The whole situation was pretty simple.

Joe had been infatuated with Lauren, completely one-sided. As for Lauren, she treated him with kindness and respect and admired his talents, but she never once felt any romantic pull.

The golden boy of the Driscoll family really was the whole package. His looks, his martial prowess, and his intellect were unmatched. Even Andrew had to give him that, though he casually said with a smirk, "Mr. Driscoll is pretty much perfect, maybe the finest man out there… but he’s still just a notch below me."

Whenever Andrew said things like this, Francesca would roll her eyes in exasperation, whereas Aspen would nod in complete agreement, unconditionally defending her master. Lauren got all fired up and planted a kiss right on Andrew’s lips. Only Chantelle could not help but make sarcastic comments. She knew Andrew was amazing, but she just did not like hearing him say it.

Or rather, she did not like seeing Andrew surrounded by three gorgeous women, having the time of his life while she had no place in the picture.

Francesca sighed and remarked, “Joe was actually really devoted to her! When Lauren was in Blumedale, he would visit the Rhodes family almost constantly, bringing all sorts of gifts. Despite being this golden heir, he never put on any airs, and he was incredibly polite to everyone in the household.” She continued, “So back then, Mrs. Rhodes absolutely adored Joe, thinking he was perfect in every way! That’s why when the Driscoll family came to propose marriage, she agreed immediately despite Mr. Rhodes‘ objections."

Lauren looked apologetic. “Andrew, if I could have met you earlier, none of this would have happened! Actually, I never disliked Joe because he was always very respectful toward me."

She explained, “But it was different with you. I didn’t feel that passionate, intimate, reckless kind of love for him that I feel for you.”

Andrew smiled. “So Lauren, why didn’t you agree to be with Joe back then? According to Fran, he sounds like the perfect man that no woman could possibly refuse!”

Lauren looked somewhat confused. “Honestly, I don’t really know myself! When I was around Joe, I mostly kept my distance out of respect. But after meeting you in Jayrodale, I became completely head-over-heels! Later, I clearly realized that you were my true soulmate.”

Francesca said pitifully, “Honey, please don’t blame me for painting Joe in such a good light just now! It’s just that there’s no need for us to badmouth him behind his back. To be fair, he really was flawless in how he treated Lauren, and he really is a good man. But I know that compared to you, he’s obviously lacking in so many ways!”

Andrew said helplessly, “Do I really seem that petty to you? I already said Mr. Driscoll seems like a decent guy. I’m not too proud to acknowledge his good qualities! Since we’ve cleared everything up, let’s not dwell on it anymore. Come on, let’s have dinner first!”

Aspen smiled. “Honey, tonight’s dinner was made by Ms. Garcia! You have to try it! Her cooking puts the three of us to shame!”

&

&

Chapter 1638

Andrew looked intrigued and slightly amused. “Ms. Garcia cooked?”

He glanced over at Chantelle. Dressed in her usual modest and buttoned-up outfit, Chantelle remained stone-faced as she replied, “Think of it as a small thank-you for taking care of me during the expedition, Mr. Lloyd.”