Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Yeah, he's got the Page family's piece, and it looks like that's not the only one."

Andrew's brow creased with concern. "Other than the Page family's, he's got more fragments?"

The man went pale as a ghost, barely getting the words out. "At least one more, besides the Page's. He kept it a secret, but I found out."

Andrew shot a glance at Ronan, whose face was a storm about to break.

It looked like the Page family's map piece had ended up in Mosby's clutches, and Ronan was feeling the heat!

Andrew pressed on, "You mentioned your mentor's out to take me down! Hmm, I'm really curious, does he even have what it takes?"

Old Hayface clenched his teeth and said, "My mentor might not be a match for you, but our top dog, my senior, is about to hit up the capital! And when he does, you're gonna get wrecked!"

Andrew quirked an eyebrow, "This senior of yours, Mosby's star pupil... Is he that tough?"

Despite his agony, Old Hayface could not help but boast, "Absolutely, you've heard of Xavier from the Hawyood family, haven't you? Our senior is the guy who can go toe-to-toe with Xavier from the Haywood family!"noveldrama

Andrew's interest fizzled out. He was hoping for a real challenge, but that was turning out to be a letdown.

"Fine, you're free to go! And do me a favor. Let Mosby know that Ronan's map piece is with me now. He can come and get it whenever he wants!"

With that, Andrew flashed the Bates family's map piece.

Old Hayface was in disbelief, "Such a treasure, and Ronan just handed it over to you? I get it, you must've strong-armed or sweet-talked it out of Ronan, right?" Andrew cracked a smile, "You really think everyone's like your mentor, a dastardly thief?"

Ronan spoke up calmly, "I gave the Bates family's map piece to Mr. Lloyd of my own free will! Tell Mosby if he wants it, I'd rather die than hand it over!

"However, for you, Mr. Lloyd, I'd give it away without a second thought and never look back!"

The guy went pale, his expression souring fast.

Ronan's jab—if it ever got back to his boss-would that old man feel the sting?

"Oh, and when you head back to

Genesis Dispensary, you owe me a special delivery of herbs at The Sovereign Residences," Andrew

chimed in, "Think of it as your get-out-of-trouble free card."

Old Hayface was seething. "Andrew, show some respect, will you? You think I'm going to do you a favor

after you've messed with me liken et

this? You really think us baddies

don't have a breaking point? That we stand for nothing?"

Andrew cocked an eyebrow. "Is that a no?"

The guy's eye twitched, and he quickly plastered on a fake grin. "Kidding, just kidding! We're all good! Relax, it's just some herbs. We've got plenty at Genesis Dispensary, and I'll make sure they get to you."

Andrew's reply was cool as ice. "Then scram!"

Like he had been granted a divine escape, the man bolted from Oak Apothecary with his cronies, not daring to linger.

Natasha bit her lip, worried. "Are we really going to let them walk? I'm scared they'll come back with a grudge against Ronan and Janice."

Andrew shook his head, confident. "No worries, they won't dare. I've got the map piece now, and Mosby's going to be too busy aiming for me."

Ronan nodded. "Exactly. Mosby's so obsessed, he'll only have eyes for Mr. Lloyd now. It's just maddening, though, how that old crook managed to snag the Page family's piece so quickly..."

Andrew's voice dripped with disdain, "As long as we keep this piece of the map out of his grubby hands, we're golden! He can collect all the pieces he wants, but it's pointless!

"Missing just one piece means he'll never complete the treasure map. He'll never uncover the real treasure location!"

Ronan chuckled in agreement, "Exactly!"