Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 698

Chapter 698 Stephen said calmly , Its not that Ive lost my edge or nerve .

Its just that sometimes , you need to read the room and know when to pick your battles .

He continued , Theres a saying A wise man adapts to the times .

No matter how strong you are , when a true powerhouse shows up , you still have to bow your head if you want to survive .

Raymond waved him off with an irritated snort .

Cut the crap .

What youre really saying is that youre scared of Andrew , right ? Youve already given in to him .

Either way , doesnt matter .

My stance is crystal clear .

If that kid shows up , kneels , toasts me , and pays for all the damages , Ill be merciful and let him walk away with his life .

But if he dares not to show , then tough luck .

Ill make sure he learns exactly what regret feels like .

Stephens expression darkened , and he let out a cold chuckle .

Getting Mr.

Lloyd to kneel and toast you ? Thats never going to happen .

I cant say much more , but Im telling you youre underestimating him .

Once his full strength is revealed , youll regret the decision you made today .

Raymond snorted dismissively .

His strength ? Do you mean Natasha and Dylan ? Those two underground networks ? Please .

Sean mentioned that even Rodney from Madblade Martial Academy showed up that night .

Sure , normally , those three groups might be tricky to deal with .

But guess what ? My time has come .

Everyone gets their shot at the top , and now its my turn .

His eyes glimmered with arrogance as he reclined lazily , radiating unshakable confidence .

Stephens eyelid twitched as a sudden thought struck him .

He hesitated , then asked , Wait … did the Wright family promise to back you ? Raymond smirked triumphantly .

He took a slow sip of his tea , savoring the moment , then answered , Of course .

No point hiding it now .

Mr.

Lloyd coming here doesnt mean hes coming to grovel .

You shouldnt be so quick to mock him .

Raymond snorted with disdain .

Please .

If he had guts , he wouldnt come at all and would just wait for me to hunt him down .

But now that hes coming , doesnt that prove hes scared ? Hes already caved .

Hes nothing but a coward whos letting my presence crush him into submission .

Stephen clenched his teeth and said nothing more .

With the Wright familys influence looming in the background , there was no point arguing further .

Well , Stephen , I think were done here .

Dont let me keep you , Raymond said dismissively , motioning toward the door with a lazy wave .

Chapter 698 His lips curled into a sneer as he added , Pass along my message to that little punk .

If he comes in , kneels , toasts me , and begs for mercy , Ill go easy on him .

But if he tries to act tough , I wont stop until hes completely destroyed .