Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1040

Not long after Andrew and Aspen arrived, a middle-aged man in a formal robe stepped onto the stage and addressed the room.

"Thank you all for coming to the capital's official charity event. As always, I'm Derek McCormick. No long speeches—everyone, just show your sincerity. I hope we can all give something back and help those struggling in the poorer regions of Gabo Creek Province."

He did not say much—just brief sentences—before setting down the mic and stepping off. And yet, no one had a single complaint. On the contrary, the room erupted into applause, with waves of praise echoing throughout the hall.

The reason was simple: the man was Derek McCormick, Governor of Gabo Creek—one of the highest-ranking officials in the province. He was a true regional powerhouse.

Andrew nodded with interest. "You can tell. The guy actually seems like a good leader."

Aspen rolled her eyes with a half-laugh. "Can you not act like that? Mr. McCormick is way above your league, and you talk like you're some kind of political analyst. Do you even realize how ridiculous you sound?"

Sometimes, she honestly could not believe this man. It was like Andrew did not take anything seriously—not the rules, not the hierarchy, not even the unspoken codes of elite society.

Where others would act cautious or deferential, Andrew walked through life like he owned the place.

Then he tilted his head, gave it a thought, and said seriously, "Technically speaking, I'm probably on the same level as him."

Aspen scoffed, but the way her voice faltered gave her away. Suddenly, her mind drifted back to what Zachary had addressed Andrew as General the night before at Aroma Exchange.

If the man standing beside her really had once held a general's rank in Holtrien's military, then yes—strictly by classification, he might actually be on par with Governor McCormick.