Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3354

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3354

Jakob, who had been eagerly waiting to watch the confrontation spiral, suddenly felt the situation slipping out of his control. His face darkened.

“Andrew,” he demanded coldly, “what exactly did you do to Mr. Asher? Whatever it was, he’s acting like a completely different person. We are all citizens of Holtrien. You’d better not be using underhanded tactics.”

His words instantly reignited the anger in the hall.

An elder from the Cavendish royal family shouted, “Asher, speak plainly! If Andrew threatened you, the Cavendish family fears no one. At worst, we fall together!”

Others joined in.

“So what if we die fighting?”
“The Cavendish royal family has never feared anyone!”
“Andrew, the Lloyd family has gone too far!”

Amid the storm of accusations, Andrew merely smiled and remained silent.

Asher quickly stepped forward, his voice firm and steady.

“Everyone, nothing I said was forced out of me. Mr. Lloyd never laid a hand on me. What happened in Chetvine was a misunderstanding. We were acting on behalf of different sides, and things got tangled in the chaos. That’s all there is to it.”

The grand hall fell silent once more.

If Asher was telling the truth, then they had spent all this time assuming the worst about someone who had not actually committed any offense. Andrew hadn’t harmed him—yet they had treated him like a criminal.

Jakob let out a sneer, clearly preparing to stir things up again.

But before he could speak, Asher turned and fixed him with a cold stare.

“You’re not a member of this family,” Asher said sharply. “So I’d appreciate it if you stayed quiet. If your meddling drives a wedge between the Cavendish family and Mr. Lloyd, I will personally hold you accountable.”

Jakob flushed red with fury.

“Mr. Asher, what are you implying? I was helping you! Are you accusing me of working against you?”

Asher’s voice remained flat.

“Did I ask for your help? I know exactly what kind of person Mr. Lloyd is. Now that he’s here, the Cavendish family should form an alliance with him immediately to resist our external enemies. As for you—you’re an outsider. This matter does not concern you.”

Jakob’s expression shifted dramatically. For a moment, he found himself speechless. He couldn’t understand how Asher had become so openly supportive of Andrew.

Atticus sensed that something deeper was unfolding. His voice dropped.

“Asher. If you have something to say, say it plainly.”

Asher did not hesitate.

“Atticus, the Cavendish family’s true enemies right now are the three great empires—not our own people, and certainly not Mr. Lloyd, who stands as one of Holtrien’s strongest pillars. The previous misunderstandings can be resolved.

“He has come here in good faith to assist us. The proper response is to thank him, clear the air, and move forward—not keep dragging up the past.”

Atticus frowned.

“But you were captured and held for several days. Do you truly feel no resentment?”

Asher gave a faint, bitter smile.

“It would be dishonest to say I felt none. But I have seen Mr. Lloyd’s character and what he has accomplished. He ignored his own injuries and compelled the Eight Ancient Sects to take up arms against the enemy.

“That alone required a level of strength and courage no one else in Holtrien possessed. I am convinced now. I hold no resentment toward him. On the contrary, the Cavendish royal family should follow the tide of the times and support him.”

The hall erupted.

Some even began to suspect that Asher had been brainwashed.

At that exact moment, a warrior rushed in urgently.

“Patriarch Atticus! The armies of the three great empires have launched their assault. We must enter full defensive formation immediately!”

Atticus’s expression hardened.

“Set aside all other matters for now. We face the enemy together. The three great empires have remained quiet for too long—this attack will not be light.

“The Cavendish family’s strength is limited. I ask everyone present—even those not of our blood—to give your full support. Every contribution will be remembered and repaid.”

Within the stronghold, in addition to the Cavendish family’s three main legions, there were senior figures and martial experts from across Holtrien’s north and south who had answered the call.

They responded in unison.

“We will follow Patriarch Atticus’s command and repel the enemy first.”

Armor was fastened. Weapons were drawn.

In an instant, the hall emptied as warriors rushed to their defensive posts.

Jakob, eager to prove his worth before the Cavendish royal family, led his own subordinates into battle without hesitation.