Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2757

Finnegan let out a sharp laugh. "Whether he meant it or not, his actions already showed it. According to what you told me, he's already with Luna, and as for you, you walked away with nothing."

He shook his head and said, "Valerie, you're too naive. Andrew wasn't worth it, and the feelings you think you have for him were nothing more than an illusion. Trust me, what you felt was temporary and fake. The two of you barely spent any real time together. Yet you've convinced yourself that you fell for him, and that was a mistake."

Valerie shook her head and said, "Back in the Eastern Regions, when Alfredo was chasing us, things were so dangerous that he told us to run first. I saw him covered in blood, but he still looked at me and smiled so gently when he called my name."

She added softly, "Dad, that was the first time he said my name like that. I couldn't forget it after that."

Finnegan replied coldly, "I told you already, it was your imagination. If you want a man, I can find you any kind you want in the future, so stop bothering with him. Otherwise, the only one getting hurt will be you."

Valerie hesitated. "Then can I at least go see him and warn him to be careful? Dad, I promise I'll go and come right back."

Finnegan answered with indifference. "You can't go. You heard everything just now, and I agreed to Guillermo that I wouldn't interfere with his setup, because the Reyes family just wants to stay out of this. Even if you went, it would be pointless. Andrew already knows someone is setting a trap to kill him, and he can't avoid it anyway."

He added, "But as I said, you're not strong enough right now, so you should stay far away from these high-level games."

Valerie wanted to argue again, but Finnegan waved her off and dismissed her.

Right then, Elaine walked in and gave Valerie a meaningful look.

Valerie understood immediately that this was not the moment to go against Finnegan's orders. His infamous temper and impulsiveness were well known, and growing up with him had led her to adopt some of his habits as well.

Elaine's face changed. She could not help asking, "Finnegan, what exactly is Mr. Vasquez's planning?"

Finnegan gritted his teeth. "It's not just Guillermo. It's Guillermo, Jose, the Owens family, the Cunningham family, the Harding family, plus Alfredo Topsfield, the strongest in the Eastern Regions. And the Divine Alchemists, the Nieves family, the top family in southern Holtrien, and many, many more. There are at least 30 factions involved. This time, they're joining forces to cast an enormous net, and Andrew and Reginald are the first targets."

He added, "Reginald has been working overseas for years, but Guillermo won't give him the chance to grow any further. He's forcing a final showdown. And Andrew, whether he likes it or not, is caught in the same net."

Finnegan let out a bitter laugh. "Forget you or Valerie. Even I, the Reyes family, or even the Lloyd royal family, can't do a thing. When a wave this massive sweeps through, no one can stop it."

Elaine felt a chill run through her entire body as she froze on the spot.