Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2626

Victoria chuckled. "Don't pressure Andrew to answer that kind of dangerous question."

Then, she turned to Andrew and said, "You should go. Patriarch Donovan is looking for you. As for Tiana and me, we're planning to head back to Gabo Creek tomorrow."

Andrew frowned. "Why go back? You could both just stay here in Chetvine. Especially you. I promised I'd help you rebuild your energy core. I've already made some progress on that."

There was a flicker of warmth in Victoria's eyes, but she quickly shook her head. "You fool. Don't waste your time worrying about me. You have your own goals, your own path to carve out. As for me, whatever happens, happens."

Andrew's expression hardened. "That's not how I see it. I promised I'd help you recover, and I meant it. You've treated me like your own, so even if I have to walk through fire, I'll heal you. You need to believe that."

Victoria stared at him for a long time. In her eyes flickered gratitude, joy, and something softer, something she could not quite name.

In the end, she simply smiled and said warmly, "Silly boy. Thank you for treating me this way. I'll be waiting for your good news, then."

Andrew chatted with them a little longer before leaving to find Donovan.

Tiana and Victoria remained alone in the room.

Tiana said bluntly, "I really don't get you, Victoria. You fight so hard to restrain yourself around Andrew. Why can't you just admit that you see Reginald in him?"

Victoria's face turned slightly red as she gave a cold laugh. "Since when can you read my mind?"

Victoria's chest heaved with anger as she glared. "Don't forget where we are. This is Chetvine, the Lloyd family estate. If the Lloyd royal family heard these words, how could I ever show my face again?"

Tiana smiled. "So you're admitting you have romantic feelings for Andrew?"

Victoria was speechless. After a long pause, she said flatly, "Tiana, let's pack up and return to Gabo Creek. Don't bring this up again. We're nobodies. Supporting Andrew from the shadows is fine, but wanting more than that? That's crossing the line.

"He'll surpass even Reginald one day. I'm not even sure what this feeling is myself, but some things are better left unspoken. Some secrets should stay buried and die with us."

Tiana pursed her lips. "I don't agree with you, but I understand."