Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3243

The Cunningham family members stood in silence, watching cautiously. Only after Andrew had completely disappeared did many of them finally let out the breath they had been holding. One by one, they collapsed onto the ground, their legs giving out beneath them.

From the moment Andrew stepped into the estate until the instant he defeated Wyatt, every single one of them had been stretched to the breaking point. It felt like balancing on the edge of a blade, with no chance to relax—not even for a second.

Now that the pressure was gone, the exhaustion hit all at once.

After arranging care for the injured, Conrad walked off alone. He sat down on the cold ground and stared blankly into the distance.

Andrew had said their brotherhood was over.

Maybe this was fate.

Conrad lowered his head and let out a self-mocking laugh. The family had survived. Even Otto and Wyatt, whom he had been certain would die, were still alive.

And yet he felt no joy.

The Lloyd family was destined to rise again. As a royal bloodline, the distance between them and the Cunningham family would only grow wider. As for Andrew—it was easy to imagine him becoming Holtrien’s one true legend.

By then, even if Conrad became head of the Cunningham family, he would never again find someone he could follow with genuine conviction and peace of mind.

Philip walked over and gave him a light pat on the shoulder.

“Silly kid. Still thinking about what Andrew said?”

Conrad nodded. “Mr. Turman… I really am stupid. I don’t deserve to be Andrew’s friend.”

Philip pressed a hand to his forehead, looking exasperated. “You really are unbelievable. He says a few words, and you just take them at face value?”

Conrad blinked. “Did I misunderstand him?”

Philip sighed. “Conrad, I’ve taught you so much, but it seems none of it stuck. Andrew said he has nothing to do with you anymore because you’re about to become the head of the Cunningham family. He said it for your sake.”

Conrad froze.

Philip continued patiently, “The Cunningham family is vital to Holtrien. And Andrew has openly clashed with your entire family. If he didn’t publicly sever ties with you, would your position as family head be secure?”

He looked at Conrad seriously.

“Even if you took the seat now, would you keep it long-term? Would the next generation not question whether their leader—once known as the Dragon Prince of the Lloyd family, their sworn enemy—was still tied to him?”

Conrad’s breath hitched.

“But Andrew personally declared your brotherhood over,” Philip said. “He cleared the path for you. Now you can lead the Cunningham family without anyone doubting your loyalty.”

“Do you understand now?”

Conrad’s hands trembled. “Mr. Turman… are you saying Andrew doesn’t hate me? That he still sees me as a friend?”

Philip let out a quiet sigh. “Whether he calls you a friend anymore isn’t the point. What matters is that he left your family a way out.”

He paused.

“With the resolve he showed today, Otto and Grand Elder Wyatt would have died without hesitation if he wanted them gone.”

Conrad stood in silence for a long moment. Then he nodded heavily.

“I’ll lead the Cunningham family properly,” he said firmly. “When the great war comes, we’ll give everything we have and fight at his side.”

Philip smiled faintly. “Good. At least your head’s finally clear.”

He turned to leave. “I’m going. And once Grand Elder Wyatt recovers, I have no interest in speaking to him. That old fox is exactly the kind of schemer people warn you about. I don’t like him.”

Conrad gave an awkward nod. “Understood. Mr. Turman, I’ll see you out.”