Chapter 314
Dylan shrugged casually, clearly indifferent. He had already tried to warn Natasha, but if she refused to listen, there was not much he could do.
It was obvious that Andrew was cutting her some slack–if someone like Michael had dared to act up, they would have been slapped into submission long ago.
By the time Andrew returned to Moonlit Sanctuary, the sun was setting. He pushed open the door to the small house on the hill and found Marvin lounging under the tree at a stone table, sipping leisurely on some liquor.
The table held not just Andrew’s prized bottle of aged whiskey but also a few snacks that were perfect for drinking. Andrew walked over and smirked. “When did you start getting into the finer things in life, old man?”
Marvin chuckled and raised his glass. “Sir, you’re giving me too much credit. These fancy little snacks? Definitely not my handiwork.”
He gestured toward the house with a knowing look.
Andrew frowned in confusion. “Who else would be here?”
Just as he spoke, the sound of footsteps came from inside. A familiar figure appeared in the doorway, wearing an apron and carrying a steaming pot of beef stew.
“Hey, you’re back!” Lauren beamed, her smile brighter than the evening sun. “Go wash your hands–dinner’s ready.”
Andrew froze for a second, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
Lauren was bustling back and forth from the kitchen, carrying out a few more dishes before finally brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Don’t worry about how I got here. Just tell me am I not welcome?” She tilted her head playfully. “If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave right now.”
Andrew chuckled. “It’s not that. I just feel bad seeing someone like you–such a pampered lady -go through so much trouble cooking all this.”
Lauren let out a mock huff, sitting down to scoop soup into bowls. “That’s more like it. But honestly, it wasn’t hard at all. I’ve always loved experimenting with food. I don’t cook often, but if it’s for someone I care about, I’d happily do it every day.”
Marvin laughed heartily. “That’s the kind of talk I love to hear.”
Lauren’s eyes sparkled as she teased, “Well, if it makes the richest man in town happy, I’ll make sure to say it more often!”
Marvin shook his head with a grin. “You two lovebirds should save the sweet talk for when you’re alone. I don’t want to be the third wheel here.”
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 314
After the meal, Marvin excused himself, claiming he had things to do, and left the two of them
alone.
Lauren giggled. “Dr. Lloyd, isn’t Mr. Yates such a thoughtful man? He’s giving us some quality time together.”
Andrew put down his utensils and hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Ms. Rhodes, I feel like I should clarify something about Marvin and me-”
Before he could finish, Lauren raised her hand to his lips, silencing him gently. “Dr. Lloyd, there’s no need to explain. I’ve known you’re not just an ordinary person.”
Andrew frowned slightly. “It’s not as complicated as you think. Marvin and I are simply-”
“You don’t need to say anything!” Lauren interrupted, waving him off. “I already know, so don’t worry about it.”
Andrew watched her pop a piece of braised beef into her mouth, her eyes narrowing in delight as she savored the flavor.
“Wow, this beef is amazing! My cooking skills are out of this world!” she shamelessly praised herself.
3
Andrew could not help but laugh at her antics.
Lauren clapped her hands together and smiled. “Alright, I’m full. Dr. Lloyd, I know you and Mr. Yates have a complicated relationship that you’d rather not discuss. But don’t worry–1 like you for who you are, not where you come from.”
Before Andrew could respond, Lauren leaned in with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Dr. Lloyd, if I had to guess… you and Mr. Yates, you’re father and son, right?”
