Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You

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.

it a thought, and said seriously,

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

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

idea, believing it was too absurd. A general was in a whole different

if Andrew had been born training from the womb, it still would not add up, especially not in Holtrien, where every military general

in some remote place like Jayrodale? It just did not make

a wave of people began rising from their seats and heading toward the registration booth at the

over. "What's

event, remember? This is the part where all the rich folks, old families, big investors, and politicians show

light chuckle. "So, plain and simple-it's a donation drive, and Mr. McCormick

one overheard him, then hissed; "Could you not talk soz loud? You can make comments like that

hand in mock surrender and laughed. "Fair

like that