Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Andrew, my mom didn't give you a hard time, did she?" Lauren asked as they stepped into the Rhodes residence's front parlor.

She had noticed right away that Andrew did not look so great.

"It's fine. Your mother was... gracious enough," Andrew said with a small smile.

There was no need to bring up Tiana's moment of madness-it was better buried.

Jameson chuckled. "Andy, sorry to trouble you again! But today wasn't just about getting your help with her condition."

Lauren beamed. "That's right, Andrew. Now that you're part of the family, you're not an outsider anymore. So, Dad planned a little family dinner. We thought we'd introduce you to some people too, help you make some connections around Blumedale."

Jameson added, "Exactly! And I heard from Lauren that you've been looking for some rare medicinal herbs. Well, turns out, I know some folks who might be holding on to a few."

Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "I am looking for rare herbs, that's true. But as for opening doors, Mr. Rhodes, I really don't want to trouble you. I've got things pretty much under control."

Jameson waved him off. "Come on, Andy. You're a young man building something from scratch-I respect that. But Blumedale's no easy place to break into. This city's crawling with powerful players. You're running a startup, right? Trust me, if there's anything I can do, I won't hold back."

Andrew was about to insist again that he did not need any help. But Tiana, now dressed in an elegant black evening gown, walked in and interrupted him.

"If Jameson wants to help, then you should just take it. You may be capable, but we're family now. Supporting each other is how it should be."

Jameson smiled admiringly. "That dress is stunning, hun. You look like a movie star.

Tiana shot him a glare. "Keep sweet-talking all you want, but don't expect to sleep in my bed tonight."

Jameson laughed it off with grace. He was not offended-the truth was, he did not want to sleep with her anyway. That pill Andrew had given him a while back? Worked wonders.

However, he had taken too much of it, night after night, and now he was completely drained. His energy was shot.

Meanwhile, Tiana looked younger and more radiant by the day, glowing with vitality. Jameson, on the other hand, was pale and weak. That was enough to get him to cut back on everything.

Andrew glanced at Tiana with a complicated expression. She really did look good in that dress. The hem swept the floor, sleek and elegant, and the fabric shimmered with a refined sense of luxury.

It was the first time Andrew had seen her this fashion-forward. The entire back was exposed,

showcasing the smooth curve of her spine and skin that looked soft

enough to melt against silk.

Lauren stepped over to help adjust Tiana's hair, smiling. "Mom, you haven't worn

this in ages. You still look just as stunning."

Tiana chuckled. "Please, I'm way past my prime. Compared to my beautiful

daughter, I'm nothing special."

Lauren shook her head. "Don't say that. I only look like this because I have such a gorgeous mom."

Cecelia chimed in with a grin. "No

kidding! Mom, women like you are all

the rage online right now. If you

open TikTok, you'll see that men are

crazy @bout mature beauties with

class. They don't care about the young ones anymore."

Tiana's face turned pink as she scolded, "Watch your mouth, brat. You should be studying, not wasting time on TikTok! No more watching that garbage. Don't grow up to be like your dad!"

Cecelia pouted and mumbled an 'okay,' clearly bummed.noveldrama

Jameson, completely innocent in the matter, gave Andrew a helpless shrug.

Lauren had also gone to change, putting on a soft, flowing dress and touching up her makeup. Then, the whole family-plus Andrew-headed out in a whirlwind of motion.

Jameson drove one car with Tiana and Cecelia in tow. Meanwhile, Lauren and Andrew rode together in another vehicle, just the two of them.