Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2712

Jerome laughed. "Even better this way. Honestly, with nearly 30 alchemists on the table, anyone would get greedy."

Andrew turned his head toward the edge of the cliff.

There, Jovan was taking care of Mikayla. The teenager was busy fussing over her, running back and forth with awkward devotion, yet he never said a word, never dared meet her eyes, and never initiated a conversation.

Andrew could not help but smile. A sheltered kid like Jovan, lacking real-world experience, had an incredibly naive mindset.

There was no way he could see through Mikayla's manipulative nature and her hunger for status and wealth?

A wet-behind-the-ears kid like him would not normally get a second glance from Mikayla.

Andrew sighed. "Looks can be deceiving! This kid's just a country bumpkin who has no idea that a woman like Mikayla is more dangerous than a tiger."

Jerome followed his gaze and summed it up. "An innocent boy and a man-eating snake. Without you keeping her in check, my friend, that young man Jovan would probably be drained dry, body and soul."

Andrew chuckled. "That's the thing about a pretty face. It's a dangerous temptation. Especially when it's hiding a venomous heart."

Eric slowly made his way up from the base of the peak, saying dryly, "Koda couldn't wait to claim the director's seat. New bosses love their fire-and-brimstone, so he killed more than a dozen apprentices and elders who refused to bow."

Andrew said calmly, "That's his problem, not ours."

Eric smirked. "I can tell he's feeling resentful. The moment he sat in the big chair, he looked like he wanted to settle scores with us."

Andrew smiled faintly. "He'd better be smart. I really don't want to make the final move. But if he insists on causing trouble, then he leaves me no choice but to take him down."

With that, Andrew walked toward the edge of the peak.

Under Jovan's care, Mikayla looked much better. Her wounds were bandaged up, and she had even taken several pills.

Andrew scoffed. "You think I'm scared? If I've already come this far, why would I be afraid of him?"

Mikayla fell silent. Her expression became uncertain, shifting between emotions. She was starting to regret provoking Andrew like this.

Finally, she mumbled, "Andrew, I didn't mean it. Don't be mad."

Andrew took one look and laughed. "Playing the pitiful victim again, eh? Mikayla, can't you come up with something new? This is how you manipulated Lennox, how you fooled all those simps who worship you… But it doesn't work on me. In fact, it makes me sick."

Mikayla's face stiffened, reverting to cold indifference. "Fine, I admit it. You've got me trapped. But Andrew, you're a man, and I'm a woman. Moreover, we're both from Chetvine. Can you really bring yourself to be that ruthless with me?"

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I? Now, kneel before me and call me daddy!"

Mikayla's body trembled, her face filled with humiliation and disbelief as she screamed, "What did you just say?"