Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1769

After a moment of silence, Andrew smiled calmly. "Governor McCormick, let's not beat around the bush. I think what you just said was a reminder that I've been expanding too quickly, which has made you uneasy, right?"

Derek looked surprised, then let out a short laugh. "You sure don't beat around the bush. Here I was, trying to be subtle. You're right, Mr. Lloyd. I am indeed uneasy."

He explained, "Gabo Creek province already has enough troublemakers. The Three Titans alone constantly exhaust me, and now there's you added to the mix. If we switched places and you were sitting in my position, how would you feel?"

Andrew nodded. "I get where you're coming from. When someone below keeps expanding unchecked, the result is always the same: things spiral out of control. You're the head of this state, so naturally, that's the last thing you want. But I'll say this—you can trust me."

Derek raised an eyebrow and asked, "Can you give me just one reason to trust you?"

Andrew looked him in the eye and laughed.

Andrew met his gaze and smiled. "For the greater good of everyone!"

Derek shook his head. "Not good enough. Not even close."

Andrew said, "Then how about this? To fix the system, empower the marginalized, save forgotten knowledge, and build a better future."

Derek shook his head again. "You sound like you're running for President. So no, still not convincing."

Andrew paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Governor McCormick, do you remember something you once told me? You said you studied abroad at Chetvine. While you were there, you met someone brilliant in every way, someone who left a lasting impression and earned your respect."

Derek frowned slightly. "Yeah… I remember. It's true. To this day, that man sticks in my memory, but I never got to find out who he really was."

Andrew asked, "After becoming governor, did you ever use your connections or resources to try to find out?"

Derek hesitated, then let out a bitter laugh. "I'd be lying if I said no. Yeah, I did some digging. All I learned was that he came from the royal family of Chetvine. As for which exact family… that was beyond my reach."

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