Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1150

For Quinton, it had never been just about sleeping with Christina. What excited him more was the thrill—the thrill of a top-tier predator closing in on an ice-cold beauty.

To him, conquering a woman like Christina would stroke his ego and validate his inflated sense of self-worth.

Unfortunately for him, Christina never felt even a flicker of attraction toward him. At best, they could be called business allies—or to put it bluntly, she only saw him as a temporary tool.

Quinton wanted power, possession, dominance.

Meanwhile, Christina only wanted leverage—specifically, to use him and his connections to push the Stevens Corporation into Blumedale.

…

Over at the Goldings family estate, word of the Haywoods' bounty hit hard. Both Richard and Elon were momentarily stunned when they heard.

"This kid really doesn't know when to stop," Richard growled. "Now he's provoked the Haywoods and even left a body behind. He's practically asking for death! He's so arrogant that it's disgusting!"

Elon sneered. "Actually, isn't this a good thing? We issued a kill order through our family, and he's still alive. But with the Haywoods joining in? There's no way Andrew survives this. Even the universe won't allow it."

Richard snapped, "Good? You call this good? We issued our bounty first. If that little bastard dies by their hand, where does that leave our reputation?

"Everyone will start whispering that the Goldings couldn't get it done. That we're all bark and no bite—while the Haywoods strike fast and hard."

Elon's expression turned cold. "Don't worry, Dad. Andrew thinks hiding in The Sovereign Residences means he's safe. I'll prove to him just how wrong he is. With the kind of money on the table, there's no shortage of mercenaries willing to breach even the most secure estates just to collect."

Richard nodded approvingly. "Remember—you're the heir of the Goldings. You can't afford to be outshone by Xavier Haywood. If anyone's going to kill Andrew, it should be us. Get to him before the Haywoods do."

Elon grinned darkly. "Trust me, I've already made the arrangements."

Richard waved a hand. "Where's Kenny? Bring him in."

A servant quickly relayed the command, and Kenny entered the grand hall moments later. His clothes were ragged, his hands still caked in mud as he wiped them nervously.