Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Derek said coldly, "These elite families and old-money clans have been feasting

off Blumedale like it's their private banquet. They think they can gorge themselves for life, rule without question, and remain unchallenged.

"But as long as I'm the one calling the shots in this province, they don't get to do as they please!"

Chantelle was startled. She had not expected Andrew to actually ignite Derek's fury. She silently cursed, 'This idiot is already useless on his own, and now even worse, he's using Mr. McCormick as his shield? It's despicable!'

Derek turned to Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, don't worry. Those arrogant bastards—I'll handle them and make sure you get justice. But the reason I brought you here today is something more urgent. There's a matter I need your help with."

Andrew lifted a hand and said, "Mr. McCormick, say the word. If I can help, I will."

Derek nodded. "Here's the situation-an old friend of mine suddenly found himself fighting for his life. We've brought in nearly every top medical expert in Blumedale, but nothing's worked so far. So I was hoping, Mr. Lloyd, that you could step in personally."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Mr. McCormick, you knew I practiced medicine?"

Derek smiled with a knowing look. "Mr. Lloyd, you may not know this, but the mayor of Jayrodale, Mark Thatcher, is one of my former students. He's told me plenty about you.noveldrama

"And truthfully, when I awarded that high-profile project to your company without hesitation, most of that decision came down to Mark's recommendation."

Andrew gave a small smile. "Is that so? Now I'm genuinely curious-how exactly did Mr. Thatcher describe me to you?"

Derek paused for a moment, then slowly said Mark's exact words were: 'Professor, this young man is rare genius, brilliant in both strategy and strength, flawless in character. He is a true national treasure. Mr. Lloyd, that's about as high of a recommendation as one can get."

For once, Andrew's face turned red. He could not believe Mark would say something so outrageously accurate. Now look-he was getting roped into even more trouble.

Chantelle let out a soft snort of laughter from the side. "A 'national treasure' is someone who can defend the nation in battle and bring peace at home. Tell me, Mr. Lloyd... which part of you even remotely fits that title?"

Andrew stood and smiled. "All of me, actually-every single part."

Derek laughed heartily and clapped him on the shoulder. "Good! Bold and unapologetic, and you speak with no pretense. Even if you're not a national treasure yet, you're certainly a top-tier talent!"

Chantelle's disdain could not have been more obvious now. The sheer shamelessness of this man was ridiculous, and she believed that one day, Derek would see it too-that this man was nothing more thana puffed-up pretender with no substance.

A 'national treasure'? In Chantelle's mind, that title held serious weight. Only a handful deserved it-like the heads of Chetvine's most powerful families, the founders of the ancient

houses, or the patriarchs of the royal clans.

Even Derek himself did not qualify.

Well, there was one who would qualify for the title The Dragon Prince of the Lloyds, the legendary prodigy who once made waves across Chetvine and Holtrien.

She had never seen him in person, but to Chantelle, he was the perfect man— someone she had admired from afar and dreamed of countless times in silence.