Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1083

Jameson's voice turned serious as he said, "How is this fair? This whole thing should've been the Rhodes family's responsibility. We can't just dump it on Andy. Tomorrow, I'll bring a generous gift and head over to the Driscolls to make things clear."

Tiana scoffed coldly. "You really think you can just explain it away? Joe's proud and stubborn—he won't listen to a word. Back when he came over with a proposal, we gave a subtle refusal, remember? But did it work? He left the engagement gifts anyway, completely airtight in his approach."

Lauren sneered, "You can call it airtight, or you can call it what it really is—coercion. The Driscolls are one of the Three Titans. They think that just because they've got power, they can do whatever they want in the Gabo Creek region."

She continued, "And Joe? He only met me a few times before deciding he wanted to marry me. The whole thing reeks of dominance, of bullying families like ours just because they can."

Tiana let out a long sigh. "You're right, sweetheart. It is bullying. It is coercion. But your dad and I had no choice. And at the time… I'll admit it—I hesitated. I thought maybe this wasn't such a bad thing.

"If Joe married you, our entire Rhodes family would be lifted up, and you'd never have to struggle again. But then Andrew showed up. And today, he saved me, saved your dad, and saved this entire family. And even this stubborn old heart of mine began to waver."

Lauren said firmly, "Andrew has already done too much for me. I don't want him to be the only one fighting. I'll talk to the Driscolls about the proposal myself."

Tiana frowned. "Nonsense. You're just a young woman. What makes you think you can make a family like the Driscolls back off? Besides, your dad and I would never let you take that risk alone!"

Andrew gave a helpless smile. "Mrs. Rhodes, you barged in here and said all this just to get me to step in, right? Fine, I won't hold it against you. For Lauren's sake, I'll deal with the Driscolls."

Tiana beamed with satisfaction. "Now that's what I like to hear. Guess we really did get to know each other by fighting. I couldn't stand the sight of you at first, but now… I don't know, I kinda like you. Feels like I've got another son."

Jameson rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. You like him now because he's powerful. If he didn't show what he could do today, you'd have kicked him out the door without a second thought."

Tiana snapped, "Jameson, what did you just say?"

Jameson looked up at the sky and smacked his lips. "Andy, the weather's great today. How about we grab a drink later, just us guys, and celebrate?"

Tiana clenched her teeth. "No drinking! I don't care if Andrew becomes part of this family—this house still answers to me!"