Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 699

Stephen left without saying a word, his face dark and grim.

Raymond sneered as he watched him go. "Spineless coward. You cave the moment someone shows a bit of strength. That's the difference between you and me, Stephen. You're weak, and I've always been a man of action. Success takes guts and relentless effort. Only those who push through, no matter the odds, can create a bright future."

Feeling rather pleased with his own words, Raymond stood up and pushed open the door behind him.

The room inside was a lavish, neon-lit paradise, packed with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. A dozen women, barely dressed and practically flaunting their bodies, circled around a scrawny young man, giggling and playfully teasing him.

"Come on, Mr. Wright, have a drink with me. Let's share a glass, hmm?"

"How about you take me on a date tonight? I promise to make you feel like you're on cloud nine."

"Mr. Wright, you're so bad… always grabbing my chest. But if you want, there are plenty of other places you can touch too."

These women had all been top performers at Dream Paradise before its destruction—gorgeous, charming, and shamelessly eager to please.

The young man they were entertaining was Winston Wright, the youngest son of the Wright family from the capital. And in his presence, these women were practically crawling at his feet.

Winston looked bored, though. He leaned back on the couch, swirling a glass of whiskey in one hand while his other casually groped whichever body part was closest.

Raymond approached with a grin and waved the women away. "Mr. Wright, I just need a moment. I promise, within half a day, that Andrew punk will crawl in here, begging on his knees. Once he's here, you'll have a nice little show to enjoy. It should liven things up."

Winston shoved a woman's head down toward his lap and sighed. "Raymond, your Dream Paradise is gone. Where's the fun supposed to come from now? This whole trip's been a bust."