Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen was so furious, and she shouted, "Andrew, you're such a bastard!"

Nonetheless, Andrew stayed calm and replied, "Using yoga to try and reach senior grandmaster level? It's not a bad approach. However, your method is flawed.

"You should try activating your twin core meridians and running your energy through the full-body cycle. It'll get you results with half the effort."

With that, he turned and went upstairs to rest.

Aspen stood frozen in place, full of shock and suspicion. "So he wasn't staring at my body... he was analyzing my training? Hmph, acting all high and mighty as if his advice would actually help!"

She did not want to admit it, but deep down, she was tempted to try what he said. So, she adjusted her posture and started cultivating again, following his method.

...

Upstairs, Andrew collapsed onto the huge bed in his room. He had just arrived in the capital and had already run into trouble-no wonder he felt drained. Still, there were things he needed to keep up with.

He grabbed his phone and started a video call with Francesca.

She picked up right away. The busty little minx was in a silk nightgown, lounging against the headboard, her cleavage barely hidden.

"You jerk. I'm sleeping alone again tonight. Looks like another restless night for me," Francesca said with a sulky pout.

Andrew grinned. "You finally got a few days off, so don't waste it. Once I'm back, you'll be so sore every night, you won't be able to walk straight!"

Francesca blushed, let out a playful hum through her nose, and teased, "Then come back already! I'm not afraid of you-I'll squeeze you dry!"

Andrew raised an eyebrow, thinking the girl was getting bolder by the day. He simply said, "Alright, get some rest. Once I wrap things up here, I'll head back to Jayrodale. And from now on, don't go back to your place. Just stay at mine and help me take care of the house."

Francesca nodded sweetly. "Alright, I got it. I'll keep it spotless and wait for you. Oh, by the way-did you visit Lauren yet?"

Andrew shook his head. "Haven't had the time. Maybe tomorrow or the day after. So far, the Rhodes family has been quiet. I'm guessing Lauren's fine."

Francesca gave a small hum and stuck her tongue out. "Pervert... hurry back! I've made up my mind!"

Then, in a flustered rush, she hung up the video call.

Andrew blinked. What did she mean by she had made up her mind?

The night passed without further incident.

...

The next morning, when Andrew opened the door, he nearly jumped. Aspen was standing right outside, caught between knocking and hesitating.

"What are you doing? Planning to sneak in and pull something shady while I'm asleep?" he asked warily.

Aspen's chest rose with anger. She sneered, "Relax. I'm not that desperate."

Andrew ignored her sass and asked, "Is breakfast ready?"

Rolling her eyes, Aspen snapped, "It's been ready. I came to tell you to eat!"

Soon after Andrew was seated at

the table, eating his meal. Aspennet

played the part of a proper

housekeeper, clearing plates refilling food, and even washing dishes.

"This isn't bad. Pretty tasty," Andrew said as he wiped his mouth, finishing up.

Aspen hesitated, then muttered under her breath, "Thanks... for last night. I followed your suggestion and actually broke through."

Andrew shook his head. "You were close, but still lacking something Honestly, the Bridgefields' Stevens family method is garbage. Come here. I'll give you a hand."

Still unsure what he meant, Aspen stepped closer. Suddenly, Andrew wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and bent her forward in one swift motion.

Then, he placed both palms on her lower back and slid them up along her sides, finally stopping at the front of her chest.

She felt the warmth and weight of his firm body pressing behind her, and those hot hands on her chest-Aspen's mind raced with panic and fury.noveldrama

She silently cursed, 'What the hell is this pervert trying to do? Is he seriously trying to force himself on me first thing in the morning?'

Aspen thought Andrew was

unbelievable she had just thanked him a second ago. She could not believe how quickly he revealed

his

true colors. Her face twisted in rage, and she struggled as hard as she could.

However, Andrew pressed his knee against the curve of her hips, making her collapse from the pain-tears welled in her eyes.

"Andrew, you're despicable! You bastard, let me go! If you're gonna do this, I at least need time to mentally prepare! Let me go!"

Andrew frowned. "Stop moving. This'll only take a second. Just hold still and endure it."

Suddenly, there was a loud rip, as if something had torn inside her.

Aspen's face went blank, her whole body stiffening in shock. She slowly turned her head, looking back at Andrew in disbelief.