Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Mr. Stevens, it seems you've come prepared and aren't exactly welcoming me."

Zephyr, already alarmed by Oscar's rashness, turned pale and quickly apologized with a forced smile. "Mr. Lloyd, it's a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding! Oscar is young and impulsive; he doesn't know better. Please don't take offense!" Turning to Oscar, he scolded, "Oscar, sit down now, and don't be disrespectful to Mr. Lloyd!"

Oscar snorted coldly, already satisfied that he had made his point. He

straightened his expensive suit and sat down leisurely, not forgetting to add a warning, "Fine, since Mr. Stevens has spoken, I won't take this further with you, Andrew. But remember this—I'm here today, and if you dare to act out of line, you'll be facing the music!"

Andrew could not help but laugh at the idea that a small-time guy from

Bridgefields was threatening him. However, a hint of menace appeared in his expression.

Seeing this, Aspen quickly ran over and took his arm, coaxing him, "Come on, my parents are here today, so don't get angry. Sit down. You and my dad can take the head seats!"

Andrew waved his hand and replied, "No, I'm considered a junior here, so I'll sit further down."

Aspen felt somewhat grateful in her heart. At least this tyrant was showing her some respect and was not causing a scene. Before coming, she had worried that Andrew would be too domineering and embarrass her family.

Since this tyrant was actually being considerate of her, her heart warmed considerably. With a sweet smile, she said, "That works too. I'll sit with you!"

Observing how intimate the two were, and seeing how their precious daughter seemed quite thoughtful toward Andrew, Zephyr and Esther exchanged glances, both feeling somewhat confused. At the same time, they were secretly worried.

Could it be that Aspen had truly fallen into Andrew's grasp? If so, that would be troublesome.

Oscar sat on the other side, grinding his teeth in hatred, his eyes staring daggers at Andrew. He thought,

'Damn it! I've been making such et

big show, being as high-profile as possible, yet Aspen didn't even look at me once!'

Since her arrival, Aspen had not even greeted Oscar. But with Andrew, she was

all care and concern, acting like his doting wife. This made Oscar feel uncomfortable.

During a lull as the food was being served, Andrew said, "Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, since we came in a hurry we didn't prepare much. We just brought some small gifts as tokens for our meeting. I hope you won't find them inadequate."

Aspen added with a beaming smile, "Yes, Dad, Mom, and fellow uncles, I've brought some gifts and hope you'll like them!"

She clapped her hands, and immediately the attendant outside brought in several bags and set them down.noveldrama

Oscar sneered. "The Stevens family of Bridgefields, or we, the Hopkins, may not be top-tier families. But we live in luxury with vast family wealth, and we certainly don't lack material possessions!"

The implication was clear to everyone he suggested that Andrew's so-called gifts were trash and not worth consideration.

However, Zephyr and Esther were much more courteous. They simply chuckled and said, "There's no need for gifts! We're already extremely grateful to you for taking care of Aspen."

But in their hearts, they were thinking similarly to Oscar-the gifts were just for show. It was not even certain whether the two were living well or poorly in Blumedale, and all this fancy display seemed completely unnecessary.

However, at that moment, a surprised exclamation rang out at the table.

"Oh my god, it's all Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci-all these luxury designer brands... Aspen, these are all incredible items! They're far too expensive!"

Following these comments, the Stevens family members and Oscar all stared in shock.