Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 At that moment , Andrew received a call from Marvin .

Mr.

Lloyd , Christina wants that orphanage property , Should we give it to her ? Marvin asked .

Andrew thought for a moment before replying , Handle it as you see fit .

But given our history , If Stevens Corporation makes a decent offer , let them have it .

Marvin sighed , I knew you still had a soft spot for that woman .

Alright , I guess Stevens Corporation is getting a good deal .

Soon after , Christina received news that Wealthroller Investments had agreed to let Stevens Corporation develop the property .

She was overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events and could hardly believe it .

Mr.

Yates finally changed his mind ? The staff who delivered the message explained , Ms.

Stevens , your reputation as Jayrodales rising business star precedes you .

To be frank , Mr.

Yates received a phone call and immediately agreed to give it to you .

Christina was stunned when he heard that one phone call had changed Marvins mind .

She turned to Shawn , genuinely grateful .

Please thank your father for me .

Youve been a huge help , and I wont forget this ? Shawn froze , his face contorted as if he had eaten something sour .

He knew the truth his family had no pull with Wealthroller Investments .

Moreover , Tony did not even have Marvins number , let alone the ability to make such a call .

Is everything okay ? You look troubled , Christina asked , noticing Shawns odd expression .

Shawn forced a laugh and quickly said , No , no , everythings fine .

Its all going according to plan .

I told you to relax , Christie .

This kind of thing is childs play for the Fields family .

While he bragged , he secretly wondered who the big shot was that could sway Marvin with just one call .

Oblivious to Shawns nervousness , Christina smiled .

Youve been a great help to Stevens Corporation .

Id like to treat you to dinner tonight .

Shawns face lit up .

Id be honored to join you for dinner , Christie .

He was thrilled , thinking , Andrew , from now on Ill be the one enjoying Christinas company and protecting her .

Just then , Christinas phone rang : She answered , Mom , whats wrong ? On the other end , Irene was sobbing uncontrollably .

Christie , Leroy and I were attacked .

He was nearly beaten to death .

You have to avenge us ! Christine was shocked .

You were attacked , and eroy was beaten ? Who did this ? Her face Iminediately darkened with anger .

Irene burst into dramatic sobs , Who else could be ut that monster Andrew ? He put Leroy In the hospital .

The doctor said if wed been a minute later , I might have lost my precious son .

Leroys injuries were not nearly as severe as she claimed , but Irene exaggerated wildly to Christina , painting Andrew as the devil incarnate Sure enough , Christina was instantly enraged .

Alright , Im coming right over .

If Andrew really did this , Ill make him pay .

Later that evening , Andrew arrived at the Jayrodale Grand Hotel at Laurens invitation .

Dr.

Lloyd , you made it ! This way , please , Lauren greeted him , looking gorgeous in a floral sundress that was both alluring and youthful .

As soon as Andrew arrived , she took his arm , seeming perfectly at ease and unashamed about the gesture .

Andrew felt a bit awkward .

Ms.

Rhodes , is this really appropriate ? Lauren replied matter of factly , Is it not ? I think its just fine .

Andrew resigned himself to the situation , allowing her to press her ample curves against his arm .

At the hotel entrance stood two other women : Laurens best friend , Francesca , and her secretary , Eunice .

How long has this been going on between them Francesca asked coldly .

Eunice looked puzzled .

Ms.

Aicker , Im not sure what you mean by this .

Francesca clarified through gritted teeth , You know , their close intimacy .

How long has it been ? Eunice finally understood , explaining awkwardly Ms.

Rhodes seemed to take a liking to him from their first meeting .

After he saved Ms.

Cecelia and fought off those thugs , rescuing them both , shes been completely smitten with him .

Francesca turned and walked into the hotel , her youthful face turning icy immediately .