Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Stephen left without saying a word, his face dark and grim.

Raymond sneered as he watched him go. "Spineless coward. You cave the moment someone shows a bit of strength. That's the difference between you and me, Stephen. You're weak, and I've always been a man of action. Success takes guts and relentless effort. Only those who push through, no matter the odds, can create a bright future."

Feeling rather pleased with his own words, Raymond stood up and pushed open the door behind him.

The room inside was a lavish, neon-lit paradise, packed with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. A dozen women, barely dressed and practically flaunting their bodies, circled around a scrawny young man, giggling and playfully teasing him.

"Come on, Mr. Wright, have a drink with me. Let's share a glass, hmm?"

"How about you take me on a date tonight? I promise to make you feel like you're on cloud nine."

"Mr. Wright, you're so bad... always grabbing my chest. But if you want, there are plenty of other places you can touch too."

These women had all been top performers at Dream Paradise before its destruction-gorgeous, charming, and shamelessly eager to please.

The young man they were entertaining was Winston Wright, the youngest son of the Wright family from the capital. And in his presence, these women were practically crawling at his feet.

Winston looked bored, though. He leaned back on the couch, swirling a glass of whiskey in one hand while his other casually groped whichever body part was closest.

Raymond approached with a grin and waved the women away. "Mr. Wright, I just need a moment. I promise, within half a day, that Andrew punk will crawl in here, begging on his knees. Once he's here, you'll have a nice little show to enjoy. It should liven things up."

Winston shoved a woman's head down toward his lap and sighed. "Raymond, your Dream Paradise is gone. Where's the fun supposed to come from now? This whole trip's been a bust."

Raymond gave a nervous laugh. "Don't worry, Mr. Wright. I've already reached out to bring back those actresses from Eastonia who were supposed to leave town. I paid extra to make sure they'd be here tonight."

Winston's eyes lit up, and a sleazy grin spread across his face. "Oh? You mean the real deal? You got those girls back? Man, you get me Raymond. Unlike these amateurs. All makeup and fake giggles but no real skills. Ugh. Those Eastonian girls, though... that sweet little moan? Sends chills right down my spine."

Seeing Winston's excitement, Raymond felt relieved and pressed on. "Mr. Wright, just so you know,

I've already set up the Reckoning et

Toast at the Jayrodale Grand Hotel. Andrew might have a bit of muscle behind him, so I'll still need you to oversee things when the time

comes."

Winston waved a hand dismissively. "Andrew? That cockroach? Relax. As long as I'm enjoying myself, nobody in Jayrodale can touch you." Raymond's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Mr. Wright! That's exactly what I was hoping to hear."

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Andrew had spent the time helping Lauren handle the medical business. The first shipment from Glorious Pharmaceuticals was set to hit the market within three days, and the team was optimistic about the potential results.noveldrama

Meanwhile, Bane had developed three new medications, which Rhodes Corporation's Pharmaceutical Division rushed into production. Within days, the products were already on pharmacy shelves across the region.

Tiana and Michael were thrilled, watching everything come together better than expected.

"Michael and Bane, thank you both for your hard work," Tiana said with a smile. With these new products, we can finally breathe life back into the Pharmaceutical Division."

Michael puffed out his chest. "Don't worry. Bane is a master of his craft—a true legend. I'm confident this will not only restore the division but also put the Weller family under some serious pressure."

Bane gave a modest shrug. "To be honest, these medications are nothing groundbreaking. They're decent but hardly remarkable."

Tiana nodded, "I get what you mean.

We were working on a tight deadline, so it's understandable that we couldn't aim too high this time. But even so, your expertise has already made a difference. In such a short time, you've delivered results. That's exactly why Rhodes Corporation is lucky to have you on board."