Chapter 433
Andrew and Lauren sped toward Jayrodale's Northern District in Lauren's pink Maserati, instead of his Mercedes G-Wagon. It was a fantastic car, but Andrew felt self-conscious about the color. Along the way, businessmen did double-takes, their envious glares confirming Andrew's fear of being labeled a "trophy boyfriend."
"Dr. Lloyd, why are you closing the windows?" Lauren asked, hiding a smile.
"I'm trying to avoid any would-be heroes looking for trouble," Andrew replied dryly.
Lauren giggled. "I wouldn't mind witnessing something like that."
"Ms. Rhodes, I really think my car would have been more suitable," Andrew suggested.
"Your car is nice, but since this is a business trip, we should use a company car," Lauren explained. "That way, the company covers gas and depreciation. I couldn't let you pay for expenses, too."
Andrew chuckled helplessly. "Well, aren't you the practical businesswoman? Though, after investing five billion in your Rhodes family, what's a little gas money?"
Lauren batted her eyelashes playfully. "Oh, just consider that five billion as part of our wedding gift!"
The pink Maserati screeched to a halt, and Lauren looked at him with puppy-dog eyes. "Dr. Lloyd, you're not angry about what I said, are you?" she asked.
Andrew opened the car door. "No, I just wanted to let you know we're here."
Even with his wealth, a five-billion-dollar wedding gift made Andrew wince at the Rhodes family's high standards. Seeing his pained expression, Lauren burst into unrestrained laughter—bold yet elegant and beautiful. With perfect teeth, ruby lips, rounded cheeks, sparkling eyes, and cascading hair, she truly deserved her title as Jayrodale's most beautiful woman.
"Holy moly, what happened to Atlas' headquarters? It looks like a ghost town!" Lauren exclaimed, seeing the desolate building.
Andrew had to admit, Dylan and Natasha's people had been thorough, stripping the Northern District bare. He could only imagine Aspen's devastation upon seeing it.
After exploring the building, they found only a few elderly garbage collectors and real estate agents. A man in a business suit approached, bright-eyed. "Hello there, beautiful lady and gentleman! Looking for office space? This is your lucky day!"
The property agent, Jake Cullen, continued enthusiastically, "This is prime real estate in Jayrodale's Northern District, right in the central business district, next to high-speed rail and bus stations, and the rent is very reasonable. Interested?"
Lauren laughed sarcastically. "Dream on! I wouldn't take this cursed place even if it was free."
The persistent Jake wouldn't give up. "Miss, I'm serious. This building used to be the headquarters of Northern District's crime lord, Mr. Atlas Giordano himself. If you rent or buy now, you'll make a killing on your investment!"