Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1161

Aspen said, "As long as I have the power, I'll do everything I can to block Stevens Corporation from expanding in Blumedale. Andrew may have spared the Stevens family, but I'm not Andrew—I'm Aspen Stevens.

"And you, Christina, are nothing but a vicious, two-faced bitch. I'd rather be a straight-up villainess than show you an ounce of mercy."

With those cold parting words, Aspen turned and walked away. Dylan followed behind her, casting a mocking glance at the Stevens family trio.

He thought they really were pitiful. With Aspen backed by Andrew and holding massive influence, the amount of resources and wealth she could mobilize was practically limitless.

Crushing a small-time family like the Stevens? That was nothing to her, and she could do that with a flick of her finger.

Christina snapped, "Mr. Garner, how does someone like you end up as Aspen's bodyguard? Doesn't that feel beneath you?"

Dylan shrugged. "What's there to feel beneath about it? Ms. Aspen is with Mr. Lloyd now. If he tells me to protect her, I protect her. And if one day Aspen truly becomes his woman, then someone like me would have to be at her beck and call, no questions asked."

Christina's face froze. She could feel the jealousy and rage erupting inside her like a volcano—all of these should have been hers.

It was supposed to be hers alone.

She thought, 'Andrew, how could you be so heartless and forget about us so easily? You favored Aspen, yet refused to give me a second glance."

Her resentment twisted further inside her chest.

Christina gave a cold laugh. "He's interested in getting me into bed. He gets a kick out of the idea of conquering me. However, Quinton values status and power above all.

"For someone to actually become his wife, it wouldn't be just about beauty—it'd about matching his family's influence and helping him rise. So please stop dreaming these ridiculous dreams."

Leroy let out an awkward chuckle. "As a guy, I can see it too. Quinton clearly wants to sleep with Christie, but once he gets what he wants? He'll toss her aside like yesterday's news. A man like him is going to marry someone from one of the top families, no doubt about it."

Irene collapsed back onto the floor, crying and wailing like a child throwing a tantrum. "I don't care! I came to Blumedale to make it big and live a life of luxury! If this doesn't work, and that's a dead end too… doesn't that mean we're just going to fall further and further behind Aspen and Andrew?"

This time, Christina did not even bother responding to her mother. She was already too close to breaking down herself to waste energy on anyone else.