Chapter 281

In the West End district, Andrew and Dylan received a warm welcome from Natasha.

"Mr. Lloyd, I never expected such bold moves. You even shocked someone like me," Dylan admitted, still awestruck by Andrew's earlier actions.

Dylan couldn't shake the memory of Andrew brazenly calling Natasha an airhead and lecturing her to read more books, as if she were one of his men. He found it incredible that Andrew dared to act this way on someone else's turf, surrounded by their elite fighters.

What bewildered Dylan even more was Natasha's lack of anger. Instead, she switched sides, dismissing Atlas and Finley while graciously hosting Andrew and him. As one of Jayrodale's crime lords, Dylan had never felt such triumph.

"I'm not as remarkable as you suggest," Andrew said calmly. "She simply realized she couldn't let the Northern District become too powerful. Once I pointed that out, Atlas and Finley's scheme crumbled."

Dylan's mouth twitched. "Even so, Mr. Lloyd, you didn't have to insult her in front of West End's top fighters. Though she's the leader, she's still a woman, and women hold grudges—I'm worried she might…"

"You're afraid she'll come after me?" Andrew asked with a smile.

Dylan laughed bitterly, his silence a sufficient answer.

"You're only half right," Andrew said dismissively. "Yes, women hold grudges, but they also love results. Once the Northern District falls and Natasha tastes success, wouldn't she forgive me, even thank me?"

"Mr. Lloyd, you're brilliant!" Dylan gave a thumbs-up, thoroughly convinced.

A flirtatious laugh interrupted them as Natasha entered, wearing a sexy, high-slit dress. "Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Garner, let's drink to our hearts' content tonight!"

Natasha's radiant smile was a stark contrast to her earlier fierceness.

"Madam Vostokoff, you're not mad at Mr. Lloyd anymore?" Dylan teased.

Natasha playfully rolled her eyes. "Mr. Lloyd's abilities are extraordinary—I was blind not to see it. Now that I understand, how could I be mad? I'm eager to follow his lead."

Natasha sat beside Andrew, her intoxicating perfume filling the air. Dylan smiled knowingly, sensing the widow's interest in Andrew. He also knew she was dangerous, a woman not easily handled.

Andrew replied, "Madam Vostokoff, it's too early for compliments. Now that Atlas and Finley's plan has failed, you two are in danger."

Natasha dropped her flirtatious demeanor. "Mr. Lloyd, please explain!"

Dylan, too, grew serious, awaiting Andrew's explanation.

Andrew explained, "Atlas's Northern District is far stronger than both your territories combined, especially with Finley's elite sect. Since they failed to sway you to neutrality, Atlas will strike first, eliminating one of you when you least expect it."

"That bastard wouldn't dare!" Natasha slammed the table in anger.

"It's not about daring—it's strategy," Andrew said gravely. "If Atlas doesn't act immediately, once you two join forces, his control of Jayrodale's underworld becomes much harder. The best move is to strike quickly and eliminate one side before an alliance forms."