Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Everyone else was stunned, and honestly, so was Andrew.

As Chantelle dragged him along, he gave her a wry smile. "What's this? You mad

or something? Announcing our relationship in front of everyone like that? That's not really your style."

Chantelle scoffed. "Hank's stare made my skin crawl."

Andrew blinked. "So, you used me as a shield?"

Chantelle gritted her teeth. "I wasn't using you as a shield. I meant it. I want to stay over at your place tonight."

Andrew frowned. "Didn't we just do it last night? You're kind of on a streak lately."

Chantelle nearly choked on her own breath. Her face flushed red with fury and embarrassment. "Andrew, are you even a man? How could you say that? Fine! Let's say I am insatiable. Just answer me straight-are you in or not?"

Andrew did not hesitate for even a second. "I'm definitely in."

If he even paused for a moment on an offer like that, he deserved to get struck by lightning.

Chantelle said, "I'm leaving now. By the way, don't ever ask me something like that again."

She was clearly pissed, yanking the car door open and sliding into the driver's seat. Through the window, she shot him a sharp, cold look. "I like men who take charge. Someone bold and aggressive. So, don't be afraid to push me around a little. I like it when a guy doesn't ask permission."

With that, she slammed the pedal, peeling out fast.

Andrew stood there, fighting a laugh. He was sure that Chantelle was the second coming of Aspen, both strong on the outside and submissive underneath.

They both liked it when he took control.

Women were total mysteries, and judging a book by its cover was not wise.

Andrew gave Aspen a quick call and asked her to come pick him up. Half an hour later, he was sitting in the passenger seat of her Ferrari, on the way to a new entertainment company.

Pioneer Entertainment was the name of the new place.

"Freya! Look who I brought!" Aspen called out with a bright grin as they stepped into the lobby.

Freya came jogging out excitedly. "Andrew! You made it!"

"So, what do you think? Pretty impressive setup, right?"

Andrew had already taken a quick look around earlier and gave her a nod. "Not bad at all. You've already launched, I assume?"

Freya raised her chin smugly. "Of course. Not only launched, but we're already making money. Come on! It show you around! We've got livestreamers, short-form content creators, and I even built a mini web series production unit."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "All of that sounds pricey to set up. Where'd the funding come from?"

Freya gave a guilty chuckle. "Well... It's all your money. Ms. Stevens gave me a one billion investment."

Andrew turned toward Aspen, who

quickly held up her hands. "Mr. Lloyd, I promise I wasn't throwing your money around. I really believe in Ms Keller's entertainment

company; it's got serious potential. Streaming and e-commerce are booming right now, and short-form content is too. We shouldn't miss this wave."

Andrew nodded slowly. "Alright. If you think it's worth backing, I won't question it."noveldrama

Freya pouted a little. "See? That's what I've noticed. You trust Aspen without hesitation. But me? You're always cautious. You won't even invest properly."

Andrew almost laughed out loud. He really wanted to tell her that Aspen had been sharing body and soul with him for months. Hence, he knew everything about her.

Freya? She did not come close.

Just then, Hannah strutted into the company. She was decked out in designer labels, carrying a handbag worth hundreds of thousands, and full makeup.

"Freya, I'm here! Wait-Andrew? You're here too?"

Hannah squealed and waved enthusiastically, clearly putting on a show the moment she saw him.