Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew stood quietly, his gaze cold as he observed everything unfold.

Kenny and Sherilyn's attention was locked on Jameson and Tiana, and they did not even notice Andrew standing at the back of the crowd.

Tiana's voice was like ice as she snapped, "Kenny, what's the meaning of this? If you've got something to say, we could've handled it behind closed doors as a family. Was it really necessary to bring outsiders?"

Kenny looked pale, clearly still exhausted from handling Michael's funeral, and his energy was visibly drained.

Even so, his words were sharp and venomous. "Tiana, you f*cking bitch. You're still trying to sway me through familial ties?"

He scoffed and added, "Where were you when Michael died? You said nothing then. Today, I'm taking the position of the head of the family. As for you and Jameson..... You'll spend the rest of your lives on your knees at Michael's grave!"

Jameson's face was red with rage as he shouted, "Kenny, can't you think straight for once? I've told you before-if you had just asked, I would've gladly stepped down as the family head. As your brother, it wouldn't have bothered me one bit."

He continued, "But have you heard yourself just now? You sounded ridiculous! We were heartbroken when Michael died, truly. But let's not pretend he was innocent-he repeatedly tried to harm Lauren. And I never once held that against you, even though I had every right to!"

Kenny's face twisted into a grimace as he growled, "Shut up, Jameson! Just shut your damn mouth, you hear me? I don't have a brother like you. Do you think I care if you were willing to step down? Please.

"I don't want your handouts. I want to rip away everything you've ever owned and turn you into a broken nobody-just like how you snatched the position from me all those years ago."noveldrama

Jameson's face grew darker, and he shook his head slowly. "That was decades ago, Kenny. And you're still not over it? The head of the Rhodes family was passed to me after a unanimous vote from the elders and the former patriarch himself.

"For all these years, I've led the family while bearing the burden of my guilty feelings, and I've done everything I could to make up for it. I gave where I could, and I stepped aside whenever possible, but you've gone too far. First, you want my title, and now you want to kill me and my wife? So tell me, have I really done you that wrong?"

Kenny's eyes were full of rage as he bit out, "Yes. I admit-you've done well leading the Rhodes family, bringing the family all the way to the capital. So what? I'll be taking the seat for myself. Originally, I had considered sparing you two. But now that Michael's dead you both can both join him!"

Sherilyn let out a harsh snort. "Dad, stop wasting time talking to these losers. Let Mr. Haywood Senior deal with them already. Once they're gone, you'll officially be the head of the Rhodes family, and you'll finally get justice for Michael!

"With the Golding family backing us, you'll lead the Rhodes to a way better future -so much better than Uncle Jameson ever could."

Tiana suddenly barked, "Enough! Kenny, Sherilyn, there's something you need to understand. Michael's death had nothing to do with us. Don't you dare try to pin your hatred on us! He was killed by Andrew."

Sherilyn's voice was filled with venom as she snapped, "Of course, we know that little bastard killed him. That's why after we deal with you and your husband... Andrew will be the next to go down."

Kenny sneered. "Tiana, you've

always been ruthless and manipulative. But it won't matter how much you talk today. You can push all the blame onto Andrew if you want, but it won't save you two. I'll crush that little punk with my own hands. And the two of you-hand over your power and prepare to die with him.

"The way I see it, Andrew only went after Michael and forced me to crawl back from Jayrodale in humiliation because of one reason that lovely daughter you raised, that little whore, Lauren."

Sherilyn's face twisted with hate, and she let out a manic, creepy laugh. "Don't worry. Once you two are dead and my dad's in charge of the Rhodes family, we won't kill Lauren right away.

"I'll turn her into a tramp-passed around by every rich boy in this city. That's the only way we can properly honor Michael's spirit. That's how we punish you two for your arrogance, and that's how we'll erase the shame Andrew brought to my dad and Michael!"