Chapter 257

Without waiting for Andrew's input, the two women eagerly ordered drinks. The restaurant manager approached with a respectful smile, offering suggestions.

"Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Aicker," he began smoothly, "for refined young ladies such as yourselves, I'd recommend our premium wine selection. It's gentle and won't leave you feeling unwell."

Lauren scoffed. "Who do you think we are? Bring us your best vodka!"

Francesca slapped the table in agreement. "Exactly! Wine tastes like fancy water. We want the strong stuff!"

The manager turned helplessly to Andrew, clearly impressed that this mysterious man accompanied two of Jayrodale's most prominent heiresses.

Andrew simply smiled. "Let them have whatever they want. Their happiness is what matters."

By the end of the meal, they had barely touched their food but had emptied two bottles of premium vodka. Andrew was amazed at Lauren and Francesca's tolerance; the alcohol was potent, yet each woman had finished an entire bottle.

Lauren leaned against Andrew, her breath sweet with alcohol, murmuring, "Dr. Lloyd, I have a secret I've wanted to tell you."

Andrew, who had barely drunk anything, smiled. "I'm all ears, Ms. Rhodes."

Lauren moved closer, her perfume subtle and intoxicating. She gazed at Andrew until he felt almost shy. Finally, she whispered softly, "I… have fallen for you!"

The confession caught Andrew completely off guard. Looking at Lauren's flushed face and stunning features, he was speechless.

The alcohol had clouded Lauren's thoughts as she curled up against Andrew's chest. "I don't want to marry into the Driscoll family," she mumbled. "I've only ever liked Dr. Lloyd. I hope you'll give me that King of Diamonds…"

With that, she drifted off to sleep, still clutching Andrew's shirt.

Andrew could only smile wryly. Had he just received a drunken confession? Lauren's mention of the Driscoll family suggested a forced marriage alliance she clearly rejected.

"Fran, are you okay?" Andrew asked Francesca, who had also consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. He found she had already fallen asleep in her corner of the couch.

Andrew rubbed his temples, wondering how to proceed now that both women were unconscious from drinking.