Chapter 9

Christina stared coldly at Andrew, her eyes filled with disappointment, anger, and a hint of jealousy she hadn't even acknowledged. “Andrew, I can’t believe you found someone new so quickly,” she said bitterly. “How foolish of me to feel guilty! I guess I was fooling myself.”

Andrew retorted, “When it comes to moving on quickly, I could never match your efficiency, Ms. Stevens!”

“You… Fine, you win,” Christina stammered, speechless.

Lauren’s beauty, figure, and commanding presence made Christina feel incredibly insecure. Had the woman been unremarkable, Christina might have dismissed her. But Lauren was different—a real threat. She didn't fall short in any aspect; in some ways, she surpassed Christina. Lauren was the complete package, oozing charm and sex appeal. Shawn’s lewd stare confirmed it.

This gorgeous woman was clinging to the man Christina had given up. It felt like a slap in the face, a cruel mockery of her blindness to Andrew's worth.

“Andrew, I think we need to talk privately,” Christina said, taking a deep breath and looking directly at him.

Andrew remained unmoved. “I’m sorry, Ms. Stevens, but I have nothing to say to you.”

“Andrew, do you really want to embarrass me in public?” Christina snapped, her eyes welling up.

Andrew’s resolve wavered slightly at her vulnerability. “Alright, maybe we should—”

Before he could finish, Lauren tightened her grip on his hand and interjected sweetly, “Andy, some people may have looked down on you. But don’t worry, I’m here now. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you!”

Her affectionate display made Shawn grit his teeth. He longed to take Andrew’s place, wondering how much good karma this “bastard” had accumulated to attract such a woman.

Christina spun around and hurried away, her dress rustling. Only out of sight did she finally allow her tears to flow. She had worried about him, yet he was flaunting another woman.

Irene and Shawn called out, suddenly flustered, “Christie, Christie, wait up!”

Irene turned to Andrew, malice twisting her face. “You little bastard, look what you’ve done to Christie! Don’t get cocky. A loser like you who lives off women will get what’s coming to you! You’ll be kicked to the curb!”

Shawn glared. “Miss, step aside. This piece of trash needs a lesson.”

Triumphant after driving Christina away, Lauren coldly replied, “I’m warning you. My name is Lauren Rhodes. Andy is with me, and if you dare touch him, you’ll regret it.”

“Lauren Rhodes? The Rhodes family heiress, Jayrodale’s most beautiful woman?” Shawn exclaimed, backing down. The Rhodes family was too powerful, even for the Fields family.

Shawn skulked away, his envy and frustration peaking. He couldn't believe Andrew’s luck. He’d just broken up with Christina and immediately found a better woman.

“Dr. Lloyd, you’re not upset I interfered?” Lauren asked with an innocent smile.

Andrew couldn’t be angry. He smiled wryly. “I know you meant well, Ms. Rhodes. You were trying to stand up for me.”

Lauren’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “What if I wasn’t just standing up for you? What if I was serious?”

Andrew looked at her, puzzled.

Lauren leaned in close, her body almost against Andrew’s. “To be honest, Dr. Lloyd, I’m kind of tempted to… turn this act into reality,” she whispered, her breath tickling his ear.

With a playful giggle, Lauren walked toward the fundraising hall with her bodyguards. Andrew shook his head, silently calling her a tease, but smiled as he followed.

“Christie, do you still have feelings for that loser?” Shawn asked resentfully as the Stevens Corporation group entered the hall.

Irene chimed in, “Christie, dear, you saw how useless he is. Now that he’s left you, he’s latched onto someone else. It’s embarrassing!”

Christina had regained her composure. “I’ve cut all ties with him. Whatever he does is none of my business. I just didn’t expect him to be so disrespectful, bringing a woman here to spite me.”

Shawn gritted his teeth. “That woman is Lauren Rhodes, the Rhodes family heiress. Jayrodale’s number-one socialite. I can’t fathom what she sees in that loser.”

Christina’s face showed surprise, then understanding. “Of course, it all makes sense now.”

When Shawn looked puzzled, Christina explained, “Who here tonight can compete with Stevens Corporation for the orphanage property? Only the Rhodes family. Lauren’s intimacy with Andrew is a ploy to throw me off my game.”

Shawn slapped his thigh. “That’s gotta be it! I knew someone like her wouldn’t be interested in Andrew. He’s just a tool she’s using! She’s sneaky!”

Christina smiled confidently. “I’m not a fragile woman easily shaken. The Rhodes family may be wealthy, and Lauren might seem perfect, but I’m no less than her.”

The host announced the start of the fundraising. Whoever donated the most would win the orphanage property.

“Christie, how much are you planning to donate?” Shawn inquired.

Christina’s voice was filled with determination. “Enough to crush any competition. Stevens Corporation will have this property, no matter what.”

Shawn flattered her. “Christie, you have more guts than most men! With the Fields family backing you, we’ve got this in the bag!”

Irene beamed. “Well said, Shawn! Christie has always been perfect. That loser Andrew should stay far away from her!”