Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3216

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3216

The long-haired man grinned.

“You really are Reginald’s son. That annoying tone is exactly like his. Anyway, my name is Nate Hearst, from Hearstland.”

Andrew gave a casual nod. “Oh. So you’re from the Hearst royal family—part of the main line, then. In that case, step aside. I don’t want to stir up bad blood.”

Nate’s smile lingered. “Andrew, a young man like you shouldn’t talk so big. That mouth of yours is going to land you in trouble.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow.

“The Lloyd royal family has always stayed out of the other two families’ affairs. And Mr. Franz Hearst is from your family, isn’t he? Out of respect for him, there’s nothing wrong with me speaking this way, is there?”

Nate shook his head. “Franz isn’t that important in the Hearst family. You probably don’t know that. To a certain extent, he barely has any connection to us. Otherwise, why would he be working for the military?”

Andrew’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re saying he isn’t valued in your family—or that you look down on Mr. Hearst?”

“It’s not about looking down on him,” Nate replied evenly. “Aside from sharing the same last name—don’t take offense—there isn’t much connecting us. I represent the Hearst royal family’s interests—our clan’s enduring authority and deterrence on this land. He, on the other hand, became a marginal figure the moment he chose to serve the military and devote himself to people outside the family.”

Andrew sneered. “Isn’t serving the military the same as serving this country? The way you talk makes it sound like your family’s interests stand above the entire nation of Holtrien.”

Nate paused—then nodded. “You’re not entirely wrong. You know the Hearst family’s origins. Historically, we rank first among the three royal families. We surpass your family by more than you can imagine. When the first unified dynasty appeared on this land, our family already existed.

“Dynasties rose and fell. The sun and moon cycled. Everything else changed. The Hearst family did not. We have stood for five thousand years. Do you understand what that weight means?”

Andrew fell silent for a moment. Then he smiled.

“I’ve always hated listening to rules and titles. What does bragging about a long history prove? To grow old without dying is to become a parasite. You’ve lived off this land, fed on its people’s lifeblood—yet you speak with such cold detachment.

“The Hearst family isn’t special.”

The gloom on Nate’s face finally shifted. It hardened into something cold and indifferent.

“I have no interest in debating philosophy with you. We’re not walking the same path. The Hearst family has tolerated your provocations—and your growth. That is the magnanimity of a thousand-year-old clan.

“But stop here. Reconcile with Mr. Vazquez. Stay in your lane. Otherwise, the Hearst family will not allow you to disrupt the current balance.”

Andrew smiled faintly, then tilted his head, hostility flashing in his eyes.

“The Hearst family is that powerful? Then I’d like to test it. What do you mean you ‘won’t allow’ me to disrupt the balance? Does your family decide what that balance is?”

Nate’s voice dropped into a growl. “Andrew, don’t force my hand. Peace between our two royal families benefits everyone.”

Andrew snorted. “Cut the nonsense. I don’t represent the Lloyd royal family—I represent myself. Sheena will soon take full control as the next head of the Lloyd family. The announcement will be made soon.

“So right now, you’re not facing the Lloyd royal family.

“You’re facing me.”

Nate’s eyes sharpened instantly. The earlier gloom vanished without a trace.

“Are you certain?”

Andrew’s grin turned vicious. “Absolutely.”

Nate pressed his lips together.

Then he threw a punch.

Thunder cracked through the air as an overwhelming wave of terror descended.