Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Not long after Andrew and Aspen arrived, a middle-aged man in a formal robe stepped onto the stage and addressed the room.

"Thank you all for coming to the capital's official charity event. As always, I'm Derek McCormick. No long speeches-everyone, just show your sincerity. I hope we can all give something back and help those struggling in the poorer regions of Gabo Creek Province."noveldrama

He did not say much-just brief sentences-before setting down the mic and stepping off. And yet, no one had a single complaint. On the contrary, the room erupted into applause, with waves of praise echoing throughout the hall.

The reason was simple: the man was Derek McCormick, Governor of Gabo Creek -one of the highest-ranking officials in the province. He was a true regional powerhouse.

Andrew nodded with interest. "You can tell. The guy actually seems like a good leader."

Aspen rolled her eyes with a half-laugh. "Can you not act like that? Mr. McCormick is way above your league, and you talk like you're some kind of political analyst. Do you even realize how ridiculous you sound?"

Sometimes, she honestly could not believe this man. It was like Andrew did not take anything seriously-not the rules, not the hierarchy, not even the unspoken codes of elite society.

Where others would act cautious or deferential, Andrew walked through life like he owned the place.

Then he tilted his head, gave it a thought, and said seriously, "Technically speaking, I'm probably on the same level as him."

Aspen scoffed, but the way her voice faltered gave her away. Suddenly, her mind drifted back to what Zachary had addressed Andrew as General the night before at Aroma Exchange.

If the man standing beside her really had once held a general's rank in Holtrien's military, then yes—strictly by classification, he might actually be on par with Governor McCormick.

However, Aspen quickly dismissed the idea, believing it was too absurd. A general was in a whole different league.

Even if Andrew had been born training from the womb, it still would not add up, especially not in Holtrien, where every military general was an elite figure of national importance.

So, how could someone like that end up playing kingpin in some remote place like Jayrodale? It just did not make sense.

As she mulled it over, a wave of people began rising from their seats and heading toward the registration booth at the front of the stage.

Andrew glanced over. "What's everyone doing?"

Aspen leaned in and whispered, "It's a charity event, remember? This is the part where all the rich folks, old families, big investors, and politicians show off their generosity."

Andrew gave a light chuckle. "So, plain and simple-it's a donation drive, and Mr. McCormick personally came on stage just to urge people to give?"

Aspen quickly looked around, making sure no one overheard him, then hissed; "Could you not talk soz loud? You can make comments like that in private, sure-but saying it in public? Are you trying to commit career suicide?"

Andrew raised a hand in mock surrender and laughed. "Fair point. It's rude to

discuss the governor like that in front of everyone."

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Aspen nodded. "Exactly. That's what makes Mr. McCormick so unique. Most high level officials try to act modestly and avoid asking for money directly to preserve the image. But he's different-he's all about action. If it helps the people, he's willing to step forward himself and doesn't care how it looks."

Andrew gave a rare look of approval. "That's the kind of official people respect.

You should go up and make a contribution too."

Aspen stood and smiled. "Of course.

Supreme Capital Group has to be listed on the donation board. If Mr. McCormick sees us showing up and showing heart, it opens the door to future opportunities."