Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 739

Tiana let out a cold scoff. "What do you know? Andrew's strength is far beyond what you and the rest of your generation can even comprehend! If I hadn't stepped in today, he wouldn't have beaten you half to death."

Howard clenched his teeth. "Fine, maybe I can't beat him—but our Lambert family isn't afraid of him."

Tiana sneered. "Still clinging to your family name for protection? Pathetic. Let me ask you this—when Andrew made his move, who was backing him? Did he have anyone supporting him? He walked in alone, and yet he crushed you—and that useless fool Michael—without breaking a sweat."

She shook her head with disappointment. "Watching you weaklings struggle is honestly embarrassing for the Lambert family. But Marvin managed to cultivate someone this powerful. That's something I can't afford to ignore."

For once, there was a rare trace of exhaustion in Tiana's voice, as if the weight of the situation was finally getting to her. Howard was too stunned to even be upset at her insults.

He had never seen Tiana wary of anyone before. Yet, Andrew actually made her hesitate.

That was completely beyond his comprehension. To him, dealing with Andrew should have been as simple as snapping her fingers.

Tiana shot him a sharp look. "Listen carefully. From now on, do not listen to anything Michael tells you. You're a member of the Lambert family, and I refuse to let you become cannon fodder in the Rhodes family's internal power struggles."

Howard hesitated before muttering, "But I thought Michael was the one you were supporting. Helping him means helping you, doesn't it?"

Tiana let out a mocking laugh. "That idiot? Do you actually think he's worthy of my support? If it weren't for the situation with the family's business in Blumedale, I would've made sure Michael disappeared from Jayrodale without a trace long ago."

Howard fell completely silent, too afraid to say another word. For the first time, he realized he had no idea which side Tiana was actually on.

Tiana studied him for a moment, then said coolly, "Go home. And forget everything you just heard. One more thing—stay far away from Andrew. Don't provoke him, don't cross him, and don't think for a second that you can challenge him.