Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Logan whispered, "Andy, let me quietly fill you in on everyone here! That guy over there is Mr. Stein from Prima Group-he's worth over 50 billion!

"And that one is Mr. Drache, Blumedale's connection between the legitimate and underground worlds-he's got enough pull to summon martial kings!

"See that flashy socialite? Her husband was in the jewelry business, but he's dead now, and she inherited his assets worth hundreds of billions. She's one of the most powerful people in the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce!"noveldrama

In the grand conference room of the Keller residence, well-dressed men and women continued to filter in and out.

Andrew and Logan sat tucked away in their corner spot, watching the steady stream of Chamber of Commerce members arrive. Logan kept up his running commentary, introducing each influential figure to Andrew.

Honestly, Andrew was not particularly interested. After all, it was just a meeting; no matter how high-ranking or wealthy these people were, he had seen it all before.

Back when he was still with the organization, the meetings he attended regularly included generals and regional powerhouses. Hell, he had even sat in rooms with heads of state from small nations like Aclania and Vestra.

Even then, Andrew had not bothered giving them a second glance.

Finally, over 80 official Chamber members arrived and took their seats. Among them sat Duncan, the head of the Irving family, in the front row. He gripped his crystal sandalwood cane and moved with a slight limp, but his posture radiated the ruthless confidence that only true power possessed.

Half an hour later, George finally made his entrance with his three daughters in tow.

Logan whispered, "Father deliberately showed up late."

Andrew asked, "Why?"

Logan explained with a grin, "As Chamber of Commerce chairman, you've got to maintain a certain image and presence! If he walked in with all the other members, it would seem kind of beneath him.

"Big shots always arrive fashionably late, and they take their sweet time doing it— that's what gives them character! You should learn this stuff. You'll need it someday!"

Andrew could not help but shake his head in disbelief. He could not help but wonder if it was really necessary to put on such an elaborate show.

George settled into the single chair at the head of the conference room and got straight to the point.

"Since everyone's here, I won't beat around the bush! Today might be my birthday, but I'm sure you all know the real reason we're gathered here!"

The 80 or so members instantly focused, their eyes gleaming with anticipation and barely contained ambition. Of course, they knew what he meant by 'the real reason'-this was about succession.

Duncan's grip on his cane tightened involuntarily as intense desire and ambition flashed in his eyes. He had been waiting for this day for

years George stepping down and the chairman position finally

opening up.

fnet

"Mr. Keller Senior, I respectfully disagree with that statement! While Our Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce business is certainly important, your birthday celebration absolutely cannot be overlooked!" Duncan's booming laughter filled the room as he rose to his feet, cradling an ornate red lacquered box in his hands.

A nearby attendant quickly stepped forward to receive it.

He added, "Mr. Keller Senior, please accept this small gift as a token of my

respect! This is the Moonbone Scepter, once wielded by the Scarlet Matriarch of

the Fallen Crimson Dynasty!"

His announcement sent ripples of

shock through the assembled crowd. Many members exchanged glances, clearly impressed by the magnitude of such a gift. After all, the Scarlet Matriarch's personal effects were legendary antiques and royal treasures. The cost was astronomical, but more importantly, items like this were virtually impossible to acquire, no matter how much money you had.

Duncan had truly outdone himself with this spectacular gesture.

George's expression barely changed as he responded flatly, "Thank you for the generous gifts! Such a precious present must have cost you quite a fortune!"

Duncan chuckled heartily, "As long as you're pleased, that's all that matters—it didn't cost much, just a few hundred million!"

He deliberately kept the exact amount vague, but he had already made his point perfectly. No matter how many zeroes, anything in that range was straight-up luxury-tier, sky-high, jaw-dropping kind of expensive.