Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"If you don't want to go, you don't have to," Tiana said coldly.

Natasha clenched her jaw but did not dare snap back at Tiana. Instead, she turned to Andrew with pleading eyes.

Andrew let out a helpless sigh. "Be good. Sit with Jerry. If anything unexpected happens on the road, it's better to have a backup."

Only then did Natasha head to the back, but it was obvious she felt wronged-her eyes were already brimming with tears.

Andrew felt a sudden wave of irritation. Tiana's tone could really be too domineering sometimes.noveldrama

Besides, Natasha was a woman who lived a hard life, surviving on the edge. Andrew truly admired her, and yes, he liked her too.

This trip had meant a lot to Natasha. She was excited, even happy, because she had finally gotten a chance to be alone with Andrew. However, the moment Tiana gave her that command, all her hopes were crushed.

Natasha was not the kind of woman who cried easily. Her spirit had always been tough. Yet, her heart had softened because of Andrew. So with Tiana's jab, it was not surprising that she ended up on the verge of tears.

Once Andrew got in the car, Tiana gave him a smug little smirk. "What? I told a servant to sit in the back, and you already feel sorry for her?"

Andrew started the engine and replied calmly, "Mrs. Rhodes, Natasha isn't my servant."

Tiana snorted, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Oh, how nice. If she's not your servant, what is she then? A cheap maid who got promoted to your private toy? Crawling into your bed like she's on the same level as Lauren and the other two?" Hearing this, Andrew flared with anger. However, he reminded himself that Tiana had always been sharp-tongued and bristling with thorns. So, he held back.

"Mrs. Rhodes, Natasha really isn't my servant, and I've never treated her as one. She hasn't climbed into my bed or wanted to join Lauren and the others either. But I hope you'll show her some respect."

Tiana let out another cold laugh. "Andrew, as a man, you're pretty much flawless. But that doesn't mean you don't have weaknesses. For instance, you're too softhearted. Too sentimental.

"You say Natasha isn't a servant. Fine. But with a woman like her-smart, ambitious-give her time, and she'll try to become yours. She'll rise from nothing to claim a seat at the table."

Andrew shook his head. "I've always known about Natasha's feelings for me. So I can be certain she only has feelings for me individually and has no intention of competing with Lauren and the others."

Tiana's gaze turned icy. "I know she's not trying to compete. And that's good because she has no right to. I just can't stand how everyone wants to climb into your bed.

"Your father had plenty of women around him back then too. But do you know how

I dealt with it? I drove away all those little sluts in the end."

She scoffed. "Men are lustful and greedy, wanting to sleep with every beauty in the world. But we women? We're just as greedy. If a man belongs to us, we don't allow anyone else to touch him."

Andrew was left speechless. To be fair, he really could not out-argue his mother-in-law. Moreover, with the reputation his father left behind, anything he said now would only

make it worse. If he pushed back too much, Tiana might just turn her wrath on him next. Contént

"Alright, alright. You win. I'll shut up and listen."

Tiana glanced sideways at him, then suddenly smiled-seductive and sharp,

showing off the full charm of a mature woman who still had it.

She giggled and said, "I only did that to make Natasha back off. I've got nothing against her personally. I just wanted to make a point to you. That little widow clearly wanted some alone time with you on the road. But who says I didn't?

"Andy, I'm your mother-in-law. Since I'm going treasure hunting with you, you better protect me if anything dangerous happens. And if it comes down to CPR or mouth-to-mouth, well let's just say I'll forgive your rudeness in advance."

As soon as she said it, even Tiana realized she might have crossed a line. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned away, pretending to stare out the window.

Andrew floored the gas, the SUV roaring forward as he gritted his teeth. "Crazy woman."

He did not bother keeping his voice down.

Instead of getting offended, Tiana laughed even louder, her smile bold and wild. "Back in the day, I had your dad wrapped around my finger. And you? You little brat—I could eat you alive without even trying!"