Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You

Andrew's eyes turned icy as a cruel grin curled at the corner of his lips. "Ms.

Garcia, you saw it yourself. It was the Haywoods who started this mess. When I kill every last one of them, I expect you to testify to Mr. McCormick that I acted in self-defense, and I'm completely innocent."

Chantelle's face darkened. "Hold it. No one moves a muscle. Mr. Lloyd, what the hell are you talking about? Why would I testify for you when you're clearly the one provoking this fight?"

Andrew snorted. "Provoking? How am I the one looking for trouble? You saw it too. That Haywood moron brought an armed squad to corner me he started all this."

Chantelle clenched her jaw. "Yeah, I know they came here first. But they didn't touch you-you hit him first. How does that make sense?"

Andrew flashed a mocking smile and replied calmly, "Sure, I struck first. But I acted out of instinct. To put it bluntly, their presence posed a serious threat, and I couldn't control my response. I reacted on impulse, for my own safety."

He added, "Legally speaking, that qualifies as a stress-induced act of self- defense. I'm not only innocent-I might even get sympathy for it."

He spoke so seriously, so confidently, it left Aspen completely blank. She had never seen someone twist the truth so shamelessly, and still sound so righteous doing it.

was about to

was driving

his words. She asked coldly, "Mr. Lloyd... are you trying to play me for a fool? Or

seconds away from losing it. This man had assaulted someone in

Andrew was dropped on the head as a

the floor with the Haywoods-then testify afterward that I acted ine self-defense and

roared, "Ms. Garcia, this is between us and that piece

Live or

full

going to make sure this bastard dies without a grave to

again with those brutal slaps, Seth

stormy. "Enough. This ends here-today! Whatever happens afterward between the two of you, I don't

to argue, but Chantelle cut him off sharply. "Seth, don't push it. I'm here under direct orders from Mr. McCormick. Or are the Haywoods ready

with venom as he stared Andrew down. Then, he turned and stormed off with his