Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew frowned slightly. First, he had run into Aspen and Christina on the road. Now, at the monastery, he had to deal with Harvey.

This trip was shaping up to be more trouble than expected. Still, he had already come this far-there was no turning back. Besides, he was not the type to be

intimidated by anyone.

Meanwhile, outside, Michael had managed to clean himself up a bit using the creek water.

As he stepped into the monastery, his expression was full of resentment. "Andrew, you trying to kill me or something? If anything happens to me, neither Lauren nor you will get out of this alive!"

Andrew sighed in annoyance. "Relax. If I really wanted you dead, it wouldn't take more than a few seconds. Focus. The Wellers got here first, and it looks like they're trying to win over Master Shiloh. We can't let that happen."

The moment Michael heard Harvey was here, his eyes turned bloodshot. He clenched his fists and snarled, "That bastard? Perfect. I've been waiting to settle the score."

Andrew's voice dropped into a warning tone. "Don't do anything stupid. We don't know what kind of person Master Shiloh is yet. If you start a fight with Harvey and piss her off, ruining my plan, then I promise you your ride back to Jayrodale will be nothing but a nonstop vomit session."noveldrama

Michael's face paled instantly. Just the memory of Andrew's reckless driving made his stomach churn. He was terrified, feeling pure, bone-deep fear. Without another word, he swallowed his anger and shut his mouth.

...

Stepping into the monastery's main hall, Andrew immediately spotted Harvey standing respectfully in front of a sheer curtain. Behind him were two Wellers elders, both equally deferential.

Behind the curtain, a row of candles flickered, casting a warm golden glow throughout the room. The entire scene radiated a serene, almost sacred aura.

Seated on a meditation cushion, a

woman's figure was barely visible through the thin veil. She sat in absolute stillness, her posture elegant and composed. Though her face was obscured by a delicate silk covering, her presence alone was striking.

Michael, unable to help himself, took two steps forward and muttered, "I can't see her face, but judging from that figure... Damn, she's gotta

total knockout. A bit of a waste a

though. A woman like that becoming a nun? Imagine taking her back, dressing her up in black stockings and high heels-now that would be something."

His voice was not exactly quiet, and the Wellers men all turned their heads at once, their expressions filled with outrage.

Harvey was momentarily stunned before breaking into a cold laugh. "Well, well. Look who it is-Michael. Honestly, I'm surprised you're not in prison yet. What a shame."

Michael's expression darkened. "You set me up, Harvey. Don't think I'll forget that. As of today, our so-called friendship' is dead."

Harvey smirked. "Friendship? You actually thought we were equals? Please. With your pea-sized brain, you're not even worthy of standing next to me. Once Rhodes Corporation falls, the Wellers will be the undisputed rulers of Jayrodale!"

Andrew ignored their pointless exchange and stepped forward. "I am Andrew Lloyd, here at the recommendation of Mr. Cedric Aicker, to meet you, Master Shiloh Greene."

Since Cedric had introduced them, it

was only respectful to refer to

himself as a junior in front of her. However based on the videos Cedric had shown him-and what he could observe now-Andrew had a feeling this Shiloh was not as old as her title suggested.

That said, he could not be sure.

After all, she was both a wellness expert and a spiritual practitioner. If she had mastered the art of preserving her youth, she could very well be in her 70s while still appearing as young as a woman in her 20s.

From behind the curtain, a gentle yet composed voice rang out. "So, you are the one sent by Mr. Aicker. Please, have a seat."

Andrew nodded and continued, "Since I have come all the way to The Southern Highlands, I assume Mr. Aicker has already informed you of the reason for my visit."