Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Mason was stunned, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. Andrew had just bowed to him with a very sincere attitude, which Mason thought was absolutely impossible.

After all, Andrew was definitely no pushover. On the contrary, he was a tough guy who would not take any losses.

"You're too kind. As long as you don't hold the Ulrich family responsible, we'll count our blessings."

Even as he spoke, his words dripped with passive aggression.

He sneered inwardly. 'Andrew, you may have great power, but your foundation is unstable. Today, I've got you cornered!'

Andrew smiled and patted Mason's shoulder with a meaningful look. "Mr. Ulrich, we're about the same age. Let's go by first name! I remember when you first took your position; we had quite a pleasant conversation."

He added, "Although I don't know what caused you to develop unpleasant thoughts about me, I believe that since we're all part of the Chamber of Commerce, any misunderstandings can be cleared up."

Mason's face twisted into a mask of fear, his shoulders trembling as he lowered his voice. "Mr. Lloyd, please don't say such things. I'm just a nobody. I could never dare call you by your first name."

He continued, "I have only one humble request: please, stop holding the Ulrich family accountable. My father's gone now, and you've rightfully become the number one in the chamber. Let it go. Spare us, please. We won't go against you ever again."

Ezra, the third-ranked fighter on the Underworld Index, growled from the side. "You all saw that, didn't you? Andrew's persecution of the Ulrich family is just disgusting." Look at Mr. Ulrich! He's trembling like a rat in front of a cat! And this is happening in broad daylight. If no one speaks up, I'll be the first to say it—this has gone too far!"

The guests, already agitated, now turned furious eyes on Andrew.

Among them stood a tall man in a robe, dressed like he stepped off a period drama set. Anyone who did not know better would have thought he was into dressing up.

He was surrounded by about seven suited bodyguards, all with terrifying auras and prominently bulging temples.

This clearly showed that this man had an extraordinary background.

"I've never had any ties with the major families in Blumedale," the robed man said firmly.

He continued, "But the Ulrichs? They're family friends-blood-deep bonds. Andrew, I'll make this clear right now. If you ever lay a finger on the Ulrich family again, I, Marcelo Byrne, will personally take your head."

The man spoke sternly, looking at

Andrew with undisguised K

intent. After he spoke, no one around the brute

dared to say a word. Even

Ezra wisely kept his mout.noveldrama

Logan growled, "Mr. Byrne, you're the Azure Dragon King. Don't you think it's a bit

too much for someone of your standing to talk like this?"

Marcelo smiled. "Too much? So what? Logan, if your father were here, I might show some restraint. But you're not worthy of it."

With that, he gracefully waved the folding fan in his hand, looking very suave. Many women at the scene swooned a little, their eyes sparkling.

Meanwhile, Andrew found him painfully unbearable.

"So you're the Azure Dragon King of Blumedale's underworld gang?" Andrew asked flatly.

Marcelo smirked. "That's right. Got something to say about it?"

Andrew nodded. "Yeah. Just one thing-you look ridiculous. You're pushing 50, and still walking around in flashy robes like some overgrown theaterkid. Mr. Byrne, if you ask me, you should quit the criminal world and try out the escort business. Plenty of rich cougar-types with big wallets and bigger appetites would love a pretty peacock like you."

The room went silent.

Even Logan got chills. "Andy, you think maybe that was a little over the line? Mr. Byrne's not just anybody. He's a peak-tier martial king—one of the few in Blumedale who can stand toe-to-toe with the Five Apex Families."

Ezra let out a wild laugh. "Mr. Byrne, did you hear that? This punk actually disrespected you. Allow me to do you the honor. I'll take him down on your behalf!"

Outrage exploded from the crowd.

"Andrew, how dare you!"

"Mr. Byrne is a respected leader in the underworld. How dare you insult him?"

"Suggesting he should be an escort? Have you ever seen an escort with powers like his?"

Andrew chuckled. "Nope. That's why I said he should be the king of escorts."

Marcelo's black-suited bodyguards all surged forward in a blast of motion, attacking Andrew.