Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Chapter 345 Andrew spoke calmly, his tone steady but cutting Aspen, theres nothing wrong with a woman being proud and confident.

As long as she has the right to be proud, thats fine.

But if a woman is arrogant and foolish on top of it, shes bound to learn some painful lessons.

Aspen sneered, glancing sideways at Christina

Christie, did you hear what this man just said? He claims hes going to teach me a painful lesson

Honestly, with an ex like that, I cant blame you for kicking him to the curb.

If you hadnt, I wouldve stepped in to help straighten him out myself.

Christinas face darkened as she cast a worried glance at Andrew.

Why was he so bold? It seemed that he did not understand that going up against Aspen in a gamble like this was reckless

Everyone, quiet down! The gemstone challenge between Mr.

Lloyd and Ms.

Stevens is about to begin, Elsie announced, her voice rising above the crowd.

She turned to Andrew and Aspen, adding, Do either of you have any additional terms to set ? Aspen flashed a confident smile

I have nothing to add.

I just hope Mr.

Lloyd wont start crying when this is over.

Andrews voice remained composed.

I do have something to add

He paused briefly, letting the crowds anticipation build.

Whoever loses will forfeit all their winnings to the other person.

And since Ms.

Stevens enjoys excitement, lets make it interesting.

Every gemstone we choose must cost at least ten million dollars.

Is that too much for you, Ms.

Stevens? The crowd erupted in a frenzy.

Ten million per stone? Is Mr.

Lloyd trying to make Aspen gamble away her entire fortune? This isnt just intense, its outright insane!

The winner will walk away filthy rich, while the loser gets completely wiped out.

You cant even call this a gamble anymore.

This is full blown, high stakes warfare ! Aspens confident smile began to fade, replaced by a shadow of

unease

She stared at Andrew, her voice sharp

Andrew, are you sure you want to play at this level? Andrew met her gaze, unwavering.

Just answer the question.

Do you dare, or dont you ? Aspen gritted her teeth before responding, her tone firm.

Fine.

Ill see this through to the end.

She squared her shoulders and added, You think you can intimidate me? Clearly, youve underestimated me and my family.

The Stevens family doesnt back down.

Inside, Aspens mind raced.

Andrew had upped the stakes to an extreme level, forcing her to 1/2 Chapter 345 gamble with stones worth millions.

Losing was not an option not only for her reputation but also for her companys investments.

Her business ventures in Jayrodale and the Northern District were on the line, and failure here could mean financial disaster.

Christinas heart pounded as she looked at Andrew

His wager was enormous, raising more questions than answers.

Did he truly have the money to back this up, or was he bluffing? Aspen, Im worried... Christina started, hoping to caution Aspen.

But Aspen held up a hand, her expression resolute.

Relax, Christie.

I started this, and III finish it.

Andrew is just trying to rattle me with his theatrics, but Im not so easily shaken.

Still stunned by the sudden escalation, Elsie motioned toward the raw gemstones. The terms are set.

Both competitors may now begin selecting their stones.

Her voice trembled slightly, even as she tried to maintain composure

Aspen strode forward without hesitation, pointing to a stone she had chosen in advance.

Im ready.

This is the one.