Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 707

Lauren said, "Dr. Lloyd, I'm going with you to the Jayrodale Grand Hotel tomorrow!"

Andrew waved his hand dismissively. "No need. We're at a critical stage with our pharmaceutical product launch right now. You and Mr. Chapman are already swamped, so just stay focused on the product!"

Lauren frowned with concern. "But I don't feel comfortable letting you go alone!"

Andrew replied calmly, "Relax. I'm going there to reason with Raymond. We've got the facts on our side, so there's nothing to fear, no matter how many people he brings."

Lauren could not hold back her anxiety. "Raymond's got Winston backing him up, and they have no intention of playing fair. They're just trying to strong-arm us, Dr. Lloyd. You know that better than anyone!"

Andrew's eyes darkened, but his tone remained steady. "In this world, everything should be resolved through reason. But if brute force is the solution, then I prefer it that way."

That was his principle: if no one messed with Andrew, he would not mess with them. However, if some entitled rich kid thought he could show up and start throwing his weight around, Andrew could not care what his background was—he would stomp him into the ground just the same.

After work, Andrew drove straight to Moonlit Sanctuary, planning to get some rest. Just then, his phone rang.

Stephen's anxious voice came through the line. "Mr. Lloyd, you've been quiet for the past two days, but Raymond is absolutely furious!"

Andrew remained indifferent. "Let him rage. What does that have to do with me?"

Stephen let out a bitter chuckle. "Raymond's going all out to put on a show. Not only did he invite Winston, but a bunch of Jayrodale's most influential people were also attending.

"You ignoring him for two days has humiliated him in front of everyone. If you show up tomorrow, he's definitely going to get physical. Maybe you should just skip the meeting altogether."

Andrew sneered. "Are you suggesting I back down like a coward?"

Stephen quickly corrected himself. "Of course not! I just think the Reckoning Toast is probably ruined anyway, so there's no point in confronting Raymond head-on. Once he cools off, I can step in and try to negotiate. Maybe we can smooth things over—"

Stephen had made it this far by taking risks; this time, he was going all in.

In the worst-case scenario, he would end up broke and begging on the streets. However, if he won, he would be living the high life, with money and power at his fingertips.

…

A notification beep interrupted Andrew's sleep, and he grumbled, "Who the hell is texting me at this hour?"

Squinting, he unlocked his phone—it was Francesca.

[Andrew, I can't sleep.]

Andrew immediately knew what this meant. That big-breasted little tease was trying to seduce him again in the middle of the night.