Chapter 11
“Mr. Andrew Lloyd, donating 15 million!”
Shawn jumped up as if his seat was on fire. “I request a verification. Is there someone else here with the same name?”
Irene paced anxiously, unable to contain her agitation. “It must be a mistake. Andrew’s a nobody. He might scrape together a few hundred dollars for charity, but 15 million? He couldn’t earn that in several lifetimes!
Amidst the chaos, Andrew remained calm, seated in his spot with an unreadable expression. The host promptly investigated Shawn’s request and announced the results.
“I apologize, ladies and gentlemen, but we only have one Mr. Andrew Lloyd present. There’s no name.confusion. Now, I’m pleased to declare that Mr. Lloyd has secured the rights to purchase the land for South City Orphanage. Congratulations, Mr. Lloyd!”
Christina’s face drained of color as the reality sank in. This outcome was beyond her wildest imagination. Meanwhile, Lauren’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Andrew in the corner. This unassuming man was clearly a hidden gem, an actual dark horse. She could not wait to unravel the secrets behind this mysterious figure.
“Impossible! This can’t be happening. How the hell did this loser pull it off?” Shawn exploded, storming over to Andrew. “Where’d you get 15 million from, huh?”
Andrew glanced at him indifferently. “Is that any of your business?”
Shawn was caught off guard and sneered, “I’ve got it figured out. You stole it, didn’t you? Don’t play dumb. I know you’re a thief!”
Lauren approached, eyeing Shawn like he was an idiot. “If petty theft could net you 15 million, you’d be quite the criminal mastermind. Why don’t you give it a shot and see how that works out?”
Shawn was rendered speechless by her remark. Just as he tried to press Andrew further, Christina intervened.
“Enough. We’re leaving,” she said, her voice ice–cold, having regained her composure.
“But Christie, this bastard ruined everything. Are we just going to let him get away with it? Shawn protested, grinding his teeth.
Irene glared daggers at Andrew. “How dare you go against Christie? Have you no conscience, you ungrateful wretch?”
Christina’s barely–maintained composure crumbled once more. “Shawn, Mom, please stop. Haven’t we embarrassed ourselves enough?”
After venting her frustration, she turned to Andrew. Her gaze shifted from complex emotions. to icy detachment. “I never thought you’d stoop so low. Taking orders from others, using
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someone else’s power to get back at me. Does it feel good to have your revenge?”
Andrew frowned, unable to make sense of her words. “Using someone else’s power to get back at you?”
“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” Christina snapped, challenging Andrew.
Andrew shook his head. “I may not be a saint, but I’ve never stooped to such low tactics. You say I’m getting revenge, but how exactly am I doing that?”
Christina laughed bitterly. “You know what you’ve done. We’ve reached this point, and I have nothing left to argue with you about. Here’s some advice: true strength comes from within. You might rely on others for now, but it won’t last forever. But then again, you’ve always been a pushover, without any backbone. Honestly, I don’t regret cutting ties with you one bit!”
With that, Christina left the room with her head held high. Shawn and Irene shot Andrew cold smirks before following her out.
Andrew stood there, taking a deep breath. A nameless fire burned in his chest, consuming him from the inside.
“Aren’t you going to chase after her?” Lauren asked with a light chuckle. “Ms. Stevens isn’t as strong as she’s pretending to be right now. The most exceptional women are often stubborn, always saying the opposite of what they feel.”
Andrew’s face remained stern. “There’s nothing to chase after. I don’t owe anyone anything.”
Besides, he never had any personal interest in the orphanage land. His donation of 15 million was purely for the director and the hundreds of children there. Nonetheless, Christina’s words had truly hurt Andrew as he realized her prejudice against him ran bone–deep.
Ironically, Andrew had briefly considered gifting the purchase rights to Stevens Corporation.
[Marvin, I’ve got a piece of land. Take care of it for me,] Andrew messaged, deciding to wash his hands of the whole affair.
He knew the Rhodes family was also interested in the property, but Andrew had no taste for these petty disputes. Hence, he figured Marvin could handle it.
Marvin quickly replied, [Mr. Lloyd, this, land is quite valuable. Rhodes Corporation and Stevens. Corporation are fighting tooth and nail for it. How about we offer to sell to both of them and have Christina and Lauren warm your bed in return?]
Andrew ignored the suggestion. Marvin had developed a grudge against Stevens Corporation ever since Andrew’s fallout with Christina. If Andrew had not severely warned him, Marvin might have already tried to take down Stevens Corporation to avenge Andrew.
As for Lauren, Marvin’s thought process was simple. Since Andrew had split with Christina, there was no reason for he could not move on and be with the curvaceous Lauren.
Chapter 11
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The next day at Stevens Corporation, Shawn burst into Christina’s office, his face beaming with excitement. “Christie, great news! Incredible news!”
Christina looked up from her desk. She was dressed in a sleek business suit that accentuated her figure, and her fair skin was a stark contrast to her attire. “What is it?”
“Christie, you were right about Andrew. He’s nothing but a spineless puppet, used by someone else as a front. He couldn’t afford the 15 million dollars yesterday. In fact, he was just following orders,” Shawn explained.
Christina merely nodded. “If that’s your idea of great news, you can leave now.”
She had already figured this out at the orphanage the day before, and she no longer held any expectations for Andrew.
Shawn grinned, trying to appease her. “Hold on, Christie. I’m not finished yet.
“The real good news is that we’ve got another shot at the orphanage property,” he continued. “You won’t believe this, but Marvin Yates, the richest man in Jayrodale, was the puppet master yesterday. Andrew was just his lapdog. Now Marvin’s got the property, and he’s looking for buyers!”
Christina paused, then spoke admiringly. “Well, that certainly clears things up. I thought Andrew was acting on Lauren’s orders, but it seems Marvin was behind it all. Marvin’s as crafty as ever. But one day, I’m sure I’ll surpass him!”
Shawn chuckled. “Well, let’s make our move!”
Christina hesitated. “But Marvin wields enormous power in Jayrodale. We’ve never managed to establish a connection with him. I’m worried…
Before she could finish, Shawn puffed out his chest. “There’s nothing to fear. The Fields family still has some pull with Marvin.”
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Jayrodale General Hospital, Andrew was getting out of his car when an angry shout stopped him in his tracks.
“Andrew, you bastard, stop right there!”
Andrew turned to see Irene approaching with a young man sporting dyed blond hair. Both wore threatening expressions. The blond guy was even holding a large knife, pointing it at Andrew.
“You ungrateful son of a bitch! Christie supported you over the years, and this is how you repay her?” If you don’t hand over that orphanage property to Christie, I’ll gut you like a fish!”
