Chapter 59

Francesca fumed, embarrassed. “Andrew, you’re such a jerk!”

Andrew smirked knowingly. “Am I wrong? Are you saying you don’t want a man?”

Francesca’s face flushed crimson. “All men are disgusting! I hate them! How could you even suggest that?”

Andrew chuckled, giving her a sly look that made her face burn even hotter.

Francesca sneered. “Even if I did want to find a man, I’d never go for a gold digger like you!”

Andrew replied casually, “Good to know you’re not interested, because I wouldn’t want you either.”

Francesca hissed, “Don’t be so cocky! I’ll make sure Lauren sees your true colors and kicks you to the curb!”

Suddenly, an unmarked van roared toward them. Francesca barely avoided being hit, shouting, “Watch where you’re driving, you idiots!”

The van screeched to a halt, and several masked thugs jumped out, wielding baseball bats and knives.

Francesca’s voice trembled. “W-What do you think you’re doing? This is the Moonlit Sanctuary! I can call security right now!”

The thugs shoved her aside. “Get lost! We’re not here for you!”

They surrounded Andrew. “Kid, Mr. Rhodes sent us to teach you a lesson. Sorry, but business is business!”

Francesca immediately understood: Michael was getting his revenge. She thought Andrew’s luck was terrible, having just dealt with Dylan from South City, and now this.

After a moment’s hesitation, she stepped in front of Andrew. “I’m from the Aicker family! You can’t touch him!”

The masked men laughed mockingly. “Who cares about the Aicker family? We’re here for someone else, and the Aickers can do nothing about it!”

Francesca paled, realizing the Aicker name wouldn't deter these men. Worse, their masks meant they could inflict serious harm without fear of identification.

Andrew said calmly, “You should step aside. Since these gentlemen came looking for me, and I’m not in the best mood tonight, I might as well entertain them.”

Francesca snapped, “This isn’t the time to act tough! I know you can fight, but you struggled with Bobby alone last time. There are about six people here—how can you defend yourself against them? Let me shield you while you call Lauren and have her bring backup!”

Andrew brushed her aside. “No need to bother Mr. Rhodes. I can handle these rats myself.”

He turned to the thugs. “If you’re going to attack, hurry up—I want to get home and rest!”

The thugs were taken aback. One tapped his knife against his palm and growled, “Well, well, we’ve seen people with death wishes before, but never someone so eager!”

Andrew yawned. “Can we skip the small talk? Let’s just get to it!”

Francesca trembled with anger, realizing his arrogance was unbelievable. She couldn’t stand it anymore.

The lead thug cursed and swung his baseball bat at Andrew’s head. Suddenly, one of his own men kicked him hard, sending him sprawling.

The man with the bat fell, dazed. “What the hell? Why did you hit me?”

His attacker ignored him, legs shaking as he stared at Andrew and stammered, “A-Are you Mr. Andrew Lloyd?”