Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Tiana made a sound of agreement, a flush rising to her face as she seemed to hesitate about saying something.

Andrew raised his hand to stop her. "Mrs. Rhodes, you're now a married woman with a pair of lovely daughters. You'd better stop thinking about my father!"

Embarrassed, Tiana replied, "Who said I was thinking about Reginald? I was just... wondering how he's been doing after all these years!"

Andrew said expressionlessly, "I don't know how he's doing, but I can guarantee he's living more freely than anyone else. The last time I broke out of Chetvine, he video-called me from a luxury yacht hotel in Drubae, throwing a no-clothes party with some princess from Middle Veruin."

Tiana snorted. "Typical. Some things never change. Even in exile, he still can't quit that disgusting habit."

Andrew rolled his eyes. "Honestly? I've seen it so many times it barely fazes me. Last I heard, he's even trying to marry into Vestra's richest family. They offered him a huge sum... basically trying to buy his DNA."

Tiana looked ready to explode. "I hope his junk rots off!"

Andrew thought, 'Nope. I'm not getting involved in this!'

Then, he made a quick exit. The emotional mess between Tiana and Reginald was none of his business, and he had zero interest in getting caught in their drama.

However, the moment he stepped out of the Rhodes residence, Andrew felt something strange. It was not obvious and indescribable, but his instincts were screaming that he was being followed.

And not by someone friendly.

Rounding the street corner, Andrew's figure instantly disappeared into the turn. Behind him, a hurried figure followed closely.

The second they turned the corner, Andrew lunged, one hand already snapping toward the person's throat. His eyes were cold and deadly, and if this were a threat, he would snap their neck in an instant.

"Stop! It's me!"

The high-pitched shriek caught him off guard. He pulled back his hand just in time, staring in surprise. "Ms. Freya? What the hell are you doing?"

The "stalker" was none other than Freya, Logan's younger sister and the second of the Keller family beauties.

"You scared me half to death, Andrew! Why are you hiding around corners like a serial killer?" Freya huffed and rolled her eyes, patting her chest.

Andrew said calmly, "Who told you to follow me so sneakily? I thought someone was trying to kidnap me!"

Freya laughed angrily. "You're a grown man. Nobody's going to kidnap you. Besides, I wasn't sneaking around following you."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "So, what is it?"

Freya came clean. "I've started an entertainment company, but I still need a major investor! Logan said I should come to you for help!"

Andrew frowned. "Put it simply, you need money, and Logan told you to come find me, right?"

Freya nodded. "Exactly, that's right!"

Andrew turned and walked away.

"Sorry, but my money doesn't grow on trees. If you need funding, come to my company for formal negotiations. If the evaluation determines your entertainment company has investment potential, then I'll invest."

He added, "But if you're just looking for a sucker to give you money to play around with, then you should go find those rich kids with more money than brains!"

Freya stomped her foot. "Who are you looking down on? Since I dared to come find you, I did my homework. Let me put it this way-Blumedale's entertainment industry currently has great development prospects.

"I know I was a third-rate actress, not exactly a household name. But I've been in this business long enough to understand how it works inside out. All I need now is a serious investment. With the right backing, I can start signing talent and generating real revenue. "

Andrew listened and gave a small nod. "That's not the worst pitch I've heard, but I'll still need more info."

Freya dangled a car key with a smirk. "I knew you'd be stingy. Come on, let's go check out my office space. I already leased a building downtown."

Andrew gave her a skeptical look. "You signed a lease before locking down funding? Ms. Freya, you clearly aren't hurting for money."noveldrama

Freya waved it off. "I'm not great at business. This is my first time launching a company, and my dad gave me a little help to get started. I figure if it doesn't work out, losing this money is no big deal. It's my dad's money anyway, and he's not hurting for cash!"

Andrew chuckled. "Ms. Freya, you're such a devoted daughter. Mr. Keller Senior has such a wonderful daughter."