Chapter 112

Before Andrew could answer, Irene exclaimed, "Andrew, must you always brag? Harvey's clearly the one who helped behind the scenes. Have you no shame?"

Andrew smirked. "If he's helping, where was he? Or is he suddenly too humble to claim credit for his good deeds?"

Irene was speechless, her face darkening. Christina, too, found Harvey's absence strange, wondering if he hadn't received her messages or if there was another reason.

Just then, a sports car screeched to a halt, and Harvey rushed out. "Christie, I'm so sorry I'm late. Something came up," he apologized immediately, looking troubled.

Irene's face brightened. "See? I knew Harvey was helping behind the scenes. Why else would Mr. Thatcher take our side?"

"Earlier, Nelson, the bank manager, refused the loan and became quite handsy," Christina explained. "But it's all sorted now."

Harvey's face darkened with rage. "That pervert dared to touch you? Don't worry, Christie. I'll make sure that bastard never shows his face in this town again. No one messes with my fiancée—bank manager or otherwise—and gets away with it."

"That's our Harvey—always so powerful and commanding," Leroy said admiringly.

Harvey's expression turned serious. He held up a hand. "This is my fault for not being more careful. I almost let Christie get hurt. Christie, I apologize and take full responsibility!"

Irene beamed at his gentlemanly behavior, thinking what a humble son-in-law he would be, taking responsibility even when blameless. She couldn't imagine a better match for her daughter.

Christina's lingering frustration dissipated. This was the Harvey she knew—reliable, responsible, and morally upright.

Christina turned to Andrew with a smile. "Andrew, let's get something to eat together. I'd like to thank you properly."

"No need for thanks," Andrew replied. "Since you believe Mr. Weller helped, you should thank him instead."

Christina frowned, sensing a hidden meaning.

"Andrew, you're just jealous of Harvey again!" Irene snapped. "We're being kind by inviting you to dinner. Don't be ungrateful!"

Leroy scoffed. "Well, Andrew? Convinced now that Harvey secured Mr. Thatcher's involvement? What do you say?"

"I have to say, everyone in your family is exactly alike," Andrew remarked indifferently.

"What do you mean? That we can see through your charade?" Leroy said smugly.

Andrew looked at him calmly. "No, I meant you're all idiots."

"You son of a—" Leroy sputtered, fuming.

"Leroy, that's enough!" Christina commanded. Turning to Andrew with a stern expression, she added, "Andrew, you did help me with the loan, but insulting people like this is unacceptable!"

Harvey interjected, smiling. "Andrew, I know what you're thinking—you believe I was too cowardly to help, right?"

"I couldn't care less," Andrew replied, smirking.