Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Harvey stood up and said, "Mr. Wright, since the Weller family can't be of help, we'll be taking our leave."

However, Quinton raised his hand. "Hold on. I've got something to discuss with you, Mr. Weller. Shawn, Christina -go on ahead. I just need a private word with Mr. Weller."

Christina did not think twice and left right away.

However, Shawn frowned. He wondered why Quinton was pulling Harvey aside instead of discussing it with him, his most trusted man. He felt slighted, but he did not dare show it. With a tight expression, he quietly walked out.

Once everyone else had gone, only Harvey and a few of the Weller family's elders remained with Quinton.

Harvey crossed his arms. "Alright, Quinton. Now that it's just us, what is it you need? If you're still trying to drag the Weller family into a fight with Andrew, then forget it. That's not happening.

He locked eyes with Quinton, clearly on guard.

11

Quinton shook his head, his face cold and composed. "Relax, Harvey. I don't need you to take on Andrew. This is something else—just a small game. I need you to play along."

Harvey raised an eyebrow. "A game? Quinton, if it's something reasonable, I'm happy to help."

Quinton's grin turned sly. "It's about Christina. She's got a strong guard up. She's sharp and careful. If I want to win her over-completely make her mine-I'll need a little help from you."

Harvey's face darkened. "Quinton, you're not seriously trying to get your hands on Christina, are you?"

Quinton lifted a brow. "Is there a problem with that?"

Harvey gritted his teeth. "You're the heir to the Wrights in Blumedale. A man like you deserves a proper lady from high society-someone from your world. Christina's never going to be that.

"So please, drop this. She's been the one person I could never win, and if I can't have her, at least let me move on without this hanging over me."

Quinton let out a cold snort. "Too late, Harvey Christina is with me now. I'll be taking her back to

Blumedate soon, where she'll hem et

grow my empire. So stop thinking about her. If you want a woman, I'll send you two-top-shelf,

wnnoveldrama

guaranteed."

Still bitter, Harvey pushed back. "Quinton, this is an abuse of power, and you know it. Besides, Christina used to be Andrew's. Are you really okay with chasing after someone he's already been with?"

Quinton gave a twisted chuckle. "Funny enough, yeah-I actually like breaking in someone else's favorite toy. And trust me, I've got a good eye. Christina's got plenty of untapped potential.'

11

Harvey took a deep breath. He knew there was no point in arguing anymore. He had tried reason, guilt, even throwing Andrew's name into the mix, but Quinton was hell-bent.

Twisted, entitled, and

arrogant-there was no stopping him now. "Fine," Harvey finally said.

"You'd better keep your word

though You promised me twoel

top-tier women-don't backout.

One isn't enough. If I'm helping with the stunt, I expect two."

Quinton grinned wickedly. "Two? Please. If you can handle it, I'll get you 200. You'll die buried in pleasure. What I need from you is simple set the stage for me to swoop in like a hero saving the damsel.

Harvey's eyes narrowed. "You mean... you want me to stage a confrontation with

the Stevens family and Christina, and then you come in to save the day?"

Quinton nodded with satisfaction. "Exactly. I'll make my entrance at just the right

moment to deliver the biggest emotional hit to that Ice Queen.