Chapter 1104

Without drawing attention, the two of them headed down to the hotel’s ground-floor cafe for a bite.

“That guy’s been tailing us since we got back earlier,” Andrew said casually, his tone relaxed as he picked at his food.

“From the way it looks, he could be from the Haywoods’ club, or maybe Davon’s people. It could also be someone sent by the Goldings–it’s hard to say right now.”

Aspen sat across from him, lowering her voice as she asked, confused, “Which one are you talking about? It feels like everyone’s got their eyes on us.”

Andrew replied calmly, “At the moment, only one person’s been watching us. He’s behind you, slightly to your left. You idiot, it’s enough to know–don’t turn around and look.”

Aspen huffed. “Ugh, fine! No need to snap at me!”

They sat for a while longer, chatting as if everything were normal.

Then, Andrew suddenly stood and said, “Alright, the Stevens family just came back. Let’s follow them.”

Aspen quickly rose with him as they trailed behind Irene and Leroy, who had just walked into the hotel.

“This city’s nothing like Jayrodale,” Irene said, her voice purposely loud.

She added, “Skyscrapers everywhere, designer boutiques lined up one after another! But the best part was the restaurant Mr. Wright took us to.

“Can you believe one meal cost over ten grand? My God, I’ve never had anything that fancy in my life! Mr. Wright clearly has a thing for Christie.”

Irene was dressed in flashy designer brands and juggled multiple shopping bags as she strutted into the lobby, bragging at full volume.

Leroy grinned like a fool. “Mom, I noticed it too. Mr. Wright totally has the hots for Christie. She really knows how to reel in a big fish. I mean, Mr. Wright’s an heir to one of The Five Apex Families. If she lands him, the Stevens family’s gonna skyrocket straight to the top.”

He scoffed. “And Andrew? Back in Jayrodale, he acted all high and mighty–but here in the capital? Compared to Mr. Wright, he’s straight-up garbage.”

Irene scoffed, “Exactly! That backwoods thug doesn’t even belong in the same conversation as Mr. Wright, who’s basically royalty. Leroy, make sure to stick close to Mr. Wright and butter him up when needed.

“I’m not worried about Christie. She’s destined to marry into power and live like a queen. You, on the other hand, need to work a little harder. But it’s not impossible. So do your part, alright?”

Leroy laughed smugly. “Mom, do you even need to tell me that? Working hard is boring! But buttering up Mr. Wright and rising through the ranks here in the capital? That’s child’s play for me. Sucking up and riding someone else’s coattails? I was born for it.”

Irene beamed with pride. “That’s my boy! Very soon, our whole family will be living the high life in this city.”

They were so caught up in their delusions of grandeur that they did not notice Andrew and Aspen until they were standing right in front of them.

The smugness on Irene and Leroy’s faces only intensified.

Leroy sneered. “Aspen, Christie’s basically Mr. Wright’s right hand now. And look at you, still following Andrew around. No future, no money, no nothing. What were you even thinking?”

He raised his wrist to show off his luxury watch, making sure it caught the light just right.

Aspen smirked. “Nice watch. Let me guess–Quinton bought it for you?”

Leroy lifted his nose like he had just won a prize. “Of course! No secret there. Truth is, Mr. Wright’s already like a brother-in-law to me.”

Aspen scoffed. “Idiot. One day, Christie’s going to get herself destroyed–thanks to you and that loudmouth mother of yours.”

Irene’s eyes bulged as she snapped, “Aspen, you little bitch–watch your damn mouth!”