Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The eighth round, the Vein Whisperer challenge, had officially ended.

Stagehands quickly cleared away the excess props from the platform, leaving just three remaining figures standing in the left, center, and right positions. From the audience, it was an unobstructed view of the three contestants.

On the far right stood Andrew, now undeniably the center of attention.

Thomas and Mosby making it this far was expected, but Andrew? He had bulldozed his way here with one shocking move after another, turning every expectation on its head.

People could not help but wonder-was he just insanely lucky, or had he been hiding his true strength all along, playing the fool to catch his opponents off guard?

Up on the judges' platform, Clifford's expression was as dark as a storm cloud. He leaned forward and barked, "Andrew, this is your last chance. Will you withdraw now and walk away with a respectable third place, full of honors?"

Andrew rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Why would I quit now? Third place isn't nearly enough for me."

The crowd burst into laughter. This guy had guts, no doubt, but was he not worried about biting off more than he could chew? Most would have been thrilled to secure third place at this stage.

Clifford's patience was wearing thin, and he snapped, "Third place isn't enough for you? What, do you think you can take second?"

Andrew smirked, raising two fingers and shaking them dismissively. "Nope. I'm not interested in being the eternal runner-up either. I said it before—my goal is the championship."

Clifford let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "You're out of your mind! That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

Andrew's eyes narrowed, his tone turning icy. "You'll find out soon enough, old man. Just sit back and watch."

His blunt, unfiltered challenge sent a ripple of shock through the audience. This guy was seriously going head-to-head with the

Advanced Medical Institute's net

top

dogs, Preston and Clifford, without a hint of fear or restraint. Even figures like Thomas or Malcolm would

never dare speak this boldly.

Jameson let out a strained chuckle. "Andy's attitude gets more explosive by the day."noveldrama

Tiana snorted. "So what? With his skills, he has every right to act like a demon in human form. When you're this strong, why not be a little

arrogant? The Advanced Mediol ne

Institute and Mosby have been throwing their weight around for years-Andrew's just giving them a taste of their own medicine."

Zephyr and Esther exchanged uneasy glances. They felt too insignificant to speak up, lacking the influence of families like the Rhodes. Andrew had stormed his way

to the summit, and even their family could only look up at him now.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Lauren leaned closer to Aspen, whispering, "Hey, Aspen, didn't Andrew mention you're weak because you've been bleeding lately? Is it... You know, that time of the month?"

Aspen replied, "No, it's not. I'm not supposed to get my period for a few more days."

After all, how could she go wild with Andrew for hours last night if she was on her period?

Lauren frowned. "Are you anemic, then? Maybe you should have Andrew check you out later, just to be safe."

Aspen's cheeks flushed a deep red, a shy, awkward smile spreading across her face. "Um... no, it's not that. It's just... well, let's talk about it later."

Of course, she was not anemic. As a senior grandmaster-level martial artist, it

would be ridiculous for her to suffer from anemia.

was far more

The truth was

embarrassing. Her recent bleeding had a much simpler

explanation-she had only just lost her virginity last night. The sheets had been speckled with a fain amount of blood, and her energy had been completely drained. Her legs still felt weak, trembling slightly every time she tried to close them.

Every time her thighs brushed together, a sharp, stinging heat reminded her of

just how merciless Andrew had been.