Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1157

Chantelle let out a cold laugh. "That's right. That's exactly what he did. Mr. McCormick, don't you think the man's out of his mind?"

Derek narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. After a long pause, he finally exhaled and said, "No. On the contrary, I think you're completely wrong about him. I don't see Andrew as a lunatic—I think he's playing a long, dangerous game."

Chantelle had not expected Derek to say something like that, and her expression turned tense. "Mr. McCormick, without the protection of The Sovereign Residences, do you even realize what kind of storm that madman has invited upon himself?

"Two of the most powerful families in Holtrien have issued bounty kill orders at the same time. The combined reward is nearly a billion—enough to send every killer and martial artist across Gabo Creek Province, maybe even the entire country, into a blood-fueled frenzy!"

Derek gave a faint sneer, his tone laced with disdain. "It's true—money can make even the dead dance. The old saying still holds. A bounty like that is guaranteed to bring every butcher and scoundrel out of hiding.

"But Andrew isn't some reckless fool; even Mark holds him in high regard. While I've kept my distance, I've been watching him quietly. Here's something you didn't know— Andrew has been on my radar for quite a while now. He's definitely not some shallow pond fish."

Chantelle blinked in surprise. "You've been watching him? May I ask why, Mr. McCormick?"

Derek chuckled and waved it off. "Of course you can ask. You're my chief of staff, my most trusted person—what would I ever hide from you?

"Mark recommended him as a 'national hero,' and I didn't think much of it at first. But after I ran a thorough investigation into everything he did in Jayrodale—every last detail—my impression of him changed completely. Still, that's not even the main reason."

Chantelle did not interrupt. She waited, sensing something deeper was coming.