Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You Novel

Chapter 16 At that moment , Andrew received a call from Marvin .

Mr.

Lloyd , Christina wants that orphanage property , Should we give it to her ? Marvin asked .

Andrew thought for a moment before replying , Handle it as you see fit .

But given our history , If Stevens Corporation makes a decent offer , let them have it .

Marvin sighed , I knew you still had a soft spot for that woman .

Alright , I guess Stevens Corporation is getting a good deal .

Soon after , Christina received news that Wealthroller Investments had agreed to let Stevens Corporation develop the property .

She was overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events and could hardly believe it .

Mr.

Yates finally changed his mind ? The staff who delivered the message explained , Ms.

Stevens , your reputation as Jayrodales rising business star precedes you .

To be frank , Mr.

Yates received a phone call and immediately agreed to give it to you .

Christina was stunned when he heard that one phone call had changed Marvins mind .

She turned to Shawn , genuinely grateful .

Please thank your father for me .

Youve been a huge help , and I wont forget this ? Shawn froze , his face contorted as if he had eaten something sour .

He knew the truth his family had no pull with Wealthroller Investments .

Moreover , Tony did not even have Marvins number , let alone the ability to make such a call .

Is everything okay ? You look troubled , Christina asked , noticing Shawns odd expression .

Shawn forced a laugh and quickly said , No , no , everythings fine .

Its all going according to plan .

I told you to relax , Christie .

This kind of thing is childs play for the Fields family .

While he bragged , he secretly wondered who the big shot was that could sway Marvin with just one call .

Oblivious to Shawns nervousness , Christina smiled .

Youve been a great help to Stevens Corporation .

Id like to treat you to dinner tonight .

Shawns face lit up .

Id be honored to join you for dinner , Christie .

He was thrilled , thinking , Andrew , from now on Ill be the one enjoying Christinas company and protecting her .

Just then , Christinas phone rang : She answered , Mom , whats wrong ? On the other end , Irene was sobbing uncontrollably .

Christie , Leroy and I were attacked .

He was nearly beaten to death .

You have to avenge us ! Christine was shocked .

You were attacked , and eroy was beaten ? Who did this ? Her face Iminediately darkened with anger .

Irene burst into dramatic sobs , Who else could be ut that monster Andrew ? He put Leroy In the hospital .

The doctor said if wed been a minute later , I might have lost my precious son .

Leroys injuries were not nearly as severe as she claimed , but Irene exaggerated wildly to Christina , painting Andrew as the devil incarnate Sure enough , Christina was instantly enraged .

Alright , Im coming right over .

If Andrew really did this , Ill make him pay .

Later that evening , Andrew arrived at the Jayrodale Grand Hotel at Laurens invitation .

Dr.

Lloyd , you made it ! This way , please , Lauren greeted him , looking gorgeous in a floral sundress that was both alluring and youthful .

As soon as Andrew arrived , she took his arm , seeming perfectly at ease and unashamed about the gesture .

Andrew felt a bit awkward .

Ms.

Rhodes , is this really appropriate ? Lauren replied matter of factly , Is it not ? I think its just fine .

Andrew resigned himself to the situation , allowing her to press her ample curves against his arm .

At the hotel entrance stood two other women : Laurens best friend , Francesca , and her secretary , Eunice .

How long has this been going on between them Francesca asked coldly .

Eunice looked puzzled .

Ms.

Aicker , Im not sure what you mean by this .

Francesca clarified through gritted teeth , You know , their close intimacy .

How long has it been ? Eunice finally understood , explaining awkwardly Ms.

Rhodes seemed to take a liking to him from their first meeting .

After he saved Ms.

Cecelia and fought off those thugs , rescuing them both , shes been completely smitten with him .

Francesca turned and walked into the hotel , her youthful face turning icy immediately .

She thought Andrew was even more despicable than she had imagined .

Nonetheless , she hadto admit , his ability to charm his way into a cushy lifestyle was impressively swift .

After all , he had clearly bewitched Lauren to this extent .noveldrama

Francesca could no longer stand by and watch , and she was determined to expose this jerks true nature .

With Lauren on his arm , Andrew entered the hotels luxurious private room .

He was immediately met with Francescas hostile gaze as she sat at the table .

Francesca had shed her work attire and was dressed like a noble heiress .

She only had light makeup , exuding an air of Innocent sensuality .

Andrew initially considered greeting her , given that she was technically his superior .

However , her unfriendly demeanor made him think better of it .

Pretending not to know her , Andrew found an empty seat and plopped himself down .

However , his actions only angered Francesca , and she silently cursed at him for ignoring her .

Lauren sat down right next to Andrew and smiled .

Its just the four of us today , no outsiders .

Dr.

Lloyd , let me introduce you .

This is my best friend , Francesca Aicker .

She has what youre looking for , Lauren introduced .

Just as Lauren turned to Francesca , Francesca snorted and said coldly , Lauren , theres no need for introductions .

We already know each other.

Lauren was surprised .

Fran , you know Andrew ? Francesca straightened up , her tone icy .

Of course .

Hes just a junior doctor at my hospital , struggling to survive under my supervision .

Lauren smacked her forehead .

Im so forgetful ! Of course , Dr.

Lloyd works at your hospital ! I cant believe that slipped thy mind ! Francesca asked , Lauren , didnt you say a skilled doctor was coming today ? Someone who could treat my condition ? Wheres that person ? Lauren smiled mysteriously , pointing at Andrew .

Ta da ! Fran , Dr.

Lloyd is the expert I wanted to introduce you to .

Ive seen his skills firsthand .

I believe he can solve your tricky situation .

Francesca froze , then scoffed .

I thought it was a real expert , not this con artist .

Him ? Im the chief of Medicine at Jayrodale General Hospital and cant cure this illness .

Who does he think he is ? Lauren frowned .

Fran , Dr.

Lloyd is my friend .

Please dont speak about him like that .

Francesca spoke contemptuously .

Lauren , since were all here , Ill lay it out for you : Andrew is nothing but a fraud and a gold digger .

Christina kicked him out , so he set his sights on you .

If I hadnt caught on in time , youd have fallen right into his dirty trap .

She continued , Oh , and you dont know this , but today at the hospital, I caught this scumbag getting cozy with a young nurse .

It was disgusting , the two of them going at it in broad .

daylight ! How can a man like that be worthy of your attention ? Lauren was shocked , looking at Andrew in disbelief .

Francesca smiled triumphantly .

Every word Ive said is true .

Ask him if you dont believe me .

Eunice looked at Andrew with pity .

His true colors were so ugly , Surely Lauren would kick him to the curb .

Meanwhile , Andrew felt his temples throb , annoyed at Francescas nonsense .

At Chapter 16 first , he did not want to explain , but fearing Laurens misunderstanding , he thought he should say something .

To everyones surprise , Lauren burst out laughing .

Oh my , Dr.

Lloyd , is it true ? Did you really get intimate with a young nurse ? I knew it ! You look all prim and proper , like some celibate heartthrob , but deep down , youre a real charmer She grabbed Andrews hand affectionately and added , Dr.

Lloyd , look at me .

Ive got the curves , the family background , and the looks .

If youre willing to give it to that little nurse , you have to give it to me too , okay ? Pretty please ? This bizarre turn of events left Francesca dumbfounded as if she were struck by lightning .

Was this her best friend , the same elegant , unapproachable Lauren Rhodes ? She had just called Andrew a disgusting scumbag , yet Lauren was still throwing herself at him .