Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Elon explained, "So everyone who came today had to be members of the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce-others wouldn't be appropriate attendees!

"Mr. Keller Senior has always single-handedly managed the largest Chamber of Commerce in Gabo Creek province, but ever since he got sick, there have been rumors that he's planning to step down and give up his position as Chamber president."

Andrew asked casually, "Is the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce really that powerful?"

Elon made admiring sounds, his face full of longing, "Powerful? It's incredibly powerful! In the entire Holtrien's Gabo Creek region, including places like Somaeth, there are only two major Chambers of Commerce.

"The first is the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Keller Senior himself. The second is the Somaeth Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Hawkins from the PumpkinByte Group in Somaeth.

"He used to be our country's richest man. The combined net worth of all members from these two Chambers could shake the entire Vestraen economy!"

Andrew nodded. "That is pretty impressive. By the way, Mr. Hawkins, as you mentioned from PumpkinByte Group, wouldn't that be Mr. Freddie Hawkins, the one who made that martial arts movie and has incredible fighting skills?"

Elon looked worshipful. "That's exactly who I mean! I love his most famous quote: 'I've never been interested in money!' Dr. Lloyd, I thought that was such an enlightened outlook on life, what a bold attitude! In this day and age, there are too few people who don't obsess over money!"

Andrew sneered coldly, "A man worth hundreds of billions saying he's not interested in money-don't you think that's like someone who's stuffed themselves saying they're not interested in food?"

Elon chuckled, "I just think it's a really classy way to show off!"

Andrew replied flatly, "When you're as rich as Mr. Hawkins someday, you can show off like that too-but first you'd need to have billions to your name."

Suddenly, there was a commotion on the distant lawn. Then, eight burly men in black suits came running over and surrounded Andrew's area.

Andrew remained completely composed and finished the food on his plate- waste was never a good habit.

Elon smiled, "Dr. Lloyd, looks like you're in trouble. Want me to say something?" Andrew replied indifferently, "No need. I don't value favors from the Goldings." Elon had tried to curry favor but hit a wall, so he reluctantly backed away.

"So you're the bastard who beat up my son?" A middle-aged man with a cane slowly approached Andrew's table and asked expressionlessly.

Andrew remained seated. "I've beaten up a lot of people, so I don't remember who your son is."

The middle-aged man pounded his cane several times and growled menacingly, "Quit playing dumb with me! I'm Duncan Irving, and Spencer is my boy. I know you're an honored guest of the Keller family, and George thinks highly of you.

"I also know you have exceptional medical skills and quite a reputation in Blumedale these days. But you injured and crippled Spencer's hand, so today you're going to pay the same price!"

The crowd around them was stirred up and gathered to watch the spectacle. The

Keller sisters were among them, each wearing cold smiles.

"I told you Mr. Irving Senior would definitely come after him—now we've got a good show!"

"What kind of show? Just the usual groveling, apologizing, and begging for mercy. This guy is supposed to be sworn brothers with Logan. I'm embarrassed he might bring shame to our family!" noveldrama

"Enough! Stop talking nonsense. If Mr. Irving Senior goes too far, we can't just sit

back and watch Andrew get beaten to death."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Andrew stood up.