The two shared a quiet, intimate moment before Andrew finally let her go.
As Rowan adjusted her blazer, she pouted in frustration. โWhy did it have to be here? I wasnโt prepared at all.โ
The room was dim, and no one disturbed them.
Andrew tilted her chin up, admiring her face. She was stunning, cold yet alluring, like winter moonlight that drew people in without mercy. Her frosty beauty reminded him of her icy nature, and he could not help but think she was indeed one of a kind.
He was not a man easily swayed by lust, but a woman like Rowan could make any man lose control.
โAre you mad? Donโt tell me you didnโt like what just happened?โ Andrew teased, raising an eyebrow.
Rowanโs cheeks flushed. โCan Iโฆ not answer that question?โ
Andrew chuckled. โYouโre blushing, huh? Come on, letโs go home.โ
He took her hand, and although Rowan felt a wave of happiness inside, she tried not to show it. She had always been a shy and reserved woman.
โYou said earlier itโs not proper for me to come empty-handed. Can I stop by to shop for a few things first? I just donโt want to embarrass you in front of the Lloyd family.โ
Andrew smiled warmly. โYou really think ahead, donโt you? Donโt worry about it. I was just joking earlier. You donโt need to bring anything; youโre part of the family now.โ
Rowan blushed again, but did not argue. Since Andrew insisted, she went along with it.
Soon, Andrew drove back to the Lloyd family estate with Tiana, Victoria, and Rowan. He had not told most of the family about their arrival; only Natasha and Aspen knew.
However, the moment they reached the gates, Andrew froze.
Donovan stood there with Sheena and over 20 senior members of the Lloyd family, lined up neatly on both sides.
Andrew parked his car slowly and got out, glancing between Sheena, Donovan, and finally Aspen.
Aspen raised her hands innocently. โDonโt look at me, honey. Patriarch Donovan found out the ladies were coming, so he decided to welcome them properly.โ
Natasha looked apologetic. โI accidentally let it slip.โ
Sheena stepped forward confidently, โDonโt blame her. I pried it out on purpose. Andrew, your elders are coming to visit, and you didnโt even mention it ahead of time? Weโll talk about that later.โ
Meanwhile, Donovan was already greeting Tiana and Victoria warmly.
โPlease, ladies, come in. Iโm Donovan, head of the Lloyd family. Youโve both taken good care of Andrew, and weโre honored to welcome you here.โ
Victoria and Tiana immediately composed themselves.
Even fiery Tiana, who rarely showed respect to anyone, softened her attitude and greeted politely.
Victoria bowed slightly, her tone refined yet humble. โPatriarch Donovan, itโs an honor. Iโm Victoria Sanchez. Itโs a pleasure to meet you.โ
Tiana followed quickly. โTiana Lambert, sir. Itโs wonderful to meet you as well.โ
Behind them, Rowan stood nervously.
Back home in the south, she was considered a capable and confident woman, but in front of someone like Donovan, she felt utterly small.
Andrew took her hand gently and said with a smile, โPatriarch, this is my girlfriend, Rowan Maddock.โ
Donovanโs brows lifted for a moment before he smiled warmly. โA lovely young woman. Welcome to the Lloyd family, my dear.โ
Sheena circled Rowan, looking her up and down with an impressed grin. โAndrew, youโve really outdone yourself. Your girlfriends are all stunners. I can safely say youโve got better luck than Uncle Reginald ever did.โ
Andrew pretended to be modest. โAh, itโs nothing, really.โ
Sheena rolled her eyes, then led Rowan inside like a proud hostess.
Meanwhile, Donovan guided Tiana and Victoria toward the main hall, chatting and laughing as they went.