Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The underling who had led the way rushed to explain, "I swear, Mr. Haywood, I personally saw Andrew and Aspen enter this exact room!"

Seth's face twisted with fury, his voice low and cold. "Damn it all... We've been played. Andrew lured us here on purpose. That bastard set us up."

Davon, meanwhile, had his eyes locked on Christina with a hungry grin. "Mr. Haywood, forget Andrew and Aspen. This might've been a screw-up, but I call it a lucky one. Look at this beauty-she's no less than Aspen, maybe even hotter. You wanted Aspen? Fine, I'll take this one for myself!"

Seth glanced at Christina and had to admit-she was stunning.noveldrama

"My apologies, Miss," he said, adjusting his tailored suit with practiced charm.

"My men got a little overzealous just now. Please don't worry I'll take full responsibility for the injuries your family suffered."

Christina was not having any of it. Her fury erupted. "Take responsibility? You psychos broke my brother's legs! What the hell does an apology mean now?"

Seth, trying to show off his influence, kept his tone smooth and confident. "Miss, please relax. It's just broken legs.

"I'll call in one of the top doctors in the capital right now-Dr. Mosby Lake. He's a medical legend. His recovery is guaranteed."

Christina's expression turned icy. "Don't bother. I've already called someone. You people are nothing but gangsters-just thugs and lowlifes. You put my mom and Leroy in the hospital, and you're going to pay for that."

Davon chuckled lecherously. "Damn, I didn't expect the pretty one to have such a fiery temper. So what? It's just a few bruises. Nobody died, did they? Let me introduce myself. I'm Davon Park, Vice CEO of Phoenixdream Enterprises.

"And this gentleman beside me is none other than Seth Haywood, third son of the Haywoods—one of the Five Apex Families. So tell me, darling-do you still think you're in a position to hold us accountable?"

Before Christina could reply, a voice full of scorn echoed from the hallway.

"Really, Dayon? Phoenixdream is just a mid-tier firm here in the capital You think you can throw your weight around? And Seth... since when did you have the balls to raise hell on my turf?"

The moment the words dropped, Quinton stepped into the room, his expression

like a brewing storm.

Davon's legs nearly gave out. "Mr. Wright? W-what are you doing here?"

Seth also straightened up immediately and forced a tight, awkward smile. "Quinton, hey... This is just a misunderstanding. My guys got carried away. I didn't know this was your territory-total mistake. I apologize."

Inside, his stomach twisted. He never expected the people in this suite to have ties to Quinton. He cursed silently, 'Damn you, Andrew! You just threw us into a fire pit!'

Quinton's tone was frosty. "Start talking. What the hell happened here? And if I don't get an explanation that satisfies me, Seth, don't blame me for going cold on you."

Seth clenched his jaw and spat

bitterly, "Quinton, I came here to deal

with Andrew. I planned to cripple

him. But he wasn't here, and my guys accidentally hurt the wrong people."

Quinton narrowed his eyes. "So you're telling me Andrew misled you into coming here?"

Seth scowled. "Exactly. My guy tracked him straight to this room. That bastard tricked us!"

Quinton's face darkened like thunderclouds as he snapped, "Idiot!"

He stormed toward Christina, his tone softening slightly. "Christie, this is my fault. I should've been more careful."