Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1344

Up on the viewing platform, Derek frowned. "What's going on with Mr. Lloyd? Why hasn't he started yet?"

Chantelle, sitting beside him, grew anxious. "I don't know. Could it be that he's completely stumped?"

Derek hesitated."I'm not sure… but it shouldn't be. After all, this is just the sixth round."

Preston and Clifford, the two elders from the Advanced Medical Institute, burst into mocking laughter. "Mr. McCormick, the young man you've put your faith in doesn't seem to be holding up very well! Look at him, standing there like a statue. It's like he's just waiting for the clock to run out so he can throw in the towel!"

Derek and Chantelle's faces instantly darkened.

Meanwhile, Aspen and Lauren clutched each other's hands tightly, their anxiety plain to

"Aspen, do you think Andrew has hit a roadblock he can't get past?"

Aspen's voice was firm, though her heart raced. "I don't know, Lauren, but we have to believe in him. No matter what, I don't think he'd fall here."

Despite being love rivals, the two women found themselves standing on the same side, and their addressing each other had taken on a noticeably warmer, more familiar tone.

Zephyr shook his head. "Regardless, making it to the sixth round is already impressive. Mr. Lloyd has earned our respect."

Jameson chuckled. "I actually think Andy looks pretty relaxed. It's almost like he's got this under control."

Tiana's eyes were sparkling with amusement as she added, "Everyone, stop worrying so much. Andrew isn't the type to lose so easily. If he embarrasses me by getting knocked out in the sixth round, I'll make sure to spank him when I see him."

The people from the Rhodes family did not find this remark strange at all, but the Stevens family members could not help but exchange puzzled glances.

Aspen and Esther both looked up at Tiana, surprise flashing in their eyes.

Aspen, in particular, felt a strange chill run down her spine. She had always had an extraordinary sense of smell, a natural talent for picking up scents that others missed.