Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1020

Just as expected, the moment Andrew left the Phelan estate, someone started tailing him. Even so, he did not care in the slightest.

He casually pulled out his phone and called Aspen. "Come pick me up. I'll send you my location."

Then, he spent the next few minutes strolling through the streets, purposely leading the tail through a maze of turns.

Once he reached a busy part of the city, Andrew made a few quick moves through the crowd and lost the stalker without breaking a sweat. At the arranged pickup point, a cherry-red LaFerrari was parked boldly at the curb, gleaming under the sun.

Leaning coolly against the hood, wearing sunglasses and radiating confidence, was Aspen—a full-on showstopper. The second she saw Andrew, she did not say a word—just grabbed him and shoved him into the passenger seat.

Then, she quickly slammed the gas and shot off like they were escaping a crime scene.

"Okay, you're being a bit dramatic," Andrew said with a laugh, watching Aspen drive like she was fleeing from a car chase.

Grinding her teeth, Aspen muttered, "I still don't get how you have the guts to act like this. As long as that bounty is active, someone could take you out at any moment, you know?"

Andrew shrugged. "That's why I've got you running backup. What's there to be afraid of?"

Aspen snorted and said dryly, "Don't count on me. Honestly, I'd love to see someone take you out."

Andrew chuckled, a sly glint in his eye. "Been a while, but you've definitely filled out. But what really changed is your whole vibe—back in Jayrodale, you used to sound like a bitter housewife. Now you've actually got class."

Aspen sneered. "Wow, I didn't expect you to give compliments. I thought all you knew how to do was trash people."

Andrew ignored her bitter words and casually ran a hand along the car's leather interior. He raised a brow and teased, "This ride isn't cheap. Last I checked, this model costs over a few million dollars. Where did the money come from?"