Chapter 11

“Mr. Andrew Lloyd, donating fifteen million!”

Shawn leaped from his seat. “I request verification. Is anyone else here with that name?”

Irene paced anxiously. “It’s a mistake! Andrew’s a nobody. He might donate a few hundred dollars, but fifteen million? Impossible!”

Amid the commotion, Andrew remained calmly seated, his expression unreadable. The host investigated Shawn’s request and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have only one Mr. Andrew Lloyd present. Mr. Lloyd has secured the rights to purchase the land for South City Orphanage. Congratulations, Mr. Lloyd!”

Christina’s face paled. Lauren, however, watched Andrew with sparkling eyes. This unassuming man was a dark horse indeed. She yearned to uncover his secrets.

Shawn exploded, storming toward Andrew. “Impossible! How did you pull this off? Where did you get fifteen million?”

Andrew replied indifferently, “Is that your business?”

Shawn sneered, “You stole it! Don’t play dumb, you thief!”

Lauren intervened, regarding Shawn with disdain. “If petty theft yielded fifteen million, you’d be a criminal mastermind. Try it and see.”

Shawn was speechless. Before he could press Andrew further, Christina intervened, her voice icy. “Enough. We’re leaving.”

Shawn protested, grinding his teeth. “But Christie, this bastard ruined everything!”

Irene glared at Andrew. “How dare you defy Christie, you ungrateful wretch?”

Christina’s composure shattered. “Shawn, Mom, please stop. Haven’t we embarrassed ourselves enough?” Turning to Andrew, her gaze shifted from turbulent emotion to icy detachment. “I never thought you’d stoop so low. Using someone else’s power to get revenge on me. Does it feel good?”

Andrew frowned. “Using someone else’s power? Revenge?”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” Christina challenged.

Andrew shook his head. “I’m no saint, but I haven’t resorted to such tactics. How exactly am I getting revenge?”

Christina laughed bitterly. “You know what you’ve done. True strength comes from within. You might rely on others now, but it won’t last. You’ve always been a pushover. I don’t regret cutting ties with you one bit!”

Christina left, head held high. Shawn and Irene offered Andrew cold smirks before following.

Andrew took a deep breath. A nameless fire burned within him.

Lauren chuckled. “Aren’t you going to chase after her? Ms. Stevens isn’t as strong as she pretends. Exceptional women are often stubborn, saying the opposite of what they feel.”

Andrew’s face remained stern. “There’s nothing to chase. I don’t owe anyone anything.” He had no personal interest in the orphanage land; his donation was for the director and children. Yet, Christina’s words stung, revealing the depth of her prejudice. He’d even considered gifting the land to Stevens Corporation.

Andrew messaged Marvin: “[Marvin, I’ve got a piece of land. Take care of it for me.]” He wanted no part in the dispute.

Marvin replied swiftly: “[Mr. Lloyd, this land is valuable. Rhodes and Stevens Corporations are fighting over it. How about we sell to both and have Christina and Lauren warm your bed in return?]”

Andrew ignored the suggestion. Marvin harbored a grudge against Stevens Corporation since Andrew's falling out with Christina. Andrew had warned Marvin against seeking revenge. Regarding Lauren, Marvin simply assumed Andrew, now separated from Christina, should move on.

Chapter 11 (Continued)

The next day at Stevens Corporation, Shawn burst into Christina’s office, beaming. “Christie, great news!”

Christina, impeccably dressed in a business suit, looked up. “What is it?”

“Christie, you were right about Andrew. He’s a spineless puppet, used by someone else. He couldn’t afford the fifteen million. He was following orders,” Shawn explained.

Christina nodded. “If that’s your idea of great news, you can leave.” She’d already deduced this at the orphanage.

Shawn grinned. “Hold on, I’m not finished. We have another shot at the orphanage property! Marvin Yates, the richest man in Jayrodale, was the puppet master. He has the property now and is looking for buyers!”

Christina paused, then spoke admiringly. “That clears things up. I thought Andrew was acting on Lauren’s orders, but it was Marvin. He’s crafty. But one day, I’ll surpass him!”

Shawn chuckled. “Let’s make our move!”

Christina hesitated. “But Marvin is powerful. We’ve never connected with him. I’m worried…”

Shawn puffed out his chest. “There’s nothing to fear. The Fields family still has influence with Marvin.”

Meanwhile, at Jayrodale General Hospital, Andrew was exiting his car when an angry shout stopped him.

“Andrew, you bastard, stop!”

Irene approached with a young man with dyed blond hair, both wearing menacing expressions. The blond man held a large knife pointed at Andrew.

“You ungrateful son of a bitch! Christie supported you, and this is how you repay her? Hand over that orphanage property, or I’ll gut you!”