Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2694

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2694

Lorenzo chuckled softly. “Well, we’re still better off than you, Andrew—charging in, overconfident, without knowing your place. Mr. Vazquez asked me to send his regards.”

Andrew laughed. “You really think dropping Mr. Vazquez’s name is going to scare me? Mr. Owens Senior, you seriously underestimate me. Let me make this simple: the Owens family gets nothing unless he shows up at the Institute himself and takes control. If he does that, I’ll pack up and leave without another word.”

Lorenzo only smiled and stayed quiet.

Guillermo would never travel all the way here for something as insignificant as the Institute—and Lorenzo didn’t need him to. If he couldn’t handle someone like Andrew, he had no right to be Guillermo’s right-hand man.

Koda’s fighting style was brutal and overwhelming. His heavy blade cut through the air with a fierce whistle, every swing aimed to kill, every move meant to crush. Corbin, however, moved with sharp, controlled speed, slipping around Koda’s assaults and striking at his lower openings whenever the opportunity appeared. That was Koda’s weak spot.

Right now, the two seemed evenly matched, trading blow after blow. For the moment, there was no telling who would come out on top. The uncertainty was exactly why both sides held their breath.

Eric said, “Lorenzo seems pretty confident.”

Andrew shrugged. “Corbin’s strength was forcibly enhanced. He’s holding back for now—waiting for Koda to slip, then he’ll finish it with a single devastating strike.”

Jerome added, “Andy’s right. Even though Corbin is restraining his attacks, the energy pouring off him shows he’s had a major power boost. I didn’t expect Lorenzo to have this kind of ability.”

Andrew scoffed. “Forcefully boosting someone’s level isn’t common, but it happens. But taking Corbin straight to the martial emperor level? That’s nearly impossible.” He continued, “There’s no way the Owens family pulled that off alone. This definitely came from Mr. Vazquez.”

Eric asked, “Andrew, Corbin is already this strong—are you really confident Koda can win?”

Andrew smirked. “When did I ever say he’s going to win? At this pace, he’ll lose before a hundred moves. And once those moves pass, Corbin will settle into the boost and stabilize all that violent energy inside him. After that, killing Koda will be as easy as flicking his wrist.”

Eric stared at him. “Then why are you still standing here watching? Are you really planning to let Koda die?”

Andrew let out a cold laugh, something strange glinting in his eyes. “Of course Koda has to suffer once. That’s the only way we get what we need. But letting him actually die? That won’t happen. We still need him afterward.”

Eric pressed, “When you got back from Bluewater Cliff last night and met Koda alone, what exactly did you tell him?”

Andrew grinned. “I didn’t tell him anything. I gave him something. Stop asking so many questions and just watch. We’ll win.”

Eric clenched his teeth. “Fine—let’s see what kind of trick you’re hiding.”

Jerome chuckled. “Eric, relax. Andy’s confidence and foresight are exactly what you’ve always lacked.”

Eric muttered, “He didn’t even tell you. He clearly doesn’t treat us as his own people.”

Andrew sighed. “You’re too petty. Mr. Thornton doesn’t get worked up over small things. He always keeps cool.”

Jerome waved it off. “It’s fine. We’ll find out eventually. I’m not someone who likes to stress. As long as Andy has it handled, I’m good.”

Behind them, Lorenzo continued silently counting with one hand clasped behind his back. His lips moved as he whispered, “Five, four, three… It’s time.”

The moment he finished, Corbin’s aura suddenly erupted outward.