Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1025

"Let's go! What the hell are you doing? Move!" Aspen was so pale she looked like she might pass out, and she shoved Andrew hard—twice.

She could not understand why he was being so reckless. Why could he not lower his ego and let this slide?

After all, this was not Jayrodale. This was the capital, a place crawling with power players and hidden sharks. Even Seth had the sense to shut up, and back down in front of Ruth, yet Andrew was still out here picking a fight.

Was he trying to get them killed?

Andrew suddenly pulled her into his arms, his gaze sharp and cold. He said flatly, "Don't worry. I've got you tonight. If anything happens to you, I'll make sure this trash excuse of a restaurant gets wiped off the map."

Aspen's mind went completely blank, and her body went numb. They were in trouble—deep, terrifying trouble.

Ruth let out a slow, furious laugh and snapped, "You've got a sharp mouth for someone so young! Do you really think you're untouchable? One word from me, and the people behind me will rip you to pieces!"

Andrew raised a brow and said calmly, "So that's how Aroma Exchange does business, huh? I came here, paid for my meal, and now your staff wants to throw fists because your little VIP acted out? Sounds like a classic case of a fancy place bullying its guests."

Ruth clenched her fists, livid but speechless. As much as she wanted to order a beatdown, Andrew's words had enough logic to make it tricky.

However, it was his arrogant attitude that made her see red. Every other guest treated her with respect—only this random nobody dared to bark orders at her.

Somebody in the crowd chuckled mockingly. "Kid, just apologize to Ms. Sinclair and get lost while you still can."

"It's just a meal. You should be grateful you're still breathing—stop pushing your luck!"

Another commented, "Coming to a place like this, you better have the name or the brains to match. But you? You've got neither."

"Only a clueless nobody would piss off the host like this and think he can still finish dinner."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as everyone watched with disbelief as they realized Andrew was seriously refusing to leave just for a damn meal. They figured he was probably some broke loser from out of town, desperate to soak up every last drop of luxury.

Andrew ignored them all. He calmly took Aspen by the hand and returned to the private room. He did not glance at Ruth, nor did he hesitate—he just walked straight in.

The room fell into dead silence.

Ruth froze in place, eyes burning with fury. If looks could kill, the walls would've crumbled.

Every single guest around them was stunned for half a second—then exploded in whispers.

"Did he just ask Ms. Sinclair to drink with him? Is this guy out of his damn mind?"

Someone mocked, "Who the hell does he think he is? One of the heads of The Five Apex Families? The leader of the Three Titans?"

"Shit, this guy is done. I'll bet 200 grand he's not surviving the night."

One said, "That idiot really picked the worst day to mouth off. Mr. Fischer's in the restaurant tonight. Offending Ms. Sinclair is one thing—but him? That's a straight ticket to hell."

At the mention of Zachary Fischer, even the boldest ones lowered their voices.