Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Chapter 698 Stephen said calmly, Its not that Ive lost my edge or nerve.

Its just that sometimes, you need to read the room and know when to pick your battles.

He continued, Theres a saying A wise man adapts to the times.

No matter how strong you are, when a true powerhouse shows up, you still have to bow your head if you want to survive. Raymond waved him off with an irritated snort.

Cut the crap.

What youre really saying is that youre scared of Andrew, right? Youve already given in to him.

Either way, doesnt matter.

My stance is crystal clear.

If that kid shows up, kneels, toasts me, and pays for all the damages, Ill be merciful and let him walk away with his life. But if he dares not to show, then tough luck.

Ill make sure he learns exactly what regret feels like.

Stephens expression darkened, and he let out a cold chuckle .

Getting Mr.

Lloyd to kneel and toast you? Thats never going to happen.

I cant say much more, but Im telling you youre underestimating him .

Once his full strength is revealed, youll regret the decision you made today.

Raymond snorted dismissively.

His strength? Do you mean Natasha and Dylan ? Those two underground networks? Please .

Sean mentioned that even Rodney from Madblade Martial Academy showed up that night.

Sure, normally, those three groups might be tricky to deal with.noveldrama

But guess what? My time has come.

Everyone gets their shot at the top, and now its my turn.

His eyes glimmered with arrogance as he reclined lazily, radiating unshakable confidence.

Stephens eyelid twitched as a sudden thought struck him.

He hesitated, then asked, Wait... did the Wright family promise to back you ? Raymond smirked triumphantly.

He took a slow sip of his tea, savoring the moment, then answered, of course.

No point hiding it now.

Mr.

Winston Wright came to Jayrodale hoping to enjoy himself at Dream Paradise.

But thanks to Andrews little stunt, he didnt get the experience he wanted.

Hes pissed.

If I hadnt calmed him down, that

And kid would already be lying at

of the river with

shattered limbs.

Stephens heart sank.

He had suspected Raymond had powerful backing, but hearing it confirmed still left him unsettled. With Winston in his corner, Raymond had every reason to act this boldly.

If Andrew did not tread carefully, he really could get crushed this time.

Raymond, just so you know, Mr.

Lloyd said hell come to the

bet

Jayrodale Grand Hotel likely within the next day or two, Stephen finally said delivering the message hed come for.

Raymond threw his head back and laughed.

Ha! I knew it ! spineless little coward.

I was wondering if he really had the balls to stand me up.

Turns out once he heard whos backing me, hes decided to craw over here and beg for forgiveness! Stephens jaw tightened in frustration.

Raymond, Mr.

Lloyd coming here doesnt mean hes coming to grovel.

You shouldnt be so quick to mock him.

Raymond snorted with disdain.

Please.

If he had guts, he wouldnt come at all and would just wait for me to hunt him down.

But now that hes coming, doesnt that prove hes scared? Hes already caved.

Hes nothing but a coward whos letting my presence crush him into submission.

Stephen clenched his teeth and said nothing more.

With the Wright familys influence looming in the background, there was no point arguing further. Well, Stephen, I think were done here

Dont let me keep you, Raymond said dismissively, motioning toward the door with a lazy wave. Chapter 698 His lips curled into a sneer as he added, Pass along my message to that little punk .

If he comes in, kneels, toasts me, and begs for mercy, Ill go easy on him.

But if he tries to act tough, I wont stop until hes completely destroyed.