Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

After breakfast, Andrew, the ever-hands-off boss, got strong-armed by Aspen into actually going to work.

Otherwise, Supreme Capital Group, a company sitting on billions in investments, would end up being nothing more than a shiny nameplate.

Aspen's exact words were, "If you keep ignoring everything and leave me to worry about it alone, I'd rather go sell myself on the street than keep slaving away for you! At least if I'm selling, I'll make some money. Meanwhile, I'll probably die broke working for you or just die!"

Andrew winced when he heard that. Realizing that his little maid was seriously holding some grudges, he quickly agreed to tag along to the office.

"Give me a minute. I'm gonna change," Aspen said before disappearing into her

room.

A few minutes later, she strutted out-black stockings, high heels, and a sleek blue business suit that shimmered slightly under the light. She was absolutely stunning, and even Andrew had to admit it.

Aspen smirked inwardly. 'Yep, the old 'business bombshell' look never failed.'

She had long figured out that Andrew, the blockheaded steel wall, usually treated her with zero romantic interest. Yet, it was a different story when she wore her work attire,

Especially when it came to her legs, this guy seemed way too interested. So, Aspen doubled down, practicing yoga religiously every day to keep her long, toned legs in top form.

She even went as far as insuring those gorgeous legs for three million. Every day, she made sure to flaunt them right under his nose-close enough to tempt, but far enough to stay just out of reach.

Aspen chuckled to herself at the thought.

Just then, Andrew suddenly reached out toward her.

Aspen stiffened, face flushing pink. This bastard was always pulling sneaky moves without warning.

Instinctively, she pressed her legs together tightly and growled, "It's too early for this! I swear I'll scream..."

However, Andrew ignored her little tantrum. Instead, he gently brushed a few stray strands of hair off her forehead.

"There. Now you're perfect," he said with a grin. "Aspen, if you ever decided to really sell, you'd be a total knockout. Guys would line up just to throw money at you."

Andrew chuckled as he teased her.

Aspen nearly exploded and snapped, "Sell yourself! If you can't say anything nice, just keep your mouth shut!"

Andrew sighed. "I didn't say anything wrong. You're the one who said you'd rather sell yourself than keep working for me."

Aspen snorted and rolled her eyes hard enough to strain something. "You've seriously got issues. I was talking about setting up a street stall, selling flowers, coffee, or something else! But no, with your filthy little mind, everything's gotta be twisted!"

Andrew flashed her a dazzling, devil-may-care smile. "I'll give you one more chance to rephrase that properly."

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Andrew sighed and let it go. There was no point in getting into it; this woman had him completely figured out.

No matter how much she stirred trouble, he could not bring himself to be harsh with her.

After that, they drove out of The Sovereign Residences together.

Before heading to the company, Andrew made a quick detour, pulling into a small place called Oak Apothecary.

"Mr. Lloyd! Welcome! Come on in!" The shop assistant spotted him getting out of the car and hurried over to greet him with utmost respect.

Andrew gave the guy a casual pat on the shoulder and stepped inside. The owner was an older man in his 60s named Ronan Bates.

Andrew walked straight over and said bluntly, "Mr. Bates, I need a few herbs. Could you keep an eye out for me?"noveldrama

Ronan, peering over his reading glasses and a medical book, nodded. "Write them down for me. I'll find them when I have some time."

Andrew did not waste words. He quickly jotted down the list, handed it over, and then headed back out to the car with Aspen.

As they pulled away, Aspen asked curiously, "Since when are you so tight with Mr. Bates over at Oak Apothecary?"

The small traditional shop had a decent reputation around Blumedale, and Aspen had clearly taken notice.