Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1325

Elon growled, "Get over here, you idiot! I'll beat you to death!"

He was too terrified to face Andrew directly, so he took out his fear on Oscar instead, slapping him repeatedly. Not satisfied with just his fists, he started stomping on Oscar as well, his heavy shoes driving into Oscar's already battered face.

Before long, Oscar lay curled up under the table, his head a swollen mess of bruises and cuts.

"Stop, please, Mr. Golding, stop hitting me! W-What did I do to deserve this? Why are you treating me like this?"

His breaths came out in ragged gasps. Only when he managed to scramble further under the table, just out of Elon's reach, did he dare to whimper for mercy.

Zephyr finally spoke up, his voice steady but firm. "Mr. Golding, please, there's no need to take it this far. Let's talk this out."

Elon wiped the sweat from his face, ignoring Zephyr completely. He forced a stiff smile as he turned to Andrew. "Andy, I'm sorry for interrupting your meal. Look, this punk disrespected you, so I've already taken care of it for you. Well, I should get going then."

Elon took a step back, eager to escape, but Andrew's cold voice cut through the air. "Leaving already? You think you can just walk out after all this?"

Elon froze mid-step, a wave of dread washing over him. He turned back slowly, forcing a grimace that barely passed for a smile. "Andy, is there… something you're still unhappy about?"

Andrew leaned back, his eyes sharp and unyielding. "First, who gave you the right to act like we're on the same level? Who said you could call me 'Andy'? Second, I'm having a meal with Mr. Stevens, and you come barging in, ruining the mood.

"You disrupted us, and you think you can just walk away without making it right? Fatty, did you think I was some pushover, that I'd just let this slide?"

The chill in Andrew's voice made Elon's entire body tremble. He quickly stammered, "Y-Yes, of course! Mr. Lloyd, I'm so sorry! I've clearly overstepped! I-I'll pay for this meal as an apology!"

Elon, who had been trying to play the big boss just moments ago, now bowed his head like a scolded child, shifting his tone to a humble, desperate plea.