Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Kevin clenched his fists and laughed. "The legendary treasure left behind by the Fallen Crimson Dynasty... all of Holtrien's centuries of feudal wealth, concentrated in this doomsday empire. Think about it-it must be mountains of gold, oceans of jewels... and maybe even ancient relics long lost to time.

"Like the Elixir of Immortality that Admiral Frost brought back from his voyage to the East, and the Moon Pearl that the Demon Queen supposedly held in her mouth when she was buried. Any one of these alone could overturn everything our family has worked for, across generations."

Quinton's eyes gleamed with wonder. "It might not even stop there. What if there are artifacts from Admiral Locke's journeys through uncharted seas? And all the wealth those old dynasty officials squeezed from the people-enough to fill trucks and still take days to haul away.

"If it's really all true, then we've hit the jackpot. Screw the Three Titans-they'll all have to step aside for us!"

The father and son were so lost in their fantasy that they actually burst into laughter, standing there like kids daydreaming about becoming kings.

Just then, Andrew returned, his voice laced with amusement. "Kevin, there's one more thing I forgot to remind you about."

Kevin frowned. "What now?"

Andrew looked straight at Quinton, his grin widening. "Oh, just your ungrateful son who tried to kill you. Kevin, you're not seriously planning to let him off the hook, are you? Even if you really do get the treasure, one day he'll stab you in the back and take it all for himself. All your riches and power-gone, just like that."

With that, Andrew turned and walked away again.

Quinton panicked and shouted after him, "Andrew, you bastard!"

The man had already left, only to come back and throw him under the bus again.

He could not help but wonder what kind of grudge this guy held against him. Sure enough, Kevin's face darkened, his earlier grin vanishing. "Quinton, I'll ask you one last time-did you try to kill me and take my place?"

Quinton did not even think before blurting out, "No! Never! Father, why would I want to hurt you? You're the backbone of our entire family! I hope you live another 50 years, even centuries more!"

Kevin burst out laughing. "That's my boy. That smooth-talking mouth of yours is almost as good as mine!"

Then, without warning, he kicked Quinton.

There was a sickening crack, and Quinton's spine snapped clean. He fell backward, his eyes wide with disbelief and terror, his body crumpling to the floor,

and his limbs twitching uncontrollably.

Kevin's smile turned cold. "Now that

your martial skills are gone, I can

finally rest easy. No matter what, blood is thick

than water, sp

won't kill you. But from now on,

you're staying in that wheelchair,

playing the part of my obedient little boy."

Quinton gasped for air like a fish out of water, his face twisted in agony. "Just kill me, you old bastard! If you've got the guts, finish me off Youll 11 regret this! One day, I swear make you pay! I spent my whole life training in martial arts!" noveldrama

The Wright family guards looked at each other, completely speechless.

Kevin gave the order calmly. "Send Quinton back home. Also, get the matchmakers working. Find me a decent bride from a small

l.ne

familya l'p taking a I'm taking a fifth wife. Since the main heir is ruined, I'll just raise another. It's not a big deal