Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2332

Brielle smiled. "Not only did he return, but he also crippled Sorya's Ezekiel Beckett from the Tristars Group and sent him back home. Mr. Orben, it seems your time studying with the Divine Alchemists left you a little out of touch with the news."

Theon's face turned sour. "Madam Baxter, you're right. I haven't kept up with what's been happening in Chetvine. I just got back and heard that someone here at Sovereign's Apothecary was about to refine a ninth-grade supreme elixir, and my first thought was simple: fraud, 100% fraud."

Brielle shook her head. "Mr. Lloyd is no fraud. He's the treasure of Sovereign's Apothecary. With him here, we'll be producing high-grade pills that people will fight to get their hands on."

Theon snorted. "I refuse to believe his skills have truly reached the ninth grade. Madam Baxter, you should always be cautious. That brat has been running around like an outlaw for years, and who knows what kind of scheme he's planning now that he's back. If we get fooled, the loss would be beyond repair."

Amari's fury boiled over. "Theon, screw you. You come back here running your mouth like you've got crap for brains! Back then, even at your age, Andrew crushed you under his foot. Yet here you are, still bitter and petty, never moving forward. With that attitude, your so-called alchemy will never amount to anything. I suggest you just go ahead and dig yourself a grave!"

Theon's temper exploded, and he roared, "Amari, you useless old fool! Do you actually think I wouldn't dare kill you?"

Brielle frowned. "Enough, both of you! Or are you telling me my word counts for nothing here?"

The two men finally backed down, though the hatred in their eyes was unmistakable.

Everyone in Sovereign's Apothecary knew the two had never gotten along. They despised each other on sight.

However, Theon was skilled at gathering followers and currying favor with Chetvine's elites, which gave him wealth and influence.

Amari, on the other hand, had excellent alchemy skills but no sense for politics. He either drank or shut himself away with his cauldron, never socializing, never networking. Over time, his influence and connections fell far behind Theon's.

Brielle said calmly, "Mr. Lloyd's true abilities will be revealed soon enough. There's no need for more arguments. Especially you, Mr. Orben. Since I've chosen to believe in Mr. Lloyd, you shouldn't keep questioning and undermining my decision. You know very well I don't like people second-guessing my decisions."

…

On the other side, Mikayla had seen the entire clash between Amari and Theon.

A thoughtful look spread across her face before it twisted into a cold smile.

She mumbled, "So, Mr. Orben is back. Mr. Goodman, if you keep pushing me away, I can always find another person. But there's no rush to switch over to Mr. Orben just yet. I should see for myself what kind of person Mr. Goodman's senior really is. If his skills are the real deal, then no matter what, I'll make sure to become his student!"

Mikayla was clever, ambitious, and deeply calculating. Every step she took was carefully planned, leaving no room for error.