Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1026

Some guests watched on with smug amusement.

Ruth bit down her rage and gave a chilling command to the man at her side. "Wait until they finish their meal and leave the restaurant. I want that punk's tongue."

With that, she turned and walked away, the contempt on her face thick enough to cut through glass.

What a joke—he actually thought he could touch her?

Ruth was beautiful, yes, but she was also powerful. In a place like this, people did not just treat her with courtesy—they treated her with reverence. No one had ever dared to say something so disrespectful to her, and the reason was simple.

Behind her stood a monster of a man, a silent force that kept Aroma Exchange untouchable. He was the one who made this restaurant sacred ground.

…

Back in the private suite, the food was served again, freshly plated. A new bottle of Celestial Reserve had also been opened.

Andrew ate happily, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, Aspen sat stiff as a board, her face pale and tense, and she couldn't bring herself to touch a single dish.

"Well, you might as well eat up… because after this, we probably won't live to see the next meal," she muttered with a bitter smile.

Andrew glanced at her. "Why aren't you eating? Come on. You're safe—I'm here."

Aspen shook her head, her voice low and hollow. "Go ahead and enjoy yourself. I can't. I'll do what I can to protect you once we leave, but I don't think it'll matter much. In the end, whether you live or die… it's out of my hands now."

Andrew just smiled and continued eating without another word. After all, he needed energy. Once he had it, he would not care if it was some snooty restaurant or one of the Three Titans' own estates—he would march in and flip the table. He never liked picking fights, but he hated being pushed around even more.

…

At that, the man's face finally darkened. "He asked you to drink with him? Does he not know that you—and this whole damn restaurant—are under my name?"

Ruth let out a cold snort. "He's just some idiot from nowhere and doesn't know a damn thing. I've already told the boys—I want his tongue cut out."

However, the man shook his head. "No need."

Ruth turned, glaring. "No need? What, don't you love me anymore? Or are you scared?"

He let out a low growl, then suddenly bit her lip hard and sucked until her mouth swollen. Only then did he pull back, smirking as he licked his lips.

"Scared? In Gabo Creek, there are only a few names worth worrying about. And I'm not scared of anyone, you got that, you little tease? This place? I built it for you to enjoy."

He added, "You're mine—and everyone in the capital knows it. Let's go. I don't come out often, but I think it's time I showed my face. And while I'm at it, I'll take care of this little nobody who dared to disrespect my woman."