Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1122

Ethan refused to let it go. He pointed at Andrew, cursing under his breath. "Kid, I'm not gonna stoop to your level. But if I actually wanted to deal with you, you wouldn't even live to see the sunrise tomorrow. You better believe that."

Xavier stepped forward and looked down at Andrew with a calm, superior gaze. "I can see you've got some skill. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to stand up to my younger brother, Seth.

"But here's a word of advice—you've made too many enemies. And your attitude? It's practically begging for trouble. Sooner or later, it'll catch up to you."

Andrew raised a brow. "So that scumbag Seth is your little brother, huh? That means you're from the Haywoods."

Although Xavier tried maintaining a cool, aloof front, a hint of arrogance still slipped through his mask. "I'm the eldest son of the Haywoods. Go ask anyone on the streets of Blumedale—see if there's a soul who doesn't know the name Xavier Haywood."

Andrew shook his head. "Sorry, but I'm not bored enough to waste time asking strangers about you. Now move. Serenity Villa isn't for sale."

A shadow of menace crossed Xavier's face. "You sure you don't want to reconsider? I'm willing to offer you a price so astronomical, you and your descendants wouldn't be able to spend it in ten lifetimes.

"On top of that, I'll make all your problems in Blumedale disappear. In other words, give me the house, and I'll save your life."

A playful smirk tugged at his lips, confident that no low-level nobody like Andrew could resist such a golden offer. After all, Xavier had pull in the military and was backed by the full force of the Haywoods. To him, Andrew's fate could be decided with a single gesture.

Yet, Andrew just laughed. "Colonel Xavier, gotta say—you really think you're hot shit, huh? You've gone through all this trouble for Serenity Villa. I'm guessing it's because of Ms. Phelan, right?"

Xavier did not deny it. He chuckled proudly. "Good. Saves me the trouble of explaining. Luna is the moon in the heavens, and I, Xavier, believe I'm no less than the sun itself.

"The sun and moon have always belonged together. So, if Luna wants something, I'll make damn sure she gets it."

"This Andrew guy? He's a clown. A broke little nobody throwing shade just because he can't have what you have…"

Their flattery came flooding in like a pack of desperate lapdogs, but Xavier's face did not soften in the slightest. In fact, his expression grew darker—so cold and stormy it felt like the air itself had turned to ice.

"Very well. Very well," Xavier said, his voice low and dangerous.

He hissed, "In Blumedale, aside from the old farts who still hold power, there's hardly anyone in the younger generation who dares disrespect me. I tried playing nice. He didn't listen. So I've got nothing else to say. When his body turns up in a ditch, Serenity Villa will still end up in my hands."

The words were delivered casually, but Xavier's face was slowly curling into a twisted grin. The young heirs all shivered slightly, a single thought rising in every one of their minds—that punk named Andrew Lloyd was already as good as dead.