile. "Apologies, Mr. Wright. I got caught on a call."

Kevin beamed. "No worries at all, Andy! Come, sit-let's toast!"

Andrew waved it off. "Just a bite to eat is fine. But about this brotherhood-Mr.

Wright, are you sure you're okay lowering your status like this?"

Kevin straightened up. "Hey now, don't say things like that. Becoming sworn brothers with you is not a downgrade for me. Honestly? It's an honor. A once-in-a- lifetime blessing."

His sincerity was so overflowing that even Christina's entire family, seated nearby, fell into stunned silence. Even Irene, usually the first to shoot her mouth off, did not dare make a sound.

To them, Kevin Wright was a towering figure-untouchable. But now, he was grinning like a schoolboy trying to impress Andrew.

Quinton, on the other hand, was visibly sour. "Father, maybe you and Yara should continue hosting Dr. Lloyd. I've got some errands to run."

Kevin's smile faded. "Quinton, what's gotten into you today? I've noticed your attitude around Andy has been downright disrespectful."noveldrama

Quinton clenched his teeth. "Dad, you do remember that our family has a history with this guy, right? Winston got wrecked by Andrew in Jayrodale and came home barely functioning!"

Kevin snorted. "And? It's not like he died. Stop being dramatic."