Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The Haywoods' bounty order exploded across Blumedale like a thunderclap.

Someone exclaimed, "Holy hell-two elite families teaming up to hunt down one man? Who the hell is this Andrew guy?"

Another chimed in, "The Goldings offered 300 million, and now the Haywoods are throwing in half a billion. That's 800 million in total. I mean, damn-if I were an assassin, I'd be tempted!"

"With both families issuing kill orders? No way Andrew makes it past today."noveldrama

Elsewhere, Quinton wasted no time finding Christina and her family.

"Christie," he said, barely hiding his glee, "things are about to get interesting. Andrew just caused a major disaster!"

He looked positively thrilled at the news.

Christina's tone remained cold. "I heard. I really don't know where he got the nerve to kill Seth. That's just ridiculous of him."

Irene was playing with a new bracelet, her eyes gleaming as she casually said, "Who cares? Andrew's been arrogant long enough. Finally, someone's putting him in his place. Let's see how long he keeps acting untouchable."

Leroy clenched his jaw. "That bastard actually used Seth's men to try to crush our entire family last time. This is karma. He had it coming."

Quinton smirked. "So, Christie, how's business going in Blumedale lately?"

Christina smiled graciously. "Thanks to your help, everything's moving along smoothly. I've already launched several projects here in Blumedale. There's just one final investment I need to lock in, and once that's done, the Stevens Corporation will officially have its foot in the door."

Quinton nodded approvingly. "For someone from a small city like Jayrodale, you've got the kind of business acumen most people here could only dream of. I told you from the start, Christie, you were always destined for success."

Christina flashed a confident smile. "I believe in myself, but I definitely couldn't have come this far without your support."

Quinton waved it off. "Please, my help was minimal at best. In the end, it's your talent and vision that got you here. Andrew came to

Blumedale and started a complnet?

too but what's he actually done with it? Nothing. Meanwhile, you've already made real progress. That's the difference."

Irene chimed in proudly, "Of course! You didn't know this, but back in Jayrodale, Christie was already a top-tier boss lady!"

Leroy interjected, "Actually, I heard Andrew's company scored a major contract from Mr. McCormick. If that's true, Andrew's pretty impressive!"

Quinton, Christina, and Irene all fell silent for a beat. No one wanted to remember that part of the story.

Irene glared. "Leroy, can you not? Why do you always bring up the one thing no one wants to hear?"

Leroy laughed awkwardly. "Right, right-slip of the tongue. Andrew's a nobody. Useless. Totally incompetent. That was just a mistake—my bad!"

Christina let out a cold huff. "I'm not one to delude myself. The truth is, Andrew did accomplish a lot after coming to Blumedale. Unfortunately, he made one fatal mistake by going up against the Haywoods. And now someone's dead.

"That means there's only one road left for him-death. When that happens, all those successes become meaningless."

Quinton nodded. "Well said. With the Haywoods' influence and Xavier's ruthless reputation, Andrew is as good as gone. By the way, Christie, you mentioned needing a key investor. Do you want me to step in?"

Christina shook her head. "No need, Quinton. I've already made contact with a potential backer. They're a new company but very well-funded. I've been trying to meet their CEO but have had no luck. "Fortunately, one of their senior reps agreed to meet me soon."

Quinton nodded. "Alright, just remember if anything gets in your way, you come to me first. Here in I

Blumedate, I'm not saying I can solve every problem, but 99% of them? I-and the Wright family behind me-can handle it without breaking a sweat."

That line earned him another round of shameless flattery from Irene and Leroy.

Christina, however, said nothing. She already knew why Quinton was going out of his way to help her-and it was not out of generosity.