Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aaron said coldly, "Among the three Dragon Kings of Blumedale's underworld, I

may not have the largest operation, but that just means I'm the boldest and most ruthless. So, if I want answers, you'd better spill them fast and clean. Because once I run out of patience, Mr. Lloyd, your pretty face might not leave this place in one piece."

Around them, his henchmen narrowed their eyes, radiating menace as they closed in.

Andrew sighed and rubbed his temple. "You underworld guys... Why is it always threats, violence, and waving guns around with you guys? Listen closely-my backing is serious. You don't want to mess with me."

Aaron blinked, then burst into mocking laughter. "Did you hit your head? Got so scared you lost your mind, maybe? You think I'd dare order you around if I was worried about who's behind you?"

The two women massaging him giggled coldly.

"Please, Mr. Nicholls doesn't care about your so-called powerful connections. Even Governor McCormick doesn't faze him. You want to throw around names in front of him? Might as well run headfirst into a wall."

Aaron gave Andrew a mocking smile and casually walked around behind him, patting him on the shoulder.

"Come on-time to face reality. Before showing up here, you should've done your homework. I might be the least experienced of the three Dragon Kings, sure. But my backer? He's so powerful, your people would be nothing but pawns in his eyes."

Andrew raised a brow. "Oh? So you're telling me, you don't even flinch at the Keller family or Governor McCormick? Alright then... how about the Peck family?" Aaron scoffed. "Andrew, are you dumb or what? If I don't fear the Keller family or Derek, why would I give a damn about the Peck family that's ranked dead last among the Five Apex Families? Don't be ridiculous."

Andrew grinned, shaking his head.

"Then you're the one who's

Lnét

ridiculous. I wasn't referring to the

Pecknoveldrama

mily. I was talking about the

matriarch of the Peck family."

Aaron's expression froze instantly. "You mean... Victoria Sanchez? That crazy woman?"

Andrew's grin widened. "Glad you recognize her. And don't worry, I'll make sure to pass your exact words along to her. She treats me like family, after all."

Aaron's face was drained of color. "Wait... You're close to her? You two... you're related?"

Andrew smiled, his tone light but smug. "That's right. She spoils me Whatever I want, she gives it to me. Whatever I say, she listens. So congratulations, you're done."

Aaron's face twisted, and he scowled, "You little punk, you expect me to believe that crap? There's no way someone like Mrs. Peck has anything to do with you!"

Andrew casually pulled out his phone and made a call. "Oh really? Then let me show you something."

At first, Aaron snorted, thinking Andrew was putting on a show. However, when Victoria's warm, unmistakable laugh rang out from the speaker, he nearly pissed himself.

"Mr. Lloyd-Andy-sir! Let's all calm down. Let's talk this through, yeah? There's no need to involve Mrs. Peck in our little chat. Just hang up. We'll settle this ourselves. We're both men, right? We're just like brothers, really. No need to trouble a beautiful lady with this nonsense, don't you agree?"

In the blink of an eye, everyone around Andrew turned into a bunch of bootlickers,

falling over themselves to be agreeable.

That high-and-mighty act from earlier? Completely gone without a trace.