Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew woke up early in the morning feeling fantastic. It was no exaggeration to say that he felt like it had undergone intense nourishment from within. Without even engaging his core, his body shot upright from the bed.

This was something only someone with extremely powerful core strength could accomplish. Yet for Andrew, it happened with nothing more than a thought.

Even so, something felt off. He frowned and glanced down, checking his body.

There was not a scratch on him. His muscles were not overly bulky but had the kind of sleek, sculpted beauty that hinted at explosive power hiding beneath the surface.

Suddenly, a subtle tremor pulsed through his frame, and he knew that the second seal within his body had started to loosen again.

If that night with Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen had triggered the first break in his martial seal, what happened last night had pushed it even further.

Thinking back, it did not take much for Andrew to realize the likely cause was Chantelle. More specifically, the deep connection he had shared with her, both physically and spiritually.

He wondered if intimacy between man and woman actually helped crack the seals inside his body.

For a moment, Andrew could not help but feel how ridiculous that sounded. If that were true, then theoretically, as long as he kept sleeping with beautiful women night and day, the path to regaining his former strength would just unfold naturally.

He shook his head hard, as that was a dangerous thought. If he followed that line, he would just turn into some depraved sex demon.

Only those twisted martial artists who practiced forbidden techniques would rely on something like that. Moreover, he was afraid that while he absorbed the benefits, he might harm Chantelle and the others' bodies.

Looking at the empty space beside him, Andrew could not help but chuckle.

Early in the morning, Chantelle, the ice queen, had anxiously scrambled out of bed, put on her work uniform, and fled in a hurry. She was afraid of getting up late and having Lauren and the other two discover her passionate night with Andrew.

Recalling Chantelle's wild behavior last night, Andrew could not help but grin slightly.

That woman was absolutely addicted.

Usually, she appeared sacred and untouchable, with an icy expression that screamed frigidity. Yet, once she hit the bed, she had surprisingly many demands. She made so many requests that Andrew had to switch positions about five times just to keep up.

Fortunately, she was an exceptional woman. Her body, her looks, even her passion, were flawless. It was like sipping on the richest vintage wine, intense, fragrant, and unforgettable.

After getting dressed, Andrew headed straight to the Rhodes residence because Tiana had requested to see him.noveldrama

She got straight to the point and asked, "Your duel with Joe is coming up fast. You ready for it?"

Andrew shrugged. "Shouldn't be a problem."

Tiana studied him for a long moment. "You know..... You look different lately. There's something about your energy that has changed."

Andrew raised a brow. "Really? I haven't noticed anything."

Tiana chuckled. "How should I put it... I feel like you've become more handsome. Of course, that's just a surface observation. Internally, it probably reflects that your martial arts have improved again!"

Andrew pondered thoughtfully. If even Tiana had picked up on his transformation, then the loosening of the second seal was definitely real.

Tiana said, "Andy, I asked you here to warn you about the Driscoll family. Joe is proud and arrogant, with his own pride and principles, so at most, he's an enemy you can see coming.

"But the Driscoll family acts with vicious cunning and never follows rules or maintains the dignity of a great family; they might very well strike at you secretly."

Andrew said calmly, "If that's the case, I'll handle whatever comes."

Tiana smiled with relief, then her eyes lit up. "Have you ever thought about taking Lauren to visit Chetvine and the Lloyds once you've settled the grudges here in Blumedale?"

Andrew looked at her and asked, "Mrs. Rhodes, you should know 10 can't return to Chetvine and the Lloyds right now, don't you? And bringing Lauren along? You know exactly how dangerous that would be." sŵnovel

Tiana nodded. "Of course I've thought this through carefully! Your identity is too sensitive, and there are serious conflicts within the Lloyd's. Right now, both you and Reginald are living in exile.

She added, "If Lauren goes back with you, she could very well get caught up in the trouble. But ultimately, you can't stay away forever and never return to your family, can you?"

Andrew's eyes turned cold. "Soon, once the second seal in my body is released, I'll be able to face the forces in Chetvine directly without being helpless!"