Chapter 316
Lauren had talked so much that her mouth had gone dry. She grabbed her glass of water and downed it in large gulps.
Andrew watched her, his lips twitching harder with every passing second. He was almost certain now–Lauren’s wild assumptions resulted from reading too marry trashy romance novels or binge–watching overly dramatic soap operas.
Everyone knew how deeply these kinds of shows could corrupt their audiences, especially when it came to women with overactive imaginations.
After finishing their meal, they cleaned the kitchen together, washing the dishes until everything sparkled.
It was not even seven yet, so Andrew thought briefly before suggesting, “Ms. Rhodes, since it’s your first time visiting, how about I show you around?”
Lauren hesitated, looking conflicted. “Maybe another time, Dr. Lloyd. I really need to head back.”
Noticing how her fingers were fidgeting as if torn between staying and leaving, Andrew raised a brow in surprise. “It’s still early, Ms. Rhodes. You’re welcome to stay a little longer if you’d like to.”
Lauren shook her head. “It’s not about you. It’s… my situation.”
She sighed and added, “Lately, I can’t stay out too late. Other than work or business, I’m expected to go home right after my day ends.”
Andrew did not press further and simply nodded, “Alright, let me walk you out then.”
Lauren smiled brightly. “Sure.”
The two strolled through the courtyard and out the iron gate, walking all the way to Moonlit Sanctuary’s main entrance. There, a group of bodyguards from the Rhodes family were already waiting.
As soon as Lauren approached, the door of the first car opened, and a middle–aged man in tactical gear stepped out.
“Miss,” the man greeted.
Lauren nodded. “Let’s go.”
She climbed into the car but not before flashing Andrew with a warm smile and waving goodbye. Andrew waved back, but his gaze caught the man lowering the car window and giving him a cold, mocking smirk.
Andrew remained expressionless. He recognized the man–it was Jerry, the Rhodes family’s elite fighter.
Chapter 316
Jerry had never hidden his disdain for Andrew. Frankly, Andrew did not care enough to act friendly either.
Inside the moving car, Lauren’s demeanor turned icy. “Jerry, didn’t I make it clear you didn’t need to pick me up?”
Sitting stiffly in the passenger seat, Jerry responded without emotion. “This was all Mrs. Rhodes‘ instruction.”
Lauren clenched her jaw. “So what? My mother sent you to spy on me?”
Jerry did not deny it. “Miss, you know full well that you’re engaged. Mrs. Rhodes was furious when she learned you were spending so much time with Andrew. She specifically instructed us to ensure you’re kept in check.”
Lauren’s laugh was cold. “So now I don’t even have basic freedom or privacy anymore. Is that it?”
Jerry was silent for a moment before sighing. “Miss, there’s something I’ve wanted to say a long time, though I feared you’d think I was overstepping. But today, I’ll say it, even if it angers you you should cut ties with Andrew.”
Lauren’s voice hardened. “And if I don’t?”
Jerry glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “If you don’t, the next person involved won’t be me. It’ll be your mother, the matriarch of the Rhodes family herself.”
He paused before continuing in a grave tone. “Mrs. Rhodes personally came down from Blumedale, bringing members of the main family’s security team to Jayrodale. I trust you understand the weight behind this move.”
Lauren huffed, turning to look out the car window. She refused to say another word, her expression stormy as the car sped through the evening streets.
