Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1194

Justin instantly sensed something was about to spiral. He rushed forward and tried to defuse the tension. "Mr. Hopkins, please calm down. We're all just here to have a nice dinner—no need for this."

Archie clutched his swollen cheek, his face twisted with rage. "Calm down? Get out of my face! If you say another word, I'll end you too!"

Justin flinched and quickly backed off, no longer daring to speak. However, as he glanced toward the Rhodes family, his eyes burned with resentment.

He cursed them for being foolish. Despite knowing they could not go up against the Hopkins, they still had to throw punches. He could not help but think they were just asking for it.

Lauren's voice rang out cold and firm. "Mr. Hopkins, what are you trying to do? Start a war?"

Archie bellowed with laughter. "Big mouth on you, you little bitch! With your trashy Rhodes family, you're not even qualified to go to war with the Hopkins!"

He sneered, eyes gleaming. "But don't worry—I'm not just gonna take your mom.

I'll take you too. A mother-daughter combo? Now that's what I call fun, haha!"

The commotion drew a crowd. Guests who had been dining inside now poured out to spectate, curious about the chaos. As soon as they saw who was involved, the onlookers began shouting.

"Mr. Rhodes, are you insane? Who do you think you are picking a fight with Archie Hopkins?"

Another chimed in, "The Rhodes family just barely made a name for themselves in Blumedale. Now you're picking a fight with Archie? You must have a death wish!"

"Whoa, Mr. Hopkins actually got slapped? Twice? That's like stealing from a lion's den!

What is the Rhodes family thinking? Are they trying to get wiped off the map?"

Hearing the crowd cheer him on, Archie grinned triumphantly. He turned back to Tiana and Jameson, smugness oozing from every pore. "Tiana, Jameson—you hear that? This city knows what's what. Now, I'm feeling generous, so I'll give you both a choice."

He continued, "Jameson, you get on your knees and beg me for forgiveness. And Tiana? Strip down and spend one wild night with me."

His crude demands sent the crowd into another fit of laughter. To them, the Rhodes family had officially become a joke.