Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 670

Nyla's voice was barely above a whisper. "Then… he struck me with his palm… Everything went dark… I wanted to warn you, Dr. Lloyd, but I blacked out before I could."

Andrew pressed his hands gently on her shoulders. "Nyla, you don't need to say anything else. Just rest."

Nyla shook her head weakly, refusing to stay silent. "Dr. Lloyd, run! That hunchbacked old man is terrifying. He said he'd come back. If he can't find you, he'll kill one person a day… until you show up."

Francesca clenched her fists, her entire body trembling with rage. "That psycho!"

Andrew's expression turned bone-chillingly cold. "Don't worry. He won't get the chance. Fran, stay here and watch over Nyla. I need to take care of something."

There was something in Andrew's voice—something final—that made Francesca's heart skip a beat. She reached for him in panic. "Andrew, where are you going? Please, be careful!"

Andrew nodded but did not stop. "I won't be long."

His G-Wagon roared to life, tires screeching as he sped straight toward Stevens Mansion. He thought Aspen and Gordon had gone too far, and since they wanted violence, he would give them violence.

…

Meanwhile, inside Stevens Mansion, Aspen sat in her room, sipping freshly brewed coffee. For the first time in ages, she actually felt relaxed.

Ever since coming to Jayrodale, she had suffered one humiliating setback after another.

"Mr. Woods already made his move on Moonlit Apothecary," she mused, taking another slow sip.

"Andrew slipped away by sheer luck, but that doesn't matter. As long as we got one of his little pets killed, it should be enough to terrify him."

Even so, Aspen could not care less. If they pushed their luck, she would have Gordon take care of them both. At the very least, she would make sure they never dared to speak against her again.

The only one she still had some affection for was Christina. Unlike the others, Christina had always been supportive and respectful toward her.

If things went well, Aspen figured she might introduce Christina to one of the wealthy families in Blumedale. It would be a good trade—Christina was beautiful, and those wealthy heirs loved pretty women.

If she played it right, she could sell Christina off for a damn good price. Aspen smirked to herself. Just as she was about to take another sip of coffee, a loud crash suddenly sounded.

From the front of the mansion came a woman's furious scream. Then, a gut-wrenching howl of pain. Moments later, a deep, commanding voice thundered through the entire estate.

"Aspen, get your ass out of here!"