Chapter 694   

“She told me everything,” Lauren said with a sly smile. “She was really happy about what you supposedly did to her. But if she finds out it never actually happened, she’ll definitely feel disappointed.” 

Andrew’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Hold on a second. The way you’re talking… it almost sounds like you’re trying to sell me off to your best friend. You wouldn’t actually do that… would you?” 

Lauren burst into laughter. “Wouldn’t? I already did! Fran’s all yours whenever you want. I won’t mind.” 

“But,” she added with a teasing grin, “you better make sure you treat us both equally. No playing favorites!” 

Andrew slammed on the brakes in front of Glorious Pharmaceuticals and turned to Lauren. “Glad you’re both having fun… but has anyone thought about what this will do to my health?” 

Lauren doubled over, laughing so hard she nearly choked. Andrew sat there for a moment, sighing with a mixture of amusement and dread. He wondered if he was really supposed to take responsibility for Francesca, too. 

The thought weighed heavily on him. 

It was not like he was oblivious to her feelings–he had sensed her growing affection for a while now. Nonetheless, despite their chemistry, they had never crossed that final line. Now, with Lauren practically pushing them together, it seemed inevitable. 

Still, Andrew was not one to force things. Some moments were better left to unfold naturally. 

“Mr. Lloyd! Ms. Rhodes! Welcome, welcome!” Stephen himself appeared at the entrance, personally coming to greet them. His tone was polite, but his expression was strained. 

Andrew and Lauren got out of the car, waving off the formalities. 

“Mr. Brunner, no need to be so courteous. Let’s get straight to the point,” Andrew said as they headed inside. 

Upstairs, Stephen instructed someone to prepare tea while he sat down across from them, flashing an uneasy smile. 

“Mr. Lloyd, here’s the situation,” Stephen began, clearing his throat. “I’m somewhat of an acquaintance with Raymond Chapman, the owner of Dream Paradise. His club got trashed the other night… which, from what I understand, was because he crossed you. Honestly, he brought it on himself.” 

“But Raymond isn’t taking it well,” Stephen added with a grimace. “He contacted me earlier and said he’s planning to come after you.” 

Andrew arched a brow. “Come after me? I’d love to hear what exactly he thinks he’s going to do.” 

Stephen let out a cold laugh. “This Raymond likes to throw his weight around because of his connections with the provincial government. I tried to talk him down, but he’s stubborn. He’s demanding that you go to the Jayrodale Grand Hotel for what he’s calling a ‘Reckoning Toast’.” 

“Apparently, he wants you to accept three symbolic strikes and pay compensation for the damages to Dream Paradise.” 

He added, “Otherwise, he says he’ll get the Wright family from the state capital involved… and they’ll officially declare war on you.” 

Andrew leaned back, his expression calm. “The Wright family from the capital? Never heard of them. What makes them so special?” 

Chapter 694 

Before Stephen could respond, Lauren chimed in, her voice suddenly serious. 

“The Wright family from Blumedale? They’re one of the most influential households in the capital. They have a private security force and connections across various industries. They’re just a step below the Driscoll family. 

“But if we’re talking about power here in Jayrodale,” she continued with a meaningful glance at Andrew, “the Wrights could easily overpower the Weller family, the Aickers, and even my own Rhodes family.” 

Stephen nodded in agreement. “Exactly. The Wright family has resources and influence that run deep. And Raymond? He’s a master at cozying up to people with power.” 

“One of the Wright family’s young heirs spent three months partying at Dream Paradise,” Stephen continued with a grimace. “Word is, the guy slept with every top hostess there, one after another. By the time he left, he was so satisfied with Raymond’s… hospitality… that he promised to support him in any way he could. 

“Since then, Raymond’s been sending regular ‘tribute’ to the Wright family. And now he thinks that makes him untouchable.”