Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2230

Donovan's voice grew weathered and filled with pain. "Do you think we don't know that Andrew hates us? Reginald was permanently exiled from the family and banished from Chetvine.

"Back then, I was the one who declared that if Reginald dared to return, I'd turn him into a cripple. And as for Andrew, I stood by and watched as mysterious figures planted permanent seals in his energy core.

"Remember this, Sheena… The seals in Andrew's energy core are supposed to be permanent. But now he's already broken through two of them completely on his own, without any help from anyone."

He continued, "While this was within our expectations, it's also a clear sign. If he manages to break what's supposed to be permanent and accomplish the impossible, then everyone who owes him will have to pay the price.

"And if he holds grudges, if the evil dragon sleeping in the depths of his heart awakens… Could you or I possibly stop him?"

Sheena fell completely silent at his words. She suddenly crouched down on the ground, buried her head in her hands, and began sobbing uncontrollably.

"I never wanted to see him die back then, either. When he and Uncle Reginald were being hunted, I rushed out of Chetvine to find him. I was willing to give up my own life for him at that time, so I don't think I owe him anything."

Donovan sighed deeply and patted her shoulder gently. "You don't owe him anything now, but eventually, you will. Sheena, you're not a child anymore, so let me tell you more today… Actually, two-thirds of the reason we let Andrew leave home without interference was because of you."

Sheena looked up with tear-filled eyes and laughed bitterly. "I don't believe it."

Donovan smiled sadly in return. "The Lloyd family may seem vast and wealthy, but both you and he are like gold-devouring beasts. The family's resources can supply you both infinitely, but the family's fortune and destiny… Well, there's only so much to go around.

"But at that crucial moment, Reginald spoke up and said he'd give the opportunity to you. He said his tough little boy could handle being thrown around and roughed up without any problems."

He explained, "So Andrew was forcibly sent to that organization to undergo inhumane training. That's how he and Conrad from the Cunningham family ended up in a bitter feud. But none of that really matters in the grand scheme of things.

"The Cunningham family is just a stepping stone for Andrew to temper his character and resolve. Otto, that old fool, thinks he severed half of the Lloyd family's strength by destroying Andrew and Reginald.

"In reality, when it comes to behind-the-scenes maneuvering, who can possibly compare to our family? Now, Andrew has returned, and Reginald is already approaching the halfway point of our plan."