Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1158

"But luckily," Derek continued, "I did find out that his name was Reginald Lloyd."

Chantelle sneered. "Reginald Lloyd… Andrew Lloyd—what a coincidence. They're both Lloyds. Too bad one of them earned your admiration as a once-in-a-generation strategist…"

"And the other?" She gave a dry chuckle. "Let's just say… he doesn't quite measure up."

Derek smiled. "Elle, seems like you've got a bit of a grudge against our Mr. Lloyd. Care to share why?"

Chantelle hesitated, visibly grinding her teeth. She obviously could not tell Derek that Andrew had already seen every inch of her thanks to an earlier incident.

Instead, she cleared her throat. "Mr. McCormick, stop pulling my legs. We're public servants, and since Mr. Lloyd is working with you, I have no right to dislike him."

She deflected smoothly with a rehearsed tone.

Derek nodded. "It's obvious Andrew has potential. The old money clans have been monopolizing power and locking up economic control for far too long. Seeing someone new like Andrew step into the game?

"That's exactly what I want. We need fresh blood to break the chains of these outdated systems. So, I need you to take this seriously—go protect him."

Chantelle was visibly reluctant. "But Mr. McCormick, if you get directly involved, wouldn't the elite families, maybe even the Three Titans themselves, start raising hell over this?"

Derek snorted coldly. "Let them have their opinions. What, you think I'm going to start asking permission to do my job?"

Chantelle nodded and muttered, "Well, with you backing him, Andrew really must be riding high."

Derek looked at her suspiciously. "Elle, you're usually calm and detached. You've never shown this much… passion for any man before. Even though your feelings toward Andrew seem to be mostly annoyance and disdain, the fact that you're this emotional over him says something."

"Looks like he has left quite an impression on you, huh?" he teased.

Chantelle froze, then quickly wiped her expression and said coldly, "You're overthinking it, Mr. McCormick. I just think the guy's trash. But since he's someone you value, I'll do my part and keep an eye on him. Out of respect for you."

Derek chuckled. "Good. Now go and make sure he stays alive."