Chapter 1059

Andrew’s eyes turned icy as a cruel grin curled at the corner of his lips. “Ms. Garcia, you saw it yourself. It was the Haywoods who started this mess. When I kill every last one of them, I expect you to testify to Mr. McCormick that I acted in self-defense, and I’m completely innocent.”

Chantelle’s face darkened. “Hold it. No one moves a muscle. Mr. Lloyd, what the hell are you talking about? Why would I testify for you when you’re clearly the one provoking this fight?”

Andrew snorted. “Provoking? How am I the one looking for trouble? You saw it too. That Haywood moron brought an armed squad to corner me—he started all this.”

Chantelle clenched her jaw. “Yeah, I know they came here first. But they didn’t touch you—you hit him first. How does that make sense?”

Andrew flashed a mocking smile and replied calmly, “Sure, I struck first. But I acted out of instinct. To put it bluntly, their presence posed a serious threat, and I couldn’t control my response. I reacted on impulse, for my own safety.”

He added, “Legally speaking, that qualifies as a stress-induced act of self-defense. I’m not only innocent—I might even get sympathy for it.”

He spoke so seriously, so confidently, it left Aspen completely blank. She had never seen someone twist the truth so shamelessly and still sound so righteous doing it.

Seth, on the other hand, looked like he was about to explode from sheer fury. This was beyond insulting—it was outright mockery.

This bastard was driving him insane.

Chantelle stared at Andrew, stunned by his words. She asked coldly, “Mr. Lloyd… are you trying to play me for a fool? Or do you just think I am a fool by default?”

She was seconds away from losing it. This man had assaulted someone in front of witnesses, then had the audacity to demand she cover for him?

She wondered if Andrew had been dropped on the head as a child.

Andrew remained composed. “I’ve made myself very clear, Ms. Garcia. Either you stand by as I wipe the floor with the Haywoods—then testify afterward that I acted in self-defense and am not guilty… Or, you make them back off right now.”

Seth roared, “Ms. Garcia, this is between us and that piece of trash. Please don’t interfere. We’ll settle this ourselves, whatever the outcome. Live or die, we’ll take full responsibility! I swear, I’m going to make sure this bastard dies without a grave to be buried in!”

After being humiliated again with those brutal slaps, Seth had completely lost it.

Chantelle’s face turned stormy. “Enough. This ends here—today! Whatever happens afterward between you, I don’t care. The governor’s office won’t get involved again.”

Seth opened his mouth to argue, but Chantelle cut him off sharply. “Seth, don’t push it. I’m here under direct orders from Mr. McCormick. Or are the Haywoods ready to defy even him?”

Seth’s eyes burned with venom as he stared Andrew down. Then, he turned and stormed off with his men. However, the look he left behind was unmistakable—this was not over.

Not by a long shot.

Chantelle turned to Andrew with a cold smirk. “Mr. Lloyd, congratulations. Mr. McCormick saved your life today. You got what you wanted. But next time… good luck. I hope you manage to stay alive here in the capital for as long as you can.”

Andrew replied casually, “Don’t worry, Ms. Garcia. I plan to live quite well. In fact, once I’ve made a name for myself here in the capital, I’m throwing a massive banquet. And I expect you to show up with a gift.”

Chapter 1060