Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1026
Some guests watched on with smug amusement. Ruth bit down her rage and gave a chilling command to the man at her side. "Wait until they finish their meal and leave the restaurant. I want that punk's tongue." With that, she turned and walked away, the contempt on her face thick enough to cut through glass. What a joke—he actually thought he could touch her? Ruth was beautiful, yes, but she was also powerful. In a place like this, people did not just treat her with courtesy—they treated her with reverence. No one had ever dared to say something so disrespectful to her, and the reason was simple. Behind her stood a monster of a man, a silent force that kept Aroma Exchange untouchable. He was the one who made this restaurant sacred ground. … Back in the private suite, the food was served again, freshly plated. A new bottle of Celestial Reserve had also been opened. Andrew ate happily, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, Aspen sat stiff as a board, her face pale and tense, an
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1027
Ruth was breathless, her chest rising and falling rapidly from the long-haired man's teasing touch. Still, she looked thrilled. After punching his chest a few times in mock protest, she giggled and purred, "You're the one who made the restaurant rules, remember? No violence on the premises. If we go after that punk now, aren't we just ruining our own reputation?" The long-haired man scoffed. "Those rules were made for others to follow, not me." Ruth laughed seductively, pressing her chest against him with a flirtatious smirk as they linked arms and headed downstairs. The moment they appeared, every guest in the restaurant stood up, rushing to greet them respectfully. The long-haired man returned each nod with a warm smile, walking with effortless dominance, radiating presence. Ruth, however, wore a wicked smile. Now that her man was involved, that little punk Andrew? He was dead meat. Someone exclaimed, "Look, look! Mr. Fischer's heading toward the private room! That kid's
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1028
"Zac! Do it! What are you waiting for?!" Ruth shrieked, stamping her heel in a fury. Without a word, Zachary raised his hand and slapped her across the face hard. The force sent Ruth flying, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. Stunned, she clutched her cheek and stared at him in disbelief like she had just seen a ghost. "Why… Why the hell did you hit me?" she stammered. Around them, everyone froze in place. They all could not believe what had just happened, and they could not help but wonder if it was a mistake. After all, they all thought Andrew was the one who should have been hit. Andrew stared at Zachary, shocked. Then, he let out a low, amused laugh. He certainly had not expected to see a familiar face, of all things. Meanwhile, Zachary shuddered. From the moment Andrew had stepped into the light, he had been frozen, like some spell had locked his limbs in place. His legs were shaking as he stammered, "C-Captain, is it really you?" Andrew's lips curled int
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1029
"Ms. Stevens, please have a seat," Zachary said warmly. Aspen was caught off guard but quickly sat beside Andrew, feeling like she had entered a surreal dream. Never in her life had she imagined someone like Zachary Fischer—a living legend in the southern martial arts world—would personally invite her to sit. "Ruth, go grab the two vintage bottles I've been saving," Zachary added, turning to her with a tone that left no room for negotiation. "Tonight, I'm going all out for Mr. Lloyd." Ruth's face tightened with resentment. Why was her man, always so powerful and untouchable, suddenly acting like a bootlicker? However, when Zachary's icy gaze locked onto her, she shuddered and hurried off to obey without another word. Andrew chuckled, clearly amused. "Zac, you're living large these days. And your woman? Man, she carries herself like she the damn queen." Zachary forced a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lloyd. Ruth's gotten spoiled by me. I'll discipline her better going forward
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1030
Zachary let out a cold snort. "You better make sure there isn't a next time. Everyone seated here has earned their place—except you. You're just a cheap nobody who doesn't belong at this table." He added, "Get on your knees and pour drinks for Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Stevens." Ruth stared at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking her to kneel now, all for Andrew? Was he really worth this level of humiliation? Ultimately, she gritted her teeth and dropped to her knees like a servant—silently pouring drinks as ordered. Aspen watched, wanting to say something but stopped herself. She could not help but shoot Andrew a look, annoyed he had not said a word to stop it. Letting someone kneel like that was seriously inhumane. However, Andrew just sipped his drink quietly, as if he had not seen anything. He had no intention of stepping in—not after how Ruth had acted earlier. If anything, this was just karma being served cold. Zachary downed half his glass and looked across the table
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1031
Aspen could only imagine how terrifying Andrew's real identity was. Everyone knew that Holtrien had no shortage of prodigies, but those who made it onto the Titan List were monsters in human form—true legends among legends. Take Aspen, for example. In her hometown of Bridgefields, she was the pride of the city, admired by everyone. Yet, not a single person from Bridgefields had ever qualified for the Titan List. Even the Underworld Index only had at most two names from there, and they were way at the bottom. Andrew stood up and said, "Alright then, I should head back and get some rest. Thanks for the hospitality, by the way." Zachary stood up right after him, eyes blazing with passion. "Come back with us. Let's rise again together. Once the old crew hears you're back, they'll drop everything and come running!" Andrew chuckled and replied, "Don't exaggerate. I'm just a regular guy, just trying to live a simple, quiet life. All that talk about fighting and war? I'm not into
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1032
After leaving the Aroma Exchange, Andrew got into the car and said, "Drive. I'm tired and just want to rest." However, Aspen did not start the engine. She had been holding back her curiosity all evening and finally asked, "Was Mr. Fischer really your subordinate?" Andrew kept his eyes on the window and replied calmly, "Something like that." Aspen's heart skipped a beat. She had suspected that Andrew was not an ordinary man. She pressed on, "Mr. Fischer called you… General. Andrew, were you some kind of military general before?" Andrew glanced at her and said, "Why the interrogation? Are you trying to run a background check?" The Ferrari shot forward with a roar, and Aspen huffed, "Fine, don't tell me. It's not like I'm dying to know anyway." Andrew said, "The more you know, the more dangerous it gets for you." Aspen scoffed, "There it is. The mysterious act. You think you're in a movie or something?" A vein popped on Andrew's forehead. "Aspen, I just complimented your
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1033
Aspen was so furious, and she shouted, "Andrew, you're such a bastard!" Nonetheless, Andrew stayed calm and replied, "Using yoga to try and reach senior grandmaster level? It's not a bad approach. However, your method is flawed. "You should try activating your twin core meridians and running your energy through the full-body cycle. It'll get you results with half the effort." With that, he turned and went upstairs to rest. Aspen stood frozen in place, full of shock and suspicion. "So he wasn't staring at my body… he was analyzing my training? Hmph, acting all high and mighty as if his advice would actually help!" She did not want to admit it, but deep down, she was tempted to try what he said. So, she adjusted her posture and started cultivating again, following his method. … Upstairs, Andrew collapsed onto the huge bed in his room. He had just arrived in the capital and had already run into trouble—no wonder he felt drained. Still, there were things he needed to keep up
Latest Chapter
Chapter 1170
On the ground, Black Wolf writhed in pain, howling in disbelief. He finally understood why that last squad of heavily armed mercenaries had vanished without a trace after storming Serenity Villa. This place was not just a house—it was a damn death trap. "Who sent you to kill me?" Andrew asked calmly as he twirled the dagger Black Wolf had dropped. Pinned down by Natasha and Dylan, Black Wolf was drenched in sweat, his shattered legs leaving him gasping in agony. He growled, "Why the hell should I tell you? You should know exactly who you've pissed off. Even if I'm in your hands, kid, if you lay a finger on me, the consequences—" Andrew did not let him finish. Instead, he drove the blade straight into Black Wolf's chest. Whatever threat Black Wolf was about to spit out died on his tongue. His eyes bulged in shock before his head slumped to the side—dead. "If you didn't have the sense to act like a prisoner, then I did you a favor and sent you straight to hell. Next time, try
Chapter 1169
Aspen could not help leaning closer to see what Andrew was doing. To her surprise, his breathing was steady—he was already asleep. She stared at him, both amused and annoyed as she thought, 'I'm lying right next to him, and he still manages to fall asleep? Am I not attractive enough? Or does this guy just not find me worth the effort?' That split second of realization triggered an unexpected wave of disappointment and frustration in her. … Meanwhile, outside Serenity Villa, a black figure moved silently across the ruined outer wall, climbing with inhuman ease. It was Black Wolf—Elon's secret weapon, a top-tier assassin with a reputation to match. A matte-finished blade dangled from his lips as he surveyed the building, swiftly memorizing the layout of the damaged villa. He was not alone. At least a dozen other men hid in the dark, surrounding the perimeter and lying in wait. Nonetheless, they were not predators, at least not to him. He scoffed, thinking, 'They're the bait,
Chapter 1168
Through the second half of the night, Serenity Villa remained eerily quiet. Chantelle stepped out from her lookout post and announced, "Looks like no one else is coming tonight. Everyone should get some rest." Andrew stopped her. "Hold up. You all stay on watch—I'll go rest." Chantelle narrowed her eyes. "Are you giving me orders like I'm your subordinate?" Andrew responded calmly, "Not at all. I just want to isolate myself and draw the next assassin in alone." Chantelle frowned. "So, you're planning to be alone in a room and give the assassin a shot at you? You're using yourself as bait?" Andrew replied, "Exactly. One mercenary commander from the Srovika Federation is dead, but with the Haywoods and Goldings both after my head, there's no way they'd just send one decent hitter and be done." Chantelle nodded. "That… makes sense. But you're injured. What happens if something unexpected comes up? Can you really handle it?" Before Andrew could answer, Aspen blurted, "It's
Chapter 1167
Andarov could not care less about anything else and turned to flee, trying to blast through the villa wall and make his escape. However, Andrew's attacks were relentless, like crashing waves, giving him no chance to run. With perfect aim, Andrew struck the center of Andarov's back with a palm strike that exploded like a thunderclap. Bones shattered with a sickening crunch, and nearly two-thirds of Andarov's skeleton was crushed in an instant. Then, blood gushed out from his mouth as he collapsed, his massive eight-foot frame crashing to the floor. Raising his trembling, blood-soaked hand, he pointed at Andrew, gasping, "You're not… not just some ordinary man. You're from… Holtrien's Chetvine… You're part of the royal fa—" He never got to finish the sentence. Before the final word left his lips, Andarov exhaled his last breath and died on the spot. A single drop of blood fell from Andrew's waist, and part of his shirt had already soaked through with red. Natasha rushed over
Chapter 1166
Aspen's scream pierced the night. For a moment, she was certain bullets would tear through her. However, Andrew's arms locked around her, shielding her completely as he kicked the shredded sofa aside. Then, a gold needle flashed from Andrew's fingers. The burly and tall Andarov Markovic snarled as his right wrist erupted in pain, and his Desert Eagle clattered to the floor. Shocked and angry, Andarov quickly raised his other gun, ready to continue firing. Just then, Andrew blurred across the room and crushed an uppercut into his jaw. "You're alive! Good. I'll peel your spine out myself and avenge my subordinates!" Andarov yelled. He dumped his remaining gun, elbows smashing Andrew's strikes. Just like that, the two started fighting in the lobby on the first floor. Srovikan fighters were already brutes, but Andarov was a wrecking ball. Every collision splintered walls, and every missed punch cratered the floor. Before long, the villa, already in ruins, was destroyed further.
Chapter 1165
Aspen's face burned crimson as she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest. Damn it—her habit of going braless after showers had become second nature, and Andrew had seen her in this state. Humiliated, she spat, "Fine! Since my kindness is wasted on you, I'm going to bed!" She turned to stomp upstairs in a huff. However, Andrew suddenly sprang from his chair and tackled her to the ground. His arm locked around her slender waist as they rolled across the floor. Aspen's shock quickly turned to fury, wondering what the hell this bastard was doing. Was he actually trying to take advantage of her in the dark? She silently cursed herself for being dumb and wandered around practically naked in front of this pervert. She was basically giving him a chance to pounce at her. Just as she began struggling in earnest, Andrew's growl cut through the night. "Stop moving unless you want to die!" The next moment, a hail of gunfire erupted, muzzle flashes lighting up the darkness as b
Chapter 1164
As evening fell, Aspen and Dylan returned to Serenity Villa. The front gate stood wide open, and Andrew sat squarely in a chair in the middle of the first-floor lobby. Aspen frowned as she stepped inside. "Why are you sitting here?" Andrew replied, "Waiting for guests." "Who?" "Assassins from the Haywoods and the Goldings." Her face darkened when she heard his words. She could not help but think Andrew had lost his damn mind for leaving the front door wide open for killers. He glanced at her and asked, "Weren't you meeting a client? How'd it go?" Aspen's voice turned icy. "Turns out, Christina was the one looking for investors." Andrew raised a brow. "So? You turned her down?" She sneered as she said, "More than that. I made sure all three of them left humiliated. That old hag Irene even got a slap from me." Andrew simply shrugged. Aspen had never been the merciful type, and none of this surprised him. He simply ordered, "Go make something to eat. I'm hungry." Asp
Chapter 1163
Dylan explained, "But you're a proud woman. You never used to bow to anyone, especially not to Mr. Lloyd. Now, you're just clinging to that same pride and defiance. "But the truth is, that pride of yours? It's already been worn down by Mr. Lloyd, completely. As for what's left… well, you know it better than anyone. You just don't want to admit it."Aspen grew frustrated. "I don't need you psychoanalyzing me. I just need someone to tell me—what do I have to do to break out of this mess? This constant confusion and misery?"Dylan shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? You're just as stunning as Ms. Aicker or Ms. Rhodes. Those two didn't mind letting Mr. Lloyd take what he wanted. So, why not follow their lead? Let's be real, Aspen—you've already fallen for Mr. Lloyd, and there's no shame in that. "Mr. Lloyd has that effect on women. I've been around him long enough to stop being surprised. You, Natasha, Francesca, Lauren… even that girl Nyla Goth from the Moonlit Apothecary in Jayrodale—if Mr
Chapter 1162
After leaving the cafe, Aspen stepped into the restroom. She splashed a few handfuls of icy water on her face, trying to calm the storm inside her. She said, "Mr. Garner, could you do me a favor and not tell Andrew about what just happened?" Dylan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and chuckled. "Ms. Aspen, you really gave her a piece of your mind. If it felt good, why not let Mr. Lloyd know?" Aspen's expression darkened with self-mockery. "Because I didn't stand up for myself—I used Andrew's name to intimidate her. Christina was right about one thing—I am pathetic. "Andrew nearly destroyed my family, and yet here I am, throwing his name around like it means something. Even worse, I shamelessly implied I'd offer myself to him!" Dylan smirked. "So you're ashamed of yourself? You think less of yourself now?" Aspen stared at her reflection. Her face was as cold as ever, but her eyes no longer held their usual arrogance. Instead, they were clouded with something unrea
