Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2678

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2678

At that moment, Mikayla had already followed Lorenzo’s instructions and was on her way to find Jerome. She paused midway, organized her thoughts, and smoothed out her hair and dress. After all, a perfect woman should never let her guard down. Just then, she heard stumbling footsteps behind her, along with the sound of someone crying in deep grief. She quickly slipped behind a large tree and hid in the shadows. From there, she saw Quinn running while covering her mouth, rushing back toward Milo’s residence.

The Advanced Medical Institute was huge, and every elder had their own separate area. Mikayla frowned, mumbling, “What’s going on? Why’s Quinn still alive?” She slowly tightened her grip around the weapon in her palm and stepped out, fully intending to end Quinn right there. To her, this little wretch had no purpose anymore, especially with her father dead. It would be better to send her off early and reunite her with Milo.

With a sharp swish, Mikayla threw the concealed weapon —- straight toward the back of Quinn’s head Quinn was moments away from dying when a figure shot out from the courtyard ahead of her. The person arrived in a blink and pulled Quinn aside in time. Mikayla’s weapon missed its target and buried itself deep inside a tree trunk with a heavy thud. “Damn it,” Mikayla cursed under her breath. Only then did she clearly see who had saved Quinn: Jerome, the former leader of the Southern Martial Union. Jerome’s face was ice cold.

One look at Quinn’s empty, devastated expression told him everything he needed to know. Milo was gone. He shook his head and sighed. “Ms. Avila, from now on, you’re on your own. I can save you once, but I won’t be able to protect you every time.” Quinn’s state undoubtedly confirmed Milo’s death, and it really was just as Andrew had predicted. Milo, that fool, had gone and gotten himself killed. Jerome had never been close with Milo, and he had only come to the Advanced Medical Institute to help Andrew scout things out.

Yet seeing Corbin push things so far, even toward Quinn, stirred the righteous side of him, and he could not just watch —- Quinn be silenced. So he stepped in and saved her, but only this once. Jerome was not someone who hesitated in life-or-death matters. Many disasters in this world came from people’s own arrogance and bad choices. Milo’s death was the result of his inflated ego and wavering loyalties. He had already allied with Koda, yet he still sneaked off to meet Corbin because of a single letter and even dreamed of becoming in-laws with him.

He never realized Corbin already despised him. Milo gained a little support and did not bother keeping a low profile. So, his death was inevitable. The martial world was ruthless, and Milo, despite living in it for decades, never understood that. “Mr. Thornton!” Mikayla knew she was exposed, so she stepped out from behind the tree and gave Jerome a graceful bow, as if she had not just tried to kill someone. Jerome only spoke after watching Quinn disappear into the courtyard. “Ms. Mikayla Owens of the Owens family, right? What do you need?” Mikayla smiled sweetly. “Nothing urgent.

I just came to invite you to have a short conversation with my father.” —- Jerome shook his head. “Different paths, different goals. I have no ties with Chetvine’s Owens family, so I won’t go.” Mikayla still smiled, clearly confident she could persuade him.” Mr. Thornton, wise men know when to adapt. Milo was useless, and he’s dead now. Are you really planning to stay here in the Advanced Medical Institute with no backing?” She added, “You’re completely on your own. So why not work with my father? You can both get what you need.

After everything is over, the Owens family can help you restore your position as the leader of the Southern Martial Union.” Jerome was genuinely surprised. He stared at Mikayla for a long moment before nodding. “Ms. Owens, you’re truly impressive. Just a few sentences, and even I’m tempted. No wonder they say an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Not surprising that a friend warned me you were someone to be cautious of.” Mikayla brightened at the praise, but the last part made her freeze.

She asked, “May I know who this friend of yours is?” A bad feeling crept into her chest for reasons she could not explain. Jerome chuckled. “He’s here in the Advanced Medical Institute, in the courtyard behind me. You should know him.” Mikayla’s unease spiked, and her voice sharpened slightly. “You —- must be joking, sir. There’s no one here that I know.”