Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

For Quinton, it had never been just about sleeping with Christina. What excited him more was the thrill-the thrill of a top-tier predator closing in on an ice-cold beauty.

To him, conquering a woman like Christina would stroke his ego and validate his inflated sense of self-worth.

Unfortunately for him, Christina never felt even a flicker of attraction toward him. At best, they could be called business allies—or to put it bluntly, she only saw him as a temporary tool.noveldrama

Quinton wanted power, possession, dominance.

Meanwhile, Christina only wanted leverage-specifically, to use him and his connections to push the Stevens Corporation into Blumedale.

Over at the Goldings family estate, word of the Haywoods' bounty hit hard. Both Richard and Elon were momentarily stunned when they heard.

"This kid really doesn't know when to stop," Richard growled. "Now he's provoked the Haywoods and even left a body behind. He's practically asking for death! He's so arrogant that it's disgusting!"

Elon sneered. "Actually, isn't this a good thing? We issued a kill order through our family, and he's still alive. But with the Haywoods joining in? There's no way Andrew survives this. Even the universe won't allow it."

Richard snapped, "Good? You call this good? We issued our bounty first. If that little bastard dies by their hand, where does that leave our reputation?

"Everyone will start whispering that the Goldings couldn't get it done. That we're all bark and no bite-while the Haywoods strike fast and hard."

Elon's expression turned cold. "Don't worry, Dad. Andrew thinks hiding in The Sovereign Residences means he's safe. I'll prove to him just how wrong he is. With the kind of money on the table, there's no shortage of mercenaries willing to breach even the most secure estates just to collect."

Richard nodded approvingly. "Remember-you're the heir of the Goldings. You can't afford to be outshone by Xavier Haywood. If anyone's going to kill Andrew, it should be us. Get to him before the Haywoods do."

Elon grinned darkly. "Trust me, I've already made the arrangements."

Richard waved a hand. "Where's Kenny? Bring him in."

A servant quickly relayed the command, and Kenny entered the grand hall moments later. His clothes were ragged, his hands still caked in mud as he wiped them nervously.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" he asked with forced politeness.

Richard chuckled darkly. "Kenny, I've got great news for you. Andrew-your precious enemy-is finally going to die!"

Kenny's eyes lit up with cold joy. "Good. That's... that's fantastic. He deserves it."

Richard smirked. "See? The Goldings keep our promises. Sure, Sherilyn was a disgrace—slept around and tainted our name. But even so, we're taking out Andrew for you. That's us doing you a favor."

Tears welled in Kenny's eyes as he bowed low. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything."

Richard raised a brow and chuckled. "Words are cheap. If you really mean it, then get down and lick my toes."

Kenny's expression instantly soured.

His smile disappeared as he said stiffly, "Sir, I've served your family like a slave since the day Sherilyn was exiled. I've cleaned your floors, served your meals, and take your beatings. And now you want this? Isn't that going too far?"

Richard scoffed. "You should be grateful Keven let a dog like you live. Too far? Don't be ridiculous. You're not even worthy of being wronged. Someone, get him on the ground. Let's see that tongue on my toes."

With a wave of his hand, several Golding enforcers rushed in, grabbing Kenny and slamming him to the floor. Despite his screaming and thrashing, they forced his mouth down onto Richard's bare foot.

Humiliation flooded every inch of Kenny's soul.

He hated Andrew, but the hatred in his chest for Richard-the man he once called in-law was even more consuming.

Ever since Sherilyn was cast out of the Goldings, Kenny had stayed behind and suffered abuse no human should endure.

Richard sometimes fed him

leftovers like a dog. Other times, he would humiliate him publicly, forcing him to lick his toes. On more than one occasion, Richard had dragged him out in the dead of night to eat actual garbage.

It was beyond inhumane.

Kenny wanted the Goldings to burn. He wanted Andrew destroyed too-the one who started this hellish downfall.

If it were not for that devil, he and Sherilyn would not be crawling in filth today.