Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1155

News of the bodies floating in Blumedale's reeking drainage canal reached both the Goldings and the Haywoods within hours.

"The first few were just appetizers. If they die, so be it—cannon fodder at best," Elon said coldly. "Andrew, you might have some skills, but you haven't seen my real trump card yet."

Elon's pudgy face darkened with a sinister grin. He had not expected those initial mercs to succeed anyway—they were nothing but disposable thugs, and their deaths did not faze him one bit.

Standing at the edge of the Goldings' main hall, he clapped his hands slowly.

A thin, shadowy figure emerged, walking in with a dry, grating laugh.

"Mr. Golding, I knew you'd eventually call me in," the man rasped.

Elon spoke evenly. "300 million dollars from the Goldings, plus another 100 million from Dr. Lake. That's 400 million in total, Mr. Black Wolf. Same deal as always—the second Andrew's head hits the floor, the money hits your account."

The shadowed figure stood in the backlight, face obscured by darkness. He chuckled again, the sound rough and unpleasant.

"No worries. I've done dirty work for elite families like yours more times than I can count here in Blumedale. Now that I'm involved, Andrew won't live to see another sunrise."

With that, he turned and walked off into the night.

"Sure, four hundred million is a lot—even for us. It's a massive expense, but remember this: as long as the job gets done, spending more is never a problem. Taking down Andrew will restore the Goldings' reputation, and our reputation is everything. Got it?"

Elon lowered his head. "Your words are wise, Father. I understand now. If we went as far as hiring Black Wolf and burned through three hundred million, then that Andrew… well, even his death will be considered a high honor."

Richard scoffed. "That little bastard is one of the most deceitful snakes I've ever seen. He waltzed into Blumedale and made a fool out of me! What's worse is that he humiliated you too. That insult cannot stand!"

Elon's face twitched. "Father, t-the thing with me eating crap, that's all in the past! The entire Goldings clan agreed to keep that buried. No one's supposed to talk about it anymore!"

Richard froze for a second, then nodded solemnly. "You're right. That incident is behind us. No one should bring it up again."