Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Truthfully, Tiana was by far the most challenging woman Andrew had ever dealt with.

He could not hit her or offend her.

To make things worse, she was Lauren's mother and Jameson's wife. No matter what insanity she pulled, Andrew could not actually do anything to her.

Seeing Andrew so obviously trapped, Tiana felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. She chuckled smugly. "Andrew, you're the Dragon Prince of the Lloyds. There's no way I could ever win against you-not in a million years.

"But you lost the moment you started dating my daughter. I'm your mother-in-law. That means I can mess with you, tease you, and you won't be able to lift a finger."

Andrew replied evenly, "You're right—I can't fight you. But if I can't win, I can still walk away."

Tiana waved her hand. "Alright, alright. Let's stop arguing. Just promise me one thing—what happened here today stays between us. Lauren can never find out."noveldrama

Andrew let out a dry laugh. "You're only worried about Lauren? What about Mr. Rhodes? Mrs. Rhodes, I really don't get it. You and Mr. Rhodes are supposed to have this deep, devoted marriage, and yet you keep pulling these stunts. Aren't you afraid he'll be hurt? Or worse-jealous?"

Tiana scoffed. "Please. You don't get it. Jameson and I? Our bond is solid. But I've always had a wild streak-worse than Lauren, honestly. I've done weird things all my life, and he's long since stopped questioning it."

Andrew winced. "You say 'weird' like it's just quirky. You talk like a temptress and act like one too. That's not weird-that's borderline insane."

Even then, Andrew was still being polite. If it were anyone else, he would have summed her up in two blunt words: absolute menace.

Tiana snorted. "Only in front of you, you little brat. Do you think I'm like this with everyone? Out there, I'm a nightmare. People avoid me like the plague."

Without hesitation, she slipped off her elaborate vintage robe with almost ceremonial care, right in front of him. Beneath it, she wore nothing but a sheer silk nightgown.

"I used to wear this for Reginald," she said, totally unbothered. "He loved it. Said I looked stunning in it. But clearly, you don't share his taste. So there's no point in holding on to it."

The moment she started undressing, Andrew turned and left without another word.

As he walked out, his voice echoed back over his shoulder. "Mrs. Rhodes, clinging to the past does no one any good. You have a husband and two daughters-a whole family. Whatever you and my father had, it's time to let it go."

Tiana let out a soft laugh. "Of course. I've already moved on from your dad. But you... when I'm in the mood, I'm not letting you off that easy. Andrew, from now on, Pll treat you like I treated him.

"You don't have to worry-I'll stay within the boundaries of ethics and decency. But I'm an emotional woman. When those feelings swell, I need somewhere to let them out. And when that happens, I won't care whether you're my future son-in-law or not."

Andrew had already stepped out of the room, but for the first time, he felt an

actual urge to turn back and end this lunatic.

This woman was not just toxic-she was a damn demon.

Other people seduced good women into doing bad things.

But Tiana? She was out here trying to drag innocent men into the abyss-and she

made it look like a sport. It was almost inhuman.