Chapter 816

Christina said flatly, "Let's grab a bite first. We can deal with everything else after. Andrew is even taking the people I set my sights on now. Fine. If he wants to force my hand, then I have no choice but to go against him."

Aspen hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Christie, have you considered that maybe Andrew really isn’t on the same level as us anymore?"

Failing time and time again, getting crushed by Andrew repeatedly–it had shattered Aspen's once-proud and confident heart. Whenever she faced him, she found herself losing the drive to compete. Instead, she just wanted to keep her distance.

Aspen did not want to admit it, but deep down, she knew she was scared of him now.

Christina’s voice was icy. "No. I don’t think he’s that impressive. I’ll admit, he’s changed. He’s become more powerful and holds much more influence now. But I’ll never bow to him. I’ll prove to him that if he can thrive, I can do even better."

Aspen parted her lips, about to say something when suddenly, a scornful chuckle interrupted them.

"A woman with this much jealousy and resentment? That’s not a good look."

Both Aspen and Christina whipped their heads around in anger. The moment they saw who it was, their eyes widened in shock.

Tiana, flanked by Jerry and seven other bodyguards, was gracefully walking toward them.

Aspen’s entire body tensed as she instinctively lowered her head. "Good evening, Mrs. Rhodes."

Even Christina did not dare act out. She respectfully greeted her, “Good evening, Mrs. Rhodes.”

Tiana studied Christina for a moment before nodding slightly. "Not bad. In Jayrodale, there are very few women who can stand on equal footing with Lauren in terms of beauty. You’re certainly one of them."

Christina replied modestly, "Compared to Ms. Rhodes, I still have a long way to go."

Tiana gave a faint smile. "You definitely have a long way to go. Otherwise, Andrew wouldn’t have ignored you and gone after my Lauren instead."

Christina froze, then immediately scowled. "Mrs. Rhodes, what do you mean by that?"

Tiana let out a cold snort. "Exactly what I said–no hidden meaning. Christina, we’re both women, so I’ll give you some advice: jealousy and a need to constantly compete aren’t good traits for a woman to have.

"Especially not for someone who has nothing but looks. A woman like you, all beauty and no substance? You’re just a pretty decoration. So if you insist on going after Andrew, constantly looking down on him, and trying to make trouble for him..."

She scoffed before adding, "Then I think you’ll end up losing in the most humiliating way possible. I don’t particularly like Andrew, but that doesn’t stop me from admiring him. If you think you can compete with him, you’re nothing more than a fool throwing herself into a losing battle."

Tiana's blunt words hit Christina like a slap to the face. Her cheeks burned red with fury as she clenched her fists, glaring at Tiana but not daring to talk back.

Meanwhile, Tiana was unfazed by her anger and continued coldly, "Christina, aside from your decent looks, your character is honestly pathetic. I know exactly how your mind works.

"Back when you were with Andrew, he spoiled you, always putting you first. You took it for granted. But now that he's moved on, acting distant–maybe even disgusted with you–you can’t handle the shift, so instead of accepting it, you want revenge.

"I don’t claim to be a good person. But you? Take a good look at yourself. Do you even have any room left to fall lower than this?"