Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 991

Quinton did not speak, his brow furrowed tightly. Meanwhile, Christina's side suddenly let out a mocking laugh.

Shawn's face flushed red with anger as he snapped, "Christie, what's so funny? Do you think my suggestion is a joke?"

Christina gave him a cold glance, her voice dripping with disdain. "That wasn't a suggestion—it was idiocy. A suicide mission."

Shawn clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "Christina, don't think just because Quinton favors you now, you can talk down to me."

He leaned in, his voice low and threatening. "Mark my words, one day, you'll be mine."

Christina's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes filled with contempt. "Shawn, did you forget how you slunk out of Jayrodale like a beaten dog after Andrew humiliated you?"

She tilted her head, her gaze icy. "Look at you now. What do you think you are in my eyes?"

Shawn exploded with rage. Christina had not spelled it out, but her look said everything—to her, he was nothing more than a pathetic mutt.

Quinton cut in, his tone calm but firm. "Enough, Shawn. Sit down and listen instead of interrupting."

Shawn's face darkened, but he did not dare argue. It was clear Quinton valued Christina's input far more than his.

Turning to Christina, Quinton asked, "Alright, Christie, explain to me—why would going after Andrew be a suicide move?"

Christina took a deep breath, her expression serious. "Quinton, I'll be blunt because I respect you. Right now, you're the Stevens family's best hope, and I won't watch you crash and burn in Jayrodale."

Quinton nodded. "You're a sharp and capable woman. I'm listening."

"With Mr. Mark Thatcher, our mayor, backing him up, Andrew has a golden path laid out in every direction."

The more Quinton listened, the more uneasy he felt. After all, if he had tried to build an empire in Jayrodale himself, he doubted he could have pulled off even half of that—even with the full support of the Wrights behind him.

Christina added, "You might not know this, but Donald Warren—the chief of Jayrodale Police Commissioner—is one of Andrew's buddies. To be blunt, the guy basically treats him like a boss. But the real kicker is Marvin Yates—the wealthiest man in the city."

Quinton blinked in disbelief. "Wait, even Marvin? You're not seriously telling me he's one of Andrew's people too?"

Christina gave him a wry smile. "That's exactly what I'm saying. A lot of folks in Jayrodale have seen how close they are. Some say Andrew might be Marvin's illegitimate son; others think he's his adopted heir.

"Whatever the truth is, one thing's clear—Andrew has Marvin's unconditional support."