Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen's hands were bound tightly behind her back, with the ropes crossing in front of her chest, pushing her curves into full display.

"Seth, you're absolutely insane," she shouted, her voice full of fury. "Do you even realize we're working for Mr. McCormick right now?"

She struggled hard, but the ropes did not budge at all.

Meanwhile, a dozen enforcers from the Haywoods' private club stormed Supreme Capital Group's office space and smashed everything to pieces.

Seth was grinning as he gripped Aspen's chin, his fingers digging in so hard that pain twisted across her face. He sneered, "Save your strength, Aspen. So what if you're working for Mr. McCormick? Let's be real—Andrew is just that man's lapdog."

"Remember when you first got to Blumedale, the day we met?" His voice dropped low as he leaned closer. "From the second I saw you, I made up my mind I was going to make you mine."

Then, without warning, he slapped her across the face, hard.

"But you little bitch, you just didn't know what was good for you," he snapped. "That bastard Andrew treated you like crap, but you still defended him at every turn, obeying him like some loyal little servant."

He added bitterly, "Sometimes I just don't get it. What does Andrew have that I don't? I come from a better family, I know how to treat a woman right, I've got charm, and I would've treated you like a queen..."

His voice cracked with frustration. "But you? How did you treat me?"

By now, the smirk had vanished from Seth's face. All that remained was rage and bitter resentment. He struck her again and again, each slap landing harder than the last.

Blood trickled from the corner of Aspen's mouth, and one side of her delicate face was swelling fast.

"Andrew may not be perfect, but let's be honest-even at his worst, he's still a thousand times better than you," she spat, her voice laced with scorn. "You think I don't see through your so-called affection, your fake concern?noveldrama

"All you ever wanted was my body-and the billions that come with Supreme Capital Group, right?"

Even after being beaten, Aspen did not flinch. Instead, she lifted her head and stared straight at Seth with a cold, mocking look.

That look made his blood boil.

Enraged by her defiance, Seth

lashed out with another brutal series of slaps. He growled, "Damn it, I really hate ruining that pretty face of yours used to fantasize about having you beneath me, watching your expression twist between resistance and pleasure. That's what I'd call the pinnacle of indulgence..."

He hissed, "But Aspen, you're too smart, too stubborn for your own good. Yes, I wanted your body. I wanted to play with you, and yeah, I wanted your billions too. I wanted it all-beauty and fortune in one go. But even if you figured that out, you should've kept your mouth shut!"

With a twisted smile, Seth lowered his head, aiming for her lips.

Aspen turned away sharply and spat in his face.

Seth wiped it off, unfazed, and let out a slow, dark chuckle. He said, "Andrew's probably on his way to rescue you right now. Once he shows up, I'll cripple him first. Then, I'm going to take my time with you right in front of him."

He leaned in closer, his voice dripping with filth. "I've already got the whole thing planned out. First from behind, then with your legs up, and finally with you straddling me, just like a goddess on her throne."

Fear gripped Aspen's heart, but she refused to let it show. Instead, her tone stayed icy. "If Andrew shows up, the only one getting destroyed will be you. And let's get something straight—if I wouldn't even give in to Andrew, what makes you think I'd ever let a worthless, disgusting coward like you touch me?"