Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1148

Aspen said, "You're the one who killed Seth. The Haywoods are going to target you first—so you'd better leave now while you still can!"

Andrew said nothing. Instead, he walked toward her slowly, one step at a time.

Aspen frowned and instinctively took a step back. The space between them was too close for comfort, and it made her uneasy.

However, Andrew did not stop—he kept moving in, ignoring her resistance entirely.

Aspen soon found herself backed up against the wall. Her expression turned cold as she snapped, "What are you doing?"

Andrew leaned in, towering over her. "Aspen, something's off with you."

"What are you talking about?"

"You are… worried about my safety, aren't you?"

Aspen shoved him hard, her face flushing as she barked, "I wasn't joking just now! If you're not taking this seriously, then just forget I said anything!"

Her heart was pounding. For a second, she thought Andrew was going to kiss her. If he had, she would have bitten his tongue off without hesitation.

…

The skies over Blumedale were dark and heavy. From the mountaintop estate of The Sovereign Residences, it looked like a torrential storm was about to crash down.

The Haywoods' estate, located in the wealthy western district of Blumedale, was massive, grand, luxurious, and opulent, as one would expect from one of The Five Apex Families.

But inside, the mood was grim and suffocating.

"Effective immediately—issue the family kill order," roared the Haywood family's patriarch, Roy Haywood, his voice shaking the entire estate.

"We're putting a bounty of half a billion on that bastard Andrew! I want him hunted until there's nothing left to bury!"

Xavier's hands clenched tighter, his body brimming with rage. Bones cracked under the pressure.

He said coldly, "No rush. We start the funeral the day Andrew's head lands at Seth's altar. I want to offer that bastard's skull as a tribute for 49 days straight!"

The butler nodded. "Of course, sir. But… Mr. Seth's body won't keep for too long. We should begin preparations sooner rather than later."

Xavier raised three fingers, and his voice boomed with dominance. "Three days! If that bastard's head isn't laid at Seth's altar in three days, then I'll offer my own life as an apology to Seth!"

Roy's brows twitched. He did not like hearing those kinds of words from his eldest son. After all, Xavier was the most promising heir of the Haywoods, and talking about dying was never a good thing.

But then again, this fire, this pride, this absolute dominance was exactly what a true Haywood man was supposed to be.

So, Roy said nothing of it. He believed that three days would be enough.