Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew replied coolly, "Alright, fine. I did do it on purpose. But the only reason I chose the room next to yours was so it'd be easier for you to wake me up in the mornings. Nothing more-so don't go overthinking it."

Aspen crossed her arms and let out a cold laugh. "You think I'm buying that?"

Andrew shrugged. "Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter. Even if I asked you to warm my bed at night, would you dare say no?"

"You..." Aspen was instantly at a loss for words. Her cheeks turned pink as she silently fumed.

She was sure that the bastard Andrew was still lusting after her body.

Andrew seemed to read her mind and scoffed, "You dumb woman. Don't flatter yourself. Do you really think the only reason I went through the trouble of snatching Serenity Villa from Zachary and picked the room next to yours was just to sleep with you?"

As Aspen let out a sarcastic chuckle, Andrew headed downstairs, adding, "I did it because you're weak. If you got yourself killed because of one careless mistake, I wouldn't even know where to find another secretary servant like you."

So, he did all this for her safety?noveldrama

Aspen froze in place, struggling to believe it. Yet, when she replayed Andrew's earlier expression in her head, he really did not seem like he was scheming to get her into bed.

For some bizarre reason, her heart started beating faster as she wondered if Andrew was actually worried about her.

Aspen refused to accept that and gave her cheeks a light slap, muttering, "Snap out of it. Aspen, do not get moved by this. It's all in your head. He does one remotely nice thing, and you start catching feelings? Girl, this is textbook Stockholm syndrome. You need to stay grounded. Get a grip!"

Just then, Andrew's impatient voice echoed from downstairs. "Quit dragging your feet. Let's go!"

Aspen rushed down the stairs in her heels. She did not even realize that by now, Andrew's random commands had become something she instinctively obeyed without protest.

...

Outside Serenity Villa, Xavier and his group were already growing restless. As soon as they saw Andrew come out, they strode up to him.

"Name your price. I want the house," Xavier said bluntly, his tone icy and direct.

Andrew smiled. "That doesn't seem very reasonable. I just bought the place why would I turn around and give it to you?"

A wealthy heir named Ethan Walker scoffed. Colonel Haywood giving you the time of day means he

some value in you. So you'des

better

show respect and cut the crap."

The others quickly chimed in. "Exactly. You're not the kind of guy who can handle

a place like Serenity Villa."

"If you hand it over to Mr. Haywood now, you might earn some goodwill—which could turn into a fortune. Isn't that a sweet deal?"

"Kid, we know exactly who you are.

Right now, in Blumedale, you're basically being hunted-everyone wants a piece of you. So, hand over Serenity Villa to Colonel Haywood. That's your only option. Otherwise, if something happens to you, who is going to own the house? Ghosts?"

That last line was pure venom-a blatant, open-ended threat. However, Andrew simply shook his head.

Ethan scowled. "What the hell does that mean? Yes or no-give us a straight answer!"

Andrew looked him dead in the eye, then suddenly laughed. "My straight answer? Go screw yourself."

Ethan's face turned beet red. "What did you just say, you son of a—"

Aspen felt her scalp tingle. This devil really did not hold back at all.

After all, across from them stood a

in

in the military-that was

. If things escalated, the ne

army

actually get involved

"I said, go screw yourself. Do you have a hearing problem now?" Andrew replied

coldly, his eyes flashing with danger.

Unlike Aspen, he did not give a damn about titles like 'Colonel.' That meant nothing to him.

Ethan was about to explode and call reinforcements, but Xavier's face had gone dark as he barked, "Ethan, drop it!"