Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2297

Sheena said, "Uncle Reginald mentioned that he already built a new estate for you over in Vestra. If things ever get too tough for you here, you can go there. Oh, and he even found you a few blonde, blue-eyed ladies. If you like one of them, you can marry her."

Andrew chuckled. "Is that so? Well, thank you for letting me know, but I won't be needing it for now."

As Andrew started to walk off, Sheena hopped down from the pavilion. "Hold it. Didn't you just ignite the Blood-Eyed Black Dragon mark? Perfect timing, because I want to see for myself if that ‘unrivaled to below the martial emperor level' talk about you is true."

Andrew waved a hand behind him. "Make it another day. I've got business to handle right now."

Sheena watched his back disappear into the distance, then rubbed her chin and muttered, "This isn't good. The moment he came home, he stumbled into such a huge opportunity. Igniting the family totem is no small matter.

"What if he can keep igniting more… even all of them? Then where would that leave me? Second place? That's as good as being nothing. No way, I can't let that happen. I have to keep up, or I'll be crushed beneath him."

…

Meanwhile, Natasha and Aspen were at a local farmers' market picking up groceries.

"The Lloyd family cafeteria is honestly terrible," Natasha said as she picked through vegetables. "We might as well cook for darling ourselves. At least it will taste good and be healthy."

Aspen smiled. "I don't mind at all. Whatever you decide, Natasha, I'll go along with it. Cooking together for Andrew in our little family? Just thinking about it makes me happy."

Natasha laughed. "Exactly! But Aspen, we'll need to tell him to expand the house soon. Otherwise, when Lauren, Fran, Chantelle, and Rowan come over, we won't have enough room."

Aspen nodded quickly. "You're right. Our family keeps growing without us even realizing it."

The men's faces stayed cold and silent. A few more men got out of the other two vehicles, each radiating a heavy, dangerous presence.

Natasha grew slightly uneasy, but Aspen remained calm. "We belong to the Lloyd family. Before you act, you'd better think this through."

The men exchanged tense glances, then stepped aside. A tall figure in a full military uniform climbed out slowly. He removed his sunglasses with a mocking smile.

It was Kyrie.

"Miss, you still remember me, don't you?"