Chapter 110

“Mr. Lloyd, I assure you this matter will be resolved satisfactorily,” Mark declared earnestly. His deferential tone stunned everyone, including Christina. She couldn't believe the mayor's unusually respectful attitude toward Andrew.

Andrew remained unfazed. “Mr. Thatcher, I expect an explanation. Otherwise, breaking his hand will be the least of my actions.”

Mark inwardly cursed Nelson's stupidity. Of all people to provoke, this fool had chosen someone even he himself respected. Nelson, a mere branch manager, clearly had a death wish.

Mark's frustration boiled over. He glared at Nelson and snapped, “Mr. O’Connor, explain yourself. If Mr. Lloyd isn’t satisfied, I won’t be able to protect you.”

Nelson's face paled, and he protested, “Mr. Thatcher, he attacked me! Why should I explain myself to him?”

Mark exploded. “You idiot! Would Mr. Lloyd have hit you if you hadn’t provoked him? This is clearly your fault!”

Nelson’s mind went blank. His lips quivered as he stammered, “Mr. Thatcher, are you siding with him against your own employee?”

Even the most oblivious onlookers saw Mark was firmly on Andrew's side. The bigger question, however, was why this young man commanded such respect from the mayor.

Christina spoke up, “Mr. Thatcher, Andrew did strike him, but only after Mr. O’Connor attacked me first. Everything he claimed was a lie!”

Mark gritted his teeth. “Nelson, you're the real troublemaker. You’re fired—pack your things and get out!”

Nelson was shocked. He crawled forward, panicked. “Mr. Thatcher, I’ve served you faithfully for years—how can you do this to me?” He never expected to end up on the losing side when he’d called Mark for support.

Mark remained unmoved. He grabbed Nelson’s collar and hissed, “You fool! Of all people to harass, you chose someone even I respect. This is entirely your fault. You have no one to blame but yourself.”

Nelson's knees buckled as Mark's words sank in. He realized there was someone in the room even Mark respected. How could that be?

His eyes darted around, searching for answers, until they landed on Andrew’s icy stare. All the color drained from his face. Could this guy be so powerful that even Mark bowed to him?

“Ms. Stevens, Mr. Lloyd, are you satisfied?” Mark asked with a friendly smile, ignoring Nelson on the floor.

Christina felt surreal about the swift resolution. Andrew gestured toward her. “My satisfaction isn't important. Ms. Stevens was the victim; her opinion matters.”

“Yes, Mr. Thatcher, I’m satisfied,” Christina replied. Since Nelson had lost his job and been thoroughly humiliated, she felt it would be ungrateful to ask for more.