Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew continued his insults. "Weren't you the one who always thought you were better than everyone else? Even after we split, you couldn't help but go against me-jealous, bitter, convinced I didn't deserve to rise higher than you.

"And now? You come crawling to me on your knees. Don't you think that's pathetic? Disgraceful?"

Tears slid silently down Christina's face. She broke down in sobs, the pain in her chest unbearable. "I know... I know how worthless I am. I've lost my pride. I've lost my dignity. This is all my fault.

"Andrew... I'm not asking for anything else. I know you hate me. I know you've long stopped caring. But I've run out of options. My mom is too old to survive on the streets, and Leroy's body is falling apart since he lost a kidney. You're the only one who can save us now."

Andrew pulled his hand back and flicked his fingers in disgust as if her very touch tainted him. Instead, he asked, "What's the situation with Mr. Stevens Senior in Jayrodale?"

Christina wiped her tears and answered quickly. "It was the corporation that collapsed-Grandpa's okay. He moved in with some relatives for now."

Andrew sneered. "Wow. Look at you, the 'golden granddaughter CEO.' Your grandfather gave you his life's work, and you left him squatting in someone else's guest room. Christina, you're not just a disappointment-you're an utter failure." Christina said nothing more. Her head stayed low as tears streamed down her cheeks. At that moment, she truly understood what she meant to Andrew: nothing. Less than nothing. To him, she was dust. She was shame wrapped in human skin.

With a cold grunt, Andrew turned to Aspen. "Get in touch with Marvin in Jayrodale. Tell him I want him to take care of Mr. Stevens Senior on my behalf."

Aspen, ever obedient, nodded instantly. "Understood."

Andrew did not spare the Stevens family another glance and walked straight into Serenity Villa, his back tall and unyielding.

Outside, Lauren let out a sigh.

"That's just how Andrew is. If you're good to him, he'll repay you a

hundredfold. He never forgets

kindness. But if you break his he

he won't ever look back. He's not someone who plays the saint."

Francesca nodded seriously. "Yeah. That's Andrew. Passionate, intense, and loyal

-to the right people. You can see it in how he treats us three."

Lauren turned to the Stevens family and softened her voice. "Ms. Stevens, you should stand up. You used to be a strong, capable woman. Kneeling like this just doesn't suit you."

Christina bit her lip, and her eyes, were swotten red. "Ms. Rhodes, just let me kneel. If Andrew won't help me, I can take it. But if something happens to my mom or Leroy... I won't be able to live with it."

Her voice broke again as fresh sobs escaped her throat.

Francesca hesitated. "Lauren, Aspen... what do we do? We can't just leave them here all night. It's freezing out."

Aspen's reply was flat and cold. "I'm already doing the most I can by not kicking them while they're down. Lauren, Fran, please don't ask me for compassion I don't have. Honestly, I'm a very petty person. Apart from Andrew and you two, I don't feel generous toward anyone?

Lauren and Francesca both nodded, understanding. They knew the history

between Christina and Aspen. The tension was not new-it ran deep.noveldrama

Lauren clenched her jaw, made a choice, and spoke firmly. "Let them in. If Andrew has a problem with it, I'll take full responsibility."