Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3220

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3220

At the Reyes residence, Elaine greeted Andrew and the two women with a bright, practiced smile.

She covered her mouth as she laughed softly. “This is my first time seeing this foreign beauty here. Andrew, aren’t you going to introduce her? She’s absolutely stunning—a true sight to behold.”

Andrew cleared his throat. “Ms. Theron, this is Nyx Kerrigan. Nyx, this is Valerie’s… stepmother.”

He hesitated slightly over the title.

Elaine shot him a teasing look and giggled. “Oh, don’t make it sound so awkward. Yes, I’m Valerie’s stepmother—but we’re the same age. I’m still very young.”

Nyx gave a brief, polite nod.

She wasn’t good with social niceties, nor did she enjoy pretending. Instinctively, she felt nothing but indifference toward Elaine. In fact, Elaine was exactly the type she disliked.

After all, Elaine had once been Valerie’s best friend. They had grown up together.

And yet, in the end, she married Valerie’s father.

Anyone who understood the situation knew what that meant—ambition, calculation, climbing higher.

Andrew, however, had no interest in judging any of that.

“Ms. Theron, where’s Valerie?” he asked.

Elaine sighed dramatically. “When she heard you were coming in person, she’s been getting ready ever since. She’ll be out shortly.”

Andrew gave a helpless smile. “She doesn’t need to go through all that trouble.”

Elaine rolled her eyes. “That silly girl thinks you’re here to propose. This is your first formal visit to the Reyes family. All those previous visits don’t count. Valerie is taking this very seriously—she thinks the wedding is near.”

Andrew replied calmly, “I will personally bring generous gifts to formally propose in the future. But this time, I’m here to see Mr. Reyes Senior.”

Elaine didn’t look surprised. She nodded. “Finnegan is here. I’ve already sent word. But whether he agrees to see you—that’s another matter.”

“Since I’m here,” Andrew said evenly, “I must see him.”

She made a soft sound of acknowledgment, then added pointedly, “After two years, you’ve become much more assertive. You must see him? Do you know how he is? Not just anyone gets an audience.”

Andrew met her gaze calmly. “I know Mr. Reyes Senior doesn’t meet just anyone. But I’ll say it again—I must see him in person. Otherwise, I won’t leave.”

Elaine’s expression tightened. “You—”

A hearty laugh interrupted her.

“What a rare occasion! You taking the initiative to visit the Reyes family? You want to see me? I’ve been even more eager to see you!”

With booming laughter, an elderly man strode forward.

Finnegan Reyes.

Though he was of the same generation as Reginald, he was noticeably older. Age had silvered his hair, but not dulled his spirit. His marriage to his daughter’s former best friend had long made him the subject of amused gossip in Chetvine.

When it came to indulgence in young beauties, Finnegan had never once lost his appetite.

Andrew bowed slightly. “Mr. Reyes Senior.”

Finnegan waved dismissively. “No need for formalities. Sit. Let’s talk.”

His sharp eyes flicked over Andrew.

“I can guess part of why you’re here. But you’ll need to convince me. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the Reyes family to stand with you.”

Andrew smiled faintly. “You truly are shrewd. You don’t move without securing your position first. Very steady.”

Finnegan laughed again. “Good. I’m glad you understand.”

His tone shifted, growing more deliberate.

“You plan to confront Mr. Vazquez head-on. The Reyes family has no desire to suffer collateral damage. I need assurances. Without them, I won’t feel comfortable taking a stance.”

He leaned back slightly.

“And let’s be honest—Valerie is madly in love with you. You could say half of the Reyes family’s influence is already in your hands.”

His gaze sharpened.

“I can’t just hand over the remaining half for free, can I? At the very least, I must weigh the cost.”