Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1968

Half an hour later, Andrew left the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce building. The others left soon after, leaving only Ronald and Aaron at the back.

"Ronald, you alright?" Aaron asked, for once showing a hint of concern.

Ronald had wiped the blood from his face, but at the question, his expression twitched. "Do I look alright? I almost got the crap beaten out of me, literally. Aaron, if you don't know how to talk, just keep your mouth shut."

Aaron said, "We've always been enemies and can't stand each other. But honestly, watching you get smacked around just now… I did feel a little bad for you."

"Fuck off," Ronald shot back, his voice dripping venom.

Aaron snorted coldly, "I'm not here to trash-talk with you. Let's talk business now. I'm betting everything on Andrew's side!"

Ronald's face was dark. "Do I have a choice? I couldn't back out now even if I wanted to."

Aaron grinned. "Maybe he really can bring down the Driscoll family. A martial saint is the real deal, a legend in the martial world. It's seriously hard to believe, given how young he is!"

Ronald gritted his teeth, "That's not even the most unbelievable part. What's really mind-blowing is that he wasn't this strong before. But the moment he made his move just now, I knew I was done for."

He added, "Honestly, I felt his determination to kill me earlier, but at the last moment, he held back!"

Aaron shrugged. "A martial saint is on the same level as Maurice. Killing you or me? That's entirely up to his mood. Don't overthink it. Right now, to him, we're just ants."

Ronald gave a bitter snort. "No need to remind me. Oh, and Walter's location is in his hands now. You think Walter will survive?"

The Hopkins were one of the old martial families and loyal vassals of the Driscoll family, and the atmosphere in the main hall was tense.

The family head, Diego Hopkins, slammed his palm down on the table, his anger flaring. "Mr. Burke, you should return home first. I'll take our people straight to the Driscoll residence. I want to see what that little bastard thinks he can do to us."

At the head of the hall sat Walter, his face pale. He still ached from the injuries he had suffered in the cathedral, where Andrew had nearly killed him.

He replied, "No rush. Mr. Driscoll Senior said this little bastard won't be able to stir up much trouble for a while. The Hopkinses must deploy everyone this time. Once we make our move, we must make sure he and all his people are completely annihilated!"

Walter's expression was extremely grim.