Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen shook her head with a chuckle. "Master Statohy, I to at him, using something as vulgar as money to taint your

you this Andrew is nothing but a schemer just booke

It's new. I honestly disgraceful!"

Christina shot Andrew a mocking look. "Andrew, are your retourely throwing out a meanly 30 million? How shameless. Do you really think someone like Master Shilohares about money? If she wanted it, all she'd have to do is say the word and half of Jayrodale would be fighting for the chance to shower her with wealth"

Michael smirked sarcastically. "Andrew, you really outdid yourself. I thought your had some genius strategy, but it turns out, you're just making a complete fool of yourself."

He continued, "At least Stevens Corporation has some class they send antiques paintings and even handcrafted harps. But you? You walk in here, waving cash around. It's tacky-absolutely tacky!"

Andrew ignored their ridicule and continued watching the figure behind the sheer curtain

Then, in an unhurried tone, he added, "Of course, twenty million is just the first year's endorsement fee if my two miracle formulas sell well and profits soar, your payment, Master Shiloh, will increase accordingly."

Christina snapped, "Enough, Andrew! I won't let you pollute Master Shiloh's ears with your filthy money talk. If she ever needed financial support, any one of us could provide it-and far more than you ever could.

"All you ever talk about is business and money. Don't you feel embarrassed, bringing such crude topics into a sacred place like this?"

Harvey's eyes gleamed as he grinned. "Master, if you're willing to grace the Wellers with your presence, I promise we'll never trouble you for anything.

"All you'd have to do is enjoy your days, painting, playing music, and exploring the countryside. Before my father passed, he collected an extensive collection of masterpieces-every single one of them, I'd be honored to present to you."

Not wanting to be outdone, Aspen immediately followed. "Master Shiloh, I would never stoop to the level of some people here, trying to taint your presence with money. Please, come with me to Stevens Corporation. Christie and I will fully support your wellness initiatives."

Christina, her tone sincere, pleaded, "Master, please come with us. The people of Jayrodale are eagerly awaiting your return so they can learn your ways of longevity and health."

Michael, growing impatient, glared at Andrew and growled, "Andrew, this is all your

who screwerault! You're the one

everything up-it has

nothing to do with me. When we return to headquarters, if Aunt Tiana asks, I'm making it clear that i take

no responsibility for this mess."

Andrew

ned unfazed. "You've

always been useless. You can't even drive properly, and yet, you think

ever

counted on you?"

i

"Andrew..." Michael clenched his fists, burning with humiliation, unable to find the words to retaliate.

Just as the room bristled with anticipation, a soft voice came from behind the

curtain. "You said 20 million... Are you serious?"

Christina and Aspen froze, momentarily convinced they had misheard.

Even Harvey and Michael's eyes widened in disbelief.noveldrama

They all wondered what was happening, especially since Shiloh was supposed to

be a reclusive sage, untouched by worldly concerns.

*

Why was she suddenly interested in money?

Andrew smirked slightly. "I gave my word, and I never go back on a deal. The 20- million-dollar endorsement is absolutely real."

They could see Shiloh shift Set in. After a brief pause, she

from behind the curtain as if

, Meurico dollars or Holtrien

dollars?"

At that, not just Aspen, Christina, Michael, and Harvey-but even Andrew-was

momentarily caught off guard.