Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1356

The eighth round, the Vein Whisperer challenge, had officially ended.

Stagehands quickly cleared away the excess props from the platform, leaving just three remaining figures standing in the left, center, and right positions. From the audience, it was an unobstructed view of the three contestants.

On the far right stood Andrew, now undeniably the center of attention.

Thomas and Mosby making it this far was expected, but Andrew? He had bulldozed his way here with one shocking move after another, turning every expectation on its head.

People could not help but wonder—was he just insanely lucky, or had he been hiding his true strength all along, playing the fool to catch his opponents off guard?

Up on the judges' platform, Clifford's expression was as dark as a storm cloud. He leaned forward and barked, "Andrew, this is your last chance. Will you withdraw now and walk away with a respectable third place, full of honors?"

Andrew rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Why would I quit now? Third place isn't nearly enough for me."

The crowd burst into laughter. This guy had guts, no doubt, but was he not worried about biting off more than he could chew? Most would have been thrilled to secure third place at this stage.

Clifford's patience was wearing thin, and he snapped, "Third place isn't enough for you? What, do you think you can take second?"

Andrew smirked, raising two fingers and shaking them dismissively. "Nope. I'm not interested in being the eternal runner-up either. I said it before—my goal is the championship."

Clifford let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "You're out of your mind! That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

Andrew's eyes narrowed, his tone turning icy. "You'll find out soon enough, old man. Just sit back and watch."

Lauren frowned. "Are you anemic, then? Maybe you should have Andrew check you out later, just to be safe."

Aspen's cheeks flushed a deep red, a shy, awkward smile spreading across her face. "Um… no, it's not that. It's just… well, let's talk about it later."

Of course, she was not anemic. As a senior grandmaster-level martial artist, it would be ridiculous for her to suffer from anemia.

The truth was far more embarrassing. Her recent bleeding had a much simpler explanation—she had only just lost her virginity last night. The sheets had been speckled with a fair amount of blood, and her energy had been completely drained. Her legs still felt weak, trembling slightly every time she tried to close them.

Every time her thighs brushed together, a sharp, stinging heat reminded her of just how merciless Andrew had been.