“If you bring him along and something goes wrong, don’t blame me for it.” Andrew’s tone was firm.
Chantelle immediately grew angry. “Mr. Lloyd, you’re being way too arrogant! Mr. Veyne is respected even by Governor McCormick and is a genuine professional in geomancy. Besides, I’ll be looking after him, so I don’t see how anything could go wrong.”
Andrew sneered coldly. “Fine, I won’t interfere with that con artist. But what about this muscle head next to you? What’s the point of bringing him along? We’re not going to war—we’re going to find a treasure site. More people won’t help us succeed, and it might actually backfire, so send him back right now.”
Chantelle hesitated at his words and turned to glance at Ralph, the wilderness survival expert.
Ralph snorted coldly and strode toward Andrew with clenched teeth. “You got a problem with me? Do you know how easy it would be for me to take down a little punk like you with these muscles?"
“Ms. Garcia is under my protection. As long as I’m around, nothing will happen to someone as important as her. Despite that, you’re trying to get rid of me. Could it be that you’re just jealous that I’m the man by Ms. Garcia’s side instead of you, Mr. Lloyd?”
Andrew shook his head and muttered, “Idiot.”
Chantelle snapped. “That’s enough, Mr. Lloyd! I handpicked Mr. Veyne and Mr. Sutton for this expedition. Just focus on your own people; mine are my responsibility.”
Andrew’s face remained blank. “Well, that confirms it. You’re an idiot too.”
Chantelle flared with anger. “Excuse me? What did you just say?”
Andrew did not even bother answering. He turned around and walked straight back to his vehicle.
Chantelle was shaking with rage.
Who did he think he was? He had no respect whatsoever for her choices, and he completely dismissed the people she brought in as if she did not matter.
Moreover, Ralph was a retired Special Forces soldier with extensive wilderness survival experience, while Magnus was the best geomancy specialist they could find in Blumedale.
The combination of these two would be absolutely crucial for this treasure hunt.
Yet, Chantelle could not understand why Andrew looked down on both of them.
Ralph flashed her a fawning smile. “Ms. Garcia, don’t worry. Whether it’s tomb raiding or crossing dangerous terrain, as long as I’m here, nothing will happen to you.”
Chantelle nodded dismissively. “Got it, Mr. Sutton. You should get in the car too. We need to head out!”
Ralph shamelessly pushed his luck. “Ms. Garcia, someone like you shouldn’t be left unguarded. How about we ride in the same car? That way, I can look after you personally.”
Chantelle felt inexplicably disgusted. “No need. I’ll ride with Mr. Veyne. You can drive the other car and keep an eye on the luggage.”
Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away.
Ralph watched her from behind and could not help licking his lips. This was Derek’s secretary–government darling, high status, and absolutely stunning.
Sure, she had a cold personality, but Ralph believed women like that were always the most starved for attention. In his twisted mind, he thought her poker face was just sexual frustration. If he could get her into bed and give her a good screwing, this Ice Queen would be his from then on.
He would no longer need to be a survival expert, struggling out in the wild. Instead, he could just live off Chantelle’s success and watch his life take off.
But then another thought crossed his mind, and his expression darkened—Andrew.
That guy was in the way, and if there were a chance during this trip it would be best to create some kind of accident and just get rid of him permanently. After all, this kind of thing was child’s play for someone like him.
Andrew took the lead, Chantelle’s team stayed in the middle, and Logan’s crew covered the rear. All three parties set out together, heading toward the treasure site.
They traveled nonstop for a full day and night.