Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2808

Valerie wiped away her tears, her eyes still red. "Don't think saying these things will make me forgive you! Andrew, you're really infuriating. What you did to me before… I still remember it!"

Andrew assumed she was talking about the time he had stripped her clothes off, so he just smiled and did not press the issue.

However, Valerie was actually thinking about the time at the foot of the Advanced Medical Institute's mountain when Andrew had shaken the peach blossoms for her. For Luna, he had gently shaken the blossoms with his hand. For her, he had just kicked the tree.

It was such a tiny detail, but for a girl in love, it cut deeper than any wound.

Valerie had always acted brash and carefree, but once she fell for someone, she became so fragile it would make anyone ache for her.

That moment had stuck in her heart like a splinter she could not pull out. Even so, she also did not dare bring it up, because she feared Andrew really had seen her as less than Luna.

If that were true, she would rather never know what he thought back then.

The two of them continued up the long stone staircase together. Valerie supported Andrew, smiling sweetly.

Andrew forced himself to turn his head and look at her. "Valerie, you're lovely when you smile."

Balerie huffed proudly. "Of course I know I'm beautiful! I'm definitely not worse than Luna. Honestly, I used to wonder if you had bad eyesight, since you couldn't even see that."

Andrew said seriously, "No. I've always thought you were beautiful. Stunning, actually."

Valerie soaked in every word, her gaze turning soft, and her voice unintentionally dropping into a gentle tone. "Then why… Why were you like that to me before?"

Andrew let out a bitter laugh. "Because back then, I didn't really know you. I can't just fall for every pretty girl I meet and collect them like some harem novel hero. If I did that, how would I be any different from those cliche protagonists?"

Valerie gritted her teeth. "So you think you're pretty noble, huh? Luna is my sworn enemy, and you still brought her into your life, not to mention all your other little flings. Andrew, you're no saint either."

Valerie sneered. "Last time, Cade lied to me! Go tell him that Valerie from the Reyes family is here to see Mr. Luther Johnston on urgent business."

The man straightened. "Miss, you can't just request a meeting with Mr. Johnston. Without prior approval, we can't let you through. So either go back or wait here. When he decides to see you, then you can enter."

Valerie exploded. "Wait? You think I can afford to wait? I'm only asking to see Mr. Johnston, and you're telling me to line up? The person with me is seriously injured and needs treatment right now. So, do yourself a favor and call him out. Otherwise, I'll tear down this gate myself."

The four apprentices instantly adopted guarded stances, hostility flashing in their eyes.

"Miss, if you keep causing trouble, then we won't stay polite," the lead disciple warned.

Mount Lourneau had always been confident in its status, so even Valerie's name did not intimidate them.

Andrew saw Valerie heating up, ready to swing at them, so he quickly said, "Valerie, stop! Take the letter from my jacket and give it to them."