Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3222

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3222

Finnegan felt a flicker of irritation but masked it with a dry laugh.

“Fine. You’ve seen through me. Valerie did tell me quite a bit after she came back. Not everything—and I won’t be repeating it to anyone.”

His expression grew serious.

“But this much I can say: Andrew now has the ability to bring down Guillermo. The only reason the final confrontation hasn’t erupted is because both sides are still preparing. The forces behind Guillermo are watching. So are the ones backing Andrew.”

He folded his hands behind his back.

“Guillermo can afford patience. Andrew can’t. Mark my words—Guillermo will fall at Andrew’s hands.”

Finnegan’s voice lowered.

“In the Outlands, Andrew is already king-like. Now he’s returned home with the military behind him. Add the Lloyd royal family and the other factions loyal to him, and he’ll become the most powerful figure in Holtrien.”

He smiled faintly.

“The era is changing.”

Elaine’s body trembled slightly. Beneath her fitted dress, her legs almost gave way.

“Is he really that powerful?” she murmured.

Finnegan’s gaze lingered on her expression—on the awe in her eyes.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

“Power attracts admiration. Especially from people who understand what it means.”

Elaine flushed, quickly straightening her posture. “What are you implying?”

Finnegan chuckled coldly. “Relax. I’m not blind.”

He studied her carefully.

“From the moment Andrew walked in, you were watching him. Don’t bother denying it. I’ve lived long enough to recognize that look.”

Elaine’s cheeks burned. “You’re imagining things.”

“Am I?” Finnegan tilted his head. “Andrew represents the future. Youth, strength, dominance. Of course that stirs something.”

He waved a dismissive hand.

“Go. Spend time with Valerie and Andrew. Talk. Observe.”

Elaine stared at him. “And you’re fine with that?”

Finnegan’s smile turned calculating.

“What matters to me is the Reyes family’s future. Valerie loves him—that’s clear. But love alone isn’t enough to secure a position beside a man like Andrew.”

His eyes sharpened.

“You, on the other hand, understand ambition. You understand how men think.”

Elaine felt both anger and humiliation rise in her chest.

“You’re shameless,” she said quietly.

Finnegan only laughed.

“Shameless? No. Practical.”

He poured himself a drink.

“I’m old. I know what I am. But my mind is sharper than ever. If Andrew truly becomes the future of Holtrien, then aligning ourselves properly is simply survival.”

Elaine glared at him but didn’t argue further. After a moment, she turned and walked inside, adjusting her dress with composed elegance.

Over his shoulder, Finnegan called out lightly, “Fix your posture. Don’t look so flustered.”

Elaine paused, then glanced back with a faint, controlled smile. “I don’t need instructions.”

She disappeared into the inner hall.

Finnegan remained alone, swirling the liquor in his glass.

“My life is set,” he muttered to himself. “Neither brilliant nor disastrous. I’ve enjoyed what my ancestors built. Now I’m playing the final pieces.”

He took a slow drink.

“For the future of the Reyes family… sentiment means nothing.”

—

Yet despite Elaine’s intention to draw closer to Andrew, he spared her no special attention.

After spending some time speaking quietly with Valerie, Andrew rose, exchanged a few polite words, and left the Reyes residence without looking back.