Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Kenny's next move would be to deal with Lauren and her family. In Holtrien's underground world, two major ranking systems determined a martial artist's status -the Titan List and the Underworld Index. Every martial artist aspired to make it onto one of these lists.

The Titan List was on a whole different level. It was reserved for monsters- legendary figures born into powerful families, heirs to elite dynasties, or top-tier military generals and special operatives.noveldrama

Anyone ranked on the Titan List was not just a fighter-they were a walking earthquake, a force that could shake the entire underworld. On the other hand, the Underworld Index, while not as terrifying, was still a prestigious ranking.

Although it could not compare to the Titan List, for most crime families, syndicates, and martial arts clans, making it onto the Underworld Index was a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

Jayrodale had plenty of fighters, but none had ever made the list. Yet, Phantom Eye ranked No. 35 on the Underworld Index. His strength had already surpassed most high-level enforcers-he was already a semi-martial king. Wherever he went, he dominated.

Kenny had just hired him, and he could indeed create havoc in Jayrodale. Strictly speaking, Phantom Eye was out of Kenny's league.

Nonetheless, thanks to his daughter's marriage to the Golding family, Kenny had pulled the right strings. Phantom Eye was doing this as a favor.

Meanwhile, across Blumedale, inside a luxurious cafe, Aspen sat leisurely, sipping her afternoon tea. A well-dressed young man in a beige suit exuding effortless charm walked over with a confident stride.

"Aspen, this is for you."

In his hands was a vibrant tulip, its fragrance lingering in the air as he held it out to her. His deep, admiring gaze and the six-figure Richard Mille watch on his wrist screamed wealth, prestige, and impeccable taste.

Yet, Aspen did not even reach for the flower. She simply responded flatly, "Seth, how many times do I have to say it? You don't need to bring me flowers. Besides, I'm nothing more than a prisoner right now. Hardly someone worthy of your attention."

Seth Haywood remained unfazed. He simply placed the tulip on the table, then sat across from her with effortless poise.

"Aspen, I don't understand why a perfect woman like you would ever consider herself a prisoner. Tell me who is controlling you? Who's threatening you?

"If you just give me a name, I will personally pull you out of this mess. And while I'm at it, I'll make sure whoever's mistreating you ceases to exist."

as calm but carried an

His tone was

undeniable dominance—the kind that would have most women completely entranced.

Unfortunately, Aspen was not net

like

most women, completely unfazed.

"My problems are mine to deal with," she said. "And I don't need anyone else to settle my debts-I'll handle them myself."

Seth leaned back, smirking. "See, Aspen, that's what I love about you. Graceful, confident, and proud-just like a swan that will never bow its head."

Aspen shook her head. "Seth, let's not talk about me. Tell me what's been happening in Blumedale lately? Anything interesting?"

Seth chuckled. "Blumedale is always buzzing with gossip, but most of it's boring. Although, there is one little story that caught my attention."

"I heard Kenny Rhodes-the Golding family's in-law-is furious. He actually hired Phantom Eye, one of the top-ranked men on the Underworld Index, to head to

Jayrodale."

He let out a small laugh. "Funny, isn't it? Aspen, didn't you just come from Jayrodale?"

Aspen's brows furrowed. "Kenny hired Phantom Eye to go to Jayrodale? Why?"

Seth shrugged. "What else?

Apparently, Kenny's son got wrecked

by some nobody in Jayrodale.

Rhodes family's big shot is sending people over-partly to rescue his

pathetic son, and partly to flex his power."

Aspen's heart skipped a beat. For some reason, the first name that popped into her mind was Andrew.

That reckless, fearless lunatic-could he really have been the one to mess with the Rhodes family?