Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2748

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2748

“That year, heavy snow fell over the Divine Alchemists.”

The group had returned to Medicine God’s Covenant.

Brielle’s eyes were red and swollen as she looked at Eric. Her voice was steady, but only because she was forcing it to be.

“My mentor arranged my marriage and forced me to wed Julius. At the time, it felt like my entire world was collapsing—but I had no power to resist.”

Eric’s expression darkened. His voice dropped, sharp and cold. “You can talk all you want, but there’s no way I’m your son. My father is Jerome Thornton, and he’s standing right here.”

Brielle’s lips trembled. “My precious boy, I—”

Eric exploded. “You’re insane! I’ve had enough of this! If you want to tell your tragic stories, do it by yourself. I’m not listening anymore. I’m done.”

He waved his hand dismissively and turned to leave.

“Eric, sit down!” Jerome barked. “Let’s hear what Madam Baxter has to say.”

Eric spun back, furious. “I already told you there’s no way I’m her son! Dad—you raised me. Do you really think that’s even possible?”

Jerome fell silent, memories surfacing. After a moment, he let out a bitter smile.

“Madam Baxter… to be honest with you, I found Eric in the northern wilderness. He was barely alive, shaking from the cold. My wife was pregnant at the time, and she couldn’t bear to leave him there. So we brought him into the car.”

He continued quietly, “Years later, my enemies hunted me down. My wife and my biological son were both killed. I never remarried after that. I raised Eric alone.”

Jerome paused. “As far as I know, the Divine Alchemists are located in the far west—very far from the north.”

He didn’t need to say more. The implication was obvious: a baby couldn’t possibly have traveled that distance.

Brielle shook her head firmly. “There’s no mistake.”

She looked at Eric, her eyes shining with tears. “The Stellar Purplebloom mark on his body is unique in this world. Only the Divine Alchemists cultivate it.”

Her voice broke. “When my precious boy was just two months old… I left that mark on his body.”

Eric’s face twisted with hatred. “How heartless can you be? You branded a two-month-old baby without knowing whether he’d even survive.”

His voice rose. “I don’t care if you’re the head of the Sovereign’s Apothecary or Julius’s junior. From the very first moment I saw you, I disliked you.”

Brielle slowly closed her eyes. Her tears fell even harder.

She had always been proud, but faced with Eric’s rejection, she felt utterly helpless.

Andrew glanced at Eric and said calmly, “I know this is hard, but you need to calm down.”

Eric sneered. “Why should I? Why should I listen to a crazy woman rambling on?”

His voice was raw with bitterness. “My life has been tragic enough already. I already have a father—the only one I respect. I don’t want some random woman showing up halfway through my life, piling on problems and dragging in pointless trouble.”

Silence fell over the room.

Jerome, who had always indulged Eric, could only look at Brielle apologetically. “Madam Baxter… please don’t take it personally. This is my fault. I wasn’t there enough for him when he was growing up.”

Brielle shook her head again and again. “How could I ever blame him?”

Her voice trembled. “He’s my son. The son I’ve been searching for my entire life.”

Eric roared, “I’m warning you—stop calling me your son, or I won’t be polite anymore!”

Andrew frowned sharply. “That’s enough, Eric.”

His voice hardened. “Either go outside and cool down, or sit here quietly and let Madam Baxter finish. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to discipline you.”

The room went completely still.