Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2384

Andrew sneered. "That's it? That's the big secret?"

The old man urged, "That's all there is. Now you know what happened back then, so hand over what's in your hand."

Andrew took a step back with a faint laugh. "You expect me to buy that? One sentence, and I'm supposed to hand you a fortune? Come on. From what I know, when the Lloyd father and son escaped from Chetvine, Mr. Vazquez wasn't even there."

The old man's tone turned icy. "So, you knew that much? You were testing me, weren't you? Look around, kid. It's just the two of us here. This is the most hidden chamber in the auction hall. Even if you scream, it'll take a full minute before anyone gets here, and that's more than enough time for me to kill you a dozen times."

By the end of his sentence, his killing intent was fully exposed. "Hand over the supreme elixir, and maybe I'll let you live. You're naive, too damn naive. Walking in here alone with something that valuable? Ha! Running into me was just your bad luck. Hand it over, or…"

He left the threat hanging in the air.

Andrew's mouth twitched slightly. This old bastard was exactly as cunning as he had suspected. Clearly, even experienced operatives could be caught off guard and make mistakes. Too bad he wasn't the kind of rookie this man thought he was.

Andrew was the kind who knew he might be walking into a trap, but did not care. If someone dared to trick him, he would make sure they regretted it.

"Alright, I can give you the supreme elixir," Andrew said, affecting a look of panic and fear as he continued backing away. "But at the very least, you need to tell me who actually placed that seal on the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince back then. Otherwise, when I return empty-handed, my boss will have me killed directly."

The old man's smugness intensified, and he burst into satisfied laughter. "Ah, so you're working for someone else! No wonder you're such an inexperienced fool who doesn't know anything, just cannon fodder, really. But since you're being honest with me, I don't mind sharing a bit more information."

The insult was more effective than any physical blow.

The old man's rage erupted instantly. "You insolent brat! You're asking for death!"

His foot slammed against the ground, sending a surge of violent energy outward. He lunged forward simultaneously, claws extended to snatch the falling box while his eyes blazed with murderous intent. Then, his other hand raked toward Andrew's throat with lethal force.

It was a full-on killing move, one meant to take both the man and his treasure in one strike.