Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Duncan said, "Mr. Lloyd, please try this. It's from my private vineyard in Fraines, handcrafted."

Andrew accepted the glass with a smile. "Mr. Irving Senior, how thoughtful of you!"

Duncan's eyelid twitched involuntarily. Whenever he saw Andrew smile, he could not help but remember being taught a lesson before, and his back would break out in cold sweat.

Just moments ago, Andrew had effortlessly orchestrated a power shift within the Ulrich family, completely sidelining that old fox Cillian.

Such a simple yet brutal operation had left Duncan completely stunned. His heart grew even more cautious as he realized that Andrew had firmly established his foothold within the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce.

Not only had he secured his position, but Andrew was already beginning to flex his influence. In other words, if he wanted to, the Irvings could very well become the next Ulrich family.

This realization made Duncan choose to keep his tail between his legs and act submissively. He no longer dared to show any disrespect or harbor ill intentions toward Andrew.

In terms of actual strength, the Irvings were not even worth being compared to the Ulrich family, and he certainly was not as impressive as Cillian.noveldrama

Then again, as impressive as he might have been, where did it get him? He was probably bawling his eyes out somewhere.

Therefore, Duncan realized he had only one path left within the Chamber. He had to grovel and kiss up to Andrew with everything he had.

Rachel lifted her own glass and smirked. "Mr. Irving Senior, you've been full of surprises today... so attentive."

Duncan silently cursed this seductive widow in his heart. She had been quick to read the wind and had already become Andrew's right-hand woman. For all he knew, she might have already spread her legs and let Andrew have his way with her.

The Irvings had already missed their first opportunity, and they could not afford to fall behind again. There was no way he would let Rachel monopolize all of Andrew's favor.

Duncan began, "Mr. Lloyd, in my opinion, Mason isn't exactly the obedient type either. From time to time, it might be good to apply a little pressure... just enough to make sure he bites when you point.'

Andrew took a sip of the wine and nodded. "Good insight, Mr. Irving Senior. I was thinking the same thing."

That approval made Duncan's spirits

soar. His gaze gleamed as he continued, "Mr. Lloyd, the Ulrich family is now firmly under your. contro But what about Cillian? That old bastard dared to defy you I say we show him what happens when someone plays with fire."

Andrew shook his head. "No need. He's been stripped of everything, so he's no threat. If I go too far, it might make the other members think I'm a tyrant."

Duncan was not ready to give up. "But Mr. Lloyd, even though Cillian has lost his power as head of the Ulrich family, he still has some connections with the Dragon Kings in Blumedale. I'm worried he might..."

Andrew chuckled. "You're afraid he'll hold a grudge and run to those underground

lords for revenge?"

Duncan nodded. "Exactly."

A chill passed through Andrew's

eyes. "If he really does that, it'll just prove he's tired of living. And those 'Dragon Kings'? If they don't come looking for me, I'll find them sooner or later. In fact, I'm dying to see one of those so-called legends strut up and act tough in front of me."

Duncan and Rachel were both stunned speechless.

Andrew wanted to initiate a confrontation with the Dragon Kings?

Those guys were not ordinary opponents. Each one of them could take on the Five Apex Families in head-to-head combat.

The two exchanged glances, both seeing the intense shock in each other's eyes.

Was Andrew planning to make sweeping changes and create a completely new order?

Was he going to wage war on all fronts in Gabo Creek, taking on everyone at once?

Even when George had been in power, he had never dared to go that far.